Cosmetic Dentistry – Dental Implants

DENTAL IMPLANTS

Cosmetic dentist, Dr. Sean Kutlay, provides to replace damaged teeth or missing teeth. A dental implant is a prosthetic replacement for a missing tooth. The tooth could have been lost due to injury or accident, or it could be so badly decayed that it cannot be saved. The name implant actually refers to the anchoring portion of the prosthetic. Shaped like a screw, the implant is made of titanium and screws down into the bone in the socket formerly occupied by the tooth root.

The bone then naturally grows around the implant, making it a part of the jaw. Once this process is complete, an abutment (post) is placed into the implant and an artificial tooth atop that. Dental implants, because they are integrated into the bone, behave exactly like a natural tooth. Dr. Kutlay offers a comprehensive amount of Dental Implant options.

Reasons for dental implants:

  • Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.
  • Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
  • Restore a patient’s confident smile.
  • Restore chewing, speech, and digestion.
  • Restore or enhance facial tissues.
  • Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable.

DENTAL IMPLANTS IN SANTA CLARITA

Dr Kutlay has many years of experience placing dental implants, he has advanced dental implant training and continues to keep up with the latest in dental implants. To date he has helped more than 5000 patients restore their smile through dental implants.

Why Replace A Missing Tooth With An Implant?

Beyond the cosmetic issues, missing teeth cause problems with the other teeth and lead to bone loss. Without a tooth applying pressure, the adjacent teeth tend to slide over into the open gap, creating problems with your bite and the alignment of your teeth. Plus, when a person chews, a tremendous amount of bite force energy is transferred through the teeth down into the bone.

This stimulation continually creates new bone mass. Without the stimulation (due to missing teeth above), the bone in that area begins to deteriorate and resorb. That’s why many people with many missing teeth appear as if their face is collapsing inward around their mouth.

Am I A Candidate For Dental Implants?

We love the way dental implants change our patients’ lives. Confidence returns. They are proud of their smile. They can eat anything they want. To that end, we feel just about anyone is a great candidate for implants. If you have been missing teeth for a long time, you may have some bone loss. In those cases, we may need to use bone grafting before placing implants.

Otherwise, we feel that anyone with normal bone mass is a good candidate for an implant or implants. Other times a few implants may not be enough, which is why we also offer full mouth restorations.

What is the Procedure for A Dental Implant?

During your consultation, Dr. Kutlay will perform a full oral exam including a 3D CT scan of the area to determine if you have sufficient bone mass to support implants. Once that is decided, the process involves four steps:

  • Placement With minimal gum disruption, the titanium implant is placed into the bone.
  • Osseointegration: This is the process where the bone grows around the implant, fully integrating it. This can take from three to six months if only placing single implants.
  • Abutment: Once the implant has securely integrated with the surrounding bone, we attach a small metal post called an abutment to the implant. We then allow the surrounding gum tissue to heal for approximately another six weeks.

  • 4 Abutment: Once the implant has securely integrated with the surrounding bone, we attach a small metal post called an abutment to the implant. We then allow the surrounding gum tissue to heal for approximately another six weeks.

Do I Need A Dental Implant For Every Missing Tooth?

This depends on how many teeth you are missing and where they are located. It also depends on whether you are suffering from serious issues (gum disease) with your remaining teeth. If you’re missing just a couple of teeth, it’s wise to replace each missing tooth with an implant.

However, if you’re missing a large number of teeth, we may opt to use dental implants to anchor an entire new set of upper and/or lower teeth. Typically, four to six implants are usually needed to restore an entire arch of teeth.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

Dental Implants do in fact have a very high upfront cost compared to most other dental procedures, but they become more of an economical choice in the long run. Once you schedule a consultation, Dr. Kutlay will consult with you to find the best plan, but remember the total cost will be affected by how much work you need to be done. We offer many different finance options to fit your budget because our main goal is to help you receive the smile you deserve

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

There is no known limit to how long a dental implant can last. If you keep your gums and surrounding teeth healthy, there’s no reason your dental implants won’t last the remainder of your life.

After the dental implant procedure, you will receive all the benefits of natural teeth with your dental implants. It is important to continue good oral hygiene with the implants to prevent bacteria buildup, which can cause gum disease or bone loss.

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