The Benefits and Process of Dental Implants: A Comprehensive Guide

The Benefits and Process of Dental Implants: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you tired of hiding your smile because of visibly missing teeth? Dental implants offer a remarkable solution that can restore your smile and confidence, giving you a permanent solution that’s next best to natural teeth. At Ablantis Dental in Encinitas, CA, Dr. Claudia Cortadi understands the impact of tooth loss on your quality of life, appearance, and diet. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing you with the best dental care available, including comprehensive implant therapy.

Here are just some of the benefits of dental implants and how they can give you a reason to smile again.

How Dental Implants Can Restore Your Smile

Dental implants are what you might call artificial tooth roots. Each hypoallergenic device is made from biocompatible materials like titanium, ensuring they fuse naturally with your jawbone over time (similar to what you might see with a joint replacement device.) This fusion provides a stable foundation for a fixed restoration on top of the implant, such as crowns or dentures. Together, your implants and fixed restorations offer a long-term solution for missing teeth anywhere in your mouth. The benefits of dental implants go beyond aesthetics; they also improve your oral health and overall well-being.

One significant advantage of dental implants is their ability to preserve bone density in your jaw. When a tooth is extracted or falls out, the surrounding bone will almost always begin to shrink away, leading to a lack of support in neighboring teeth and changes in your facial structure. Dental implants delay the bone resorption process, preventing shifting in other teeth and premature aging in your face.

Plus, dental implants provide unparalleled stability for your new restoration, ensuring you can speak, eat, and talk confidently around other people. Unlike traditional dentures, which may require adhesives and special care, dental implants offer stability and function similar to natural teeth.

Dental Implants Placement and Procedure

The dental implant procedure at Ablantis Dental is a comprehensive process where we perform the entire placement and restoration under one roof. Dr. Cortadi works to ensure your comfort throughout the treatment process, and we customize the procedure to meet your specific needs and budget.

If you’re just now considering getting dental implants, here’s what you can expect:

Comprehensive Examination: During your initial consultation, Dr. Cortadi will assess your oral health, bone density, and overall candidacy for implants. This thorough evaluation helps us determine the best course of action for your unique case. At this point we create a “treatment plan” that outlines the number of implants needed and the type(s) of restorations that are appropriate. Once you have a treatment plan, our financial coordinators can review all insurance and payment plan information with you.

Implant Placement: The first step in the dental implant procedure involves surgically placing the titanium implant. This step may sound intimidating, but you will feel little to no discomfort during the minimally invasive process.

Osseointegration: After implant placement, the integration phase begins. Over the next few months, the implant gradually fuses with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This integration is where the surrounding bone builds a new layer around the implant, permanently anchoring it into place.

Abutment Placement: Once osseointegration is complete, an abutment, a connector piece, is attached to the top of your implant. The abutment serves as the anchor for the final restoration (crown, bridge, etc.)

Final Restoration: The final step of getting dental implants involves placing the customized crown, bridge, “all on” device, or denture onto the abutment, giving you a natural-looking and fully functional smile.

Taking Care of Your Dental Implants 

Caring for your dental implants is remarkably easy and involves a combination of good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups at our Encinitas, CA office. Treat your dental implants just like your natural teeth by:

  • Brushing and Flossing: Brush your implants at least twice a day and floss around them at least once daily to remove plaque and prevent gingivitis.
  • Avoiding Biting Hard Objects and Accidents: Protect your dental implants by avoiding activities that could potentially damage them, such as chewing on hard objects, using them to open packages, and wearing a nightguard or sports guard when appropriate.

Schedule Your Consultation 

Are you ready to reclaim your smile and enjoy the numerous benefits of dental implants? Schedule a consultation with our friendly team at Ablantis Dental in Encinitas, CA. Dr. Cortadi will address any concerns you may have, discuss the procedure in detail, and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Book an Appointment