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The American Academy of Implant Dentistry reports that more than 150 million people are missing at least one tooth in the US, and providers place approximately 2.5 million implants annually. With the support of new technology, dental implants are a popular procedure to restore your smile. Juliet Ebrahimian, DDS, and the team at Silverlake Smiles in the Silver Lake area of Los Angeles, California, provide dental implants for patients of all ages in Silver Lake and the surrounding areas of Los Feliz, Atwater Village, Frogtown, and Echo Park. To book a consultation today, reach out online or by phone.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
During a dental implant procedure, your Silverlake Smiles provider surgically places a titanium post into your jawbone. Once the implant bonds to your bone, they use an abutment to connect the implant to your new tooth.
Not only can a dental implant restore your smile, but there are other advantages over traditional dentures, including:
- Improved cosmetic appearance and confidence
- Natural looking teeth
- Functionality (eating, speaking, and smiling easily)
- Improved gum and bone health
- Improved oral hygiene
- Eliminating embarrassing removal of dentures
Dental implants are also convenient — they don’t require special care, and you can brush and floss them like a natural tooth.
What are my dental implant options?
Depending on whether you need to place an implant or restore a current one, your provider may recommend:
Single tooth implants
Silverlake Smiles can place a dental implant to support a single missing tooth.
All-on-4® dental implants
Your provider may encourage All-on-4 dental implants if you need to replace an entire arch of missing teeth. This procedure only requires four implants per arch, which makes it more affordable than placing individual dental implants for each missing tooth.
Multiple implants
When All-on-4 implants aren’t an option for you, your provider may recommend placing multiple implants in your jawbone to support a full set of dentures.
Before moving forward with any procedure, the team works with you to determine which implant best suits your needs and budget.
What happens during a dental implant procedure?
During your initial consultation, your provider examines your mouth, takes digital X-rays, and may utilize a computed tomography (CT) scanner to create detailed images of your teeth, jaw, and face. This technology helps your provider create an effective treatment plan.
Your provider uses an iTero™ scanner, a digital impression system, to create an artificial tooth that fits perfectly and looks natural.
Your provider then uses local anesthesia before surgically placing the implant in your jawbone. Once the implants are in place, they must heal and bond for several months.
After the implants have bonded with your bone, you return to the office to have your provider attach the implant to your artificial tooth or teeth.
You can expect to schedule regular follow-up visits to ensure your oral health and to make any necessary adjustments to the implants.
To book a consultation, call Silverlake Smiles today or use the online booking tool.