5 Facts to Know When You Get Dental Implants Los Angeles

When a tooth falls out or needs to be pulled, it can be devastating and may mean you need to get dental implants Los Angeles. Thankfully, we live in an age where countless advancements in dentistry have been made and there’s now several ways to get your smile back. With dental implants being among some of the most popular teeth replacement options, you might wonder if this is the right choice for you.

Like any surgical procedure, getting dental implants isn’t a decision you should make on a whim. It’s important to be informed about every step of the process and what the future will hold. Before you make an appointment, let’s delve into the five things you need to know about getting dental implants.

1. They’re a lot like natural teeth

One of the reasons people have been opting for dental implants is because they look, feel, and function just like natural teeth. This is partially because the best dental implants have titanium posts, which are surgically implanted into the jawbone. Eventually, the bone melds to the posts, giving your implants the security and stability needed to bite and chew, just like you would with natural teeth. 

On the other end of these posts are the artificial teeth, which are designed to look and feel genuine. Because they’re surgically implanted, you won’t have to take them out and they can provide stability to neighboring teeth as well. Once the process is complete, nobody will be able to tell you’ve had dental implants, and you can live your life with confidence, showing them off every chance you get.

2. The implant process isn’t painful

Dental implant surgery is invasive and requires a lot of interference with your gums and jawbone. Surprisingly though, the procedure itself isn’t painful at all. The oral surgeon will verify your mouth is thoroughly numbed with local anesthetic before beginning the process. 

Unfortunately, it’s the healing process that will give you the most grief. Once the anesthetic has worn off, you’re likely to experience some localized pain. Most dentists are able to prescribe medication to relieve the pain while you’re healing, and it should take no more than ten days for the pain to subside. If you’re having all of your teeth replaced, the pain will likely be more intense than if you were to get one or two implants, but it all comes down to your personal tolerance levels. You may experience bleeding, swelling, or bruising, but you should receive instructions on how to care for your mouth and when to reach out for help.

Because the majority of the healing process only takes around two weeks, most patients would consider the discomfort worthwhile when considering the lasting benefits you’ll see with your new dental implants.

3. Plan for a long process

Going with a reputable dental implants Los Angeles specialist can cost you. Typically, permanent teeth implants cost anywhere from $1,500 to $6,000 for a single tooth. If you’re looking for something a bit more extensive, dental implants (full upper) cost around $3,000 to $60,000. Some insurances may cover a certain amount of the costs, but having a solid idea of how you’ll pay for your dental implants beforehand can aleve some of the stress of planning for your procedure.

From consultation to a fully healed mouth, the entire process of getting dental implants can take around a year. If you’re not ready to invest twelve months into a better smile, this may not be the best procedure for you.

Following some initial planning, the process will begin with a consultation with your dentist which will involve a radiographic examination and a review of your medical history. They will then create a treatment plan for you and set up an appointment for the procedure. If you’re in need of a bone graft (if your jawbone is too thin or soft to support the implant), this will be added as a prior step before you receive the dental implant, but it can take a few months before your jawbone will be solid enough to continue the process.

During the procedure, you can expect your oral surgeon to begin by applying local anesthetic, then removing any unwanted or damaged teeth. Then, they’ll prepare your jawbone by drilling some holes for the posts to fit into. For the first few months or so, your bone will be working to fuse with the post, so until it’s strong enough, you’ll have to wear a temporary tooth. Once the post is secure in your jaw, you’ll need to go to your dental practice again to have an abutment fitted, which is the piece that connects the post to your artificial tooth. A couple of weeks later, you should finally have your final, permanent teeth implanted. All in all, it’s a long process but one that’s absolutely worth it in the long run.

4. You need to protect your dental implants

Once you’ve had your teeth implanted, you’ll need to care for them like you would for natural teeth. Although you’re no longer at risk for cavities, bacteria can still grow around your dental implants. If you’re irregular with your oral hygiene habits, you can leave yourself susceptible to gum diseases, which can lead to an uncertain future for your implants. Be sure to brush twice daily, floss, and use an antibacterial mouthwash.

5. Your dental implants can be lifelong

That’s right — once you go through the process of dental implant surgery, heal, and maintain healthy and consistent oral hygiene habits, they can last for decades, or even your entire life.

It’s just one of the many reasons dental implants have grown in popularity, as the temporary pain becomes miniscule compared to the lifelong confidence and peace of mind you’ll have when opting for this dental procedure.

Dental Implants Los Angeles

Are you ready to start smiling with confidence again? Personal Dental Office provides a wide range of services and treatments, including the best dental implants in Los Angeles. With our dentists boasting of impressive qualifications and years of experience, they’re experts in the field and always ensure you’re happy, informed, and comfortable every step of the way. Your dream smile is just an appointment away. Speak with us today by scheduling a call, stopping by our Los Angeles office, or calling (323) 933-4444