Dental implants are also known as artificial teeth, which are placed into the jawbone and gum to provide support for artificial teeth. Dental implants are usually made of titanium or other metals. Dental implants can be used to support a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even a full set of dentures and can also be used to support dental bridges.

If you are looking for affordable dental implants in Aliso Viejo, South Coast Dentistry can help. We offer a variety of financing options to make dental implants more affordable for you. Contact our dental implant center today to book an appointment.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are an effective and popular way to replace missing teeth. They are often considered the best solution for people with one or more missing teeth. In addition, they can improve the look and function of your teeth and improve your ability to chew. Dental implants are also a good choice for people who do not want to wear dentures or for people who have lost all their teeth.

They are usually made of titanium, a metal that is compatible with human bone. The implant is placed in the jawbone, where it will fuse with the bone over time. A small metal post, called an abutment, is then placed on the implant. This post is used to support a dental crown, bridge, or denture. Implants can be used to support a single dental crown, several dental crowns, a dental bridge, or a full denture.

A full denture can be supported by 4 to 8 implants. The number of implants that you need will depend on the number of teeth you are missing and the type of implant you choose. Dental implants can be placed in either the upper or lower jaw. Placing implants in the lower jaw is usually easier than placing them in the upper jaw. The upper jaw often has less bone and is often more difficult to place implants.

Dental implants are usually placed under local anesthesia. This means that you will not feel any pain during the procedure. You may be given a sedative to help you relax. The procedure usually takes about an hour to complete.

What are the Health Benefits of Implants?

There are many health benefits of implants, including:

  • Improved oral health — Implants can help to improve your oral health by providing support for your teeth and gums.
  • Increased bite force — Implants can help to increase the bite force, which can improve your ability to chew food.
  • Improved speech — Implants can help to improve your speech by providing support for your teeth and gums.
  • Enhanced appearance — Implants can improve the appearance of your smile by providing support for your teeth and gums.
  • Increased self-esteem — Implants can help to increase your self-esteem by providing support for your teeth and gums.

Additionally,

  • Dental Implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
  • Dental Implants can last for a lifetime with proper maintenance.
  • Dental Implants are anchored securely in your mouth, so you can feel confident that your new teeth will not slip.
  • Dental Implants are easy to care for and do not require any special cleaning.
  • Dental Implants help preserve your bone, which can shrink and recede without the support of teeth.
  • Dental Implants restore chewing function and make eating easier.
  • Dental Implants can improve your appearance by correcting gaps from missing teeth and restoring a natural-looking smile.

Can Anyone Get Implants?

Most people who want implants are good candidates. Implants can be placed in people of any age, and both sexes. However, some conditions may make a person a poor candidate. These include:

  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • An active infection in the mouth or elsewhere in the body
  • A history of radiation therapy to the head or neck
  • A weakened immune system
  • A condition that interferes with healing, such as diabetes or uncontrolled blood pressure

When are Dental Implants the Appropriate Solution?

Dental Implants are the appropriate solution if you have any of the following conditions:

  • Missing one or more teeth due to an injury, periodontal disease, tooth decay, or failed root canal
  • Wish to avoid wearing removable partial or complete dentures
  • Have a removable partial or complete denture and are not satisfied with it
  • Wish to avoid preparing adjacent teeth for a bridge
  • Have difficulty wearing removable partial or complete dentures because of sore spots
  • Are dissatisfied with the appearance of a “flipper”

What Happens Before Dental Implant Treatment?

The first step to dental implant treatment is to schedule an appointment with your dental implant dentist. During this appointment, your dentist will conduct a thorough examination of your mouth and jaw to determine the best placement for your dental implants. You may also need to have X-rays taken to get a clear picture of your mouth and jaw. Your dentist will then go over the details of your implant procedure and answer any questions that you may have.

What Happens on the Day of Dental Implant Treatment?

The first thing that will happen on the day of your dental implant procedure is that you will be given an anesthetic to numb your mouth and jaw. You will remain awake during the procedure but you will not be able to feel any pain. Once your mouth is numb, our dentist will make small incisions in your gums to access your jawbone. Next, our dentist will place the metal posts into your jawbone and then close up the incisions in your gums. Once the posts are in place, it will take a few months for the posts to fuse with your jawbone. During this time, you will have a temporary denture or tooth placed over your implants. Once the posts have fused with your jawbone, you will return to our office where you will have your permanent tooth placed.

Replacing a single tooth:

If you are missing a single tooth, a dental implant can be used to replace it. The implant is placed in the jawbone where the tooth is missing. Once the implant has healed, a crown (artificial tooth) is placed on top of it.

Replacing multiple teeth:

If you are missing multiple teeth, implants can be used to support a bridge. A bridge is a series of connected crowns that fills the space of the missing teeth.

Replacing all teeth:

If you are missing all of your teeth, implants can be used to support a full set of dentures. Dentures are removable sets of artificial teeth. They can be supported by either four implants (two in the upper jaw and two in the lower jaw) or by six implants (two in the upper jaw and four in the lower jaw).

What Happens After Dental Implant Treatment?

After having your dental implant placed you will need to visit the dentist for a checkup to make sure that your new implant is healing properly. This is done at the one-month mark. The healing process takes up to six months and you will need to visit your dentist every six weeks to have your implant checked. The implant starts as a screw that is placed into your jawbone. Once this screw has healed you will have a post placed into the screw. A denture or a dental crown is then placed on the post. The screw and the post are not visible, so your dental implant is nearly undetectable. Osseointegration: once your implant has been placed, your mouth needs to heal. During this time, your implant will fuse with your jawbone. This process is called osseointegration.

Aftercare

Immediately following the implant treatment, a soft diet will be recommended for a few days, along with gentle brushing and rinsing of your mouth with mouthwash. For the first few days, it is important to avoid hard or chewy foods. A follow-up appointment will be arranged for around one week after your implant treatment to ensure that the area is healing well and to provide you with advice and guidance on how to care for your implants.

Depending on the type of implant procedure you receive, you may need to take medication to help your mouth heal and prevent infection. You will also need to keep your mouth clean. Once your implants have healed, you will need to visit your dentist regularly to ensure they are functioning properly.

How Long Does the Treatment Take?

The length of dental implant treatment will vary depending on the type of implants used, the number of teeth being replaced, and the condition of your jawbone. However, most dental implant treatments can be completed in just a few short visits to our office.

Dental implant treatment can take several months to complete. The first step is to have the implant placed in your jawbone by a dentist or oral surgeon. It will take several weeks for the implant to fuse with your jawbone. Once this has happened, you will need to have a crown or other restoration placed on the implant. This can take several weeks to complete.

Risks Involved

The risks of dental implants are low, but may include: Infection at the implant site Failure of the implant to bond with the bone Nerve damage Sinus problems Allergic reactions to the metal Infection at the implant site. Pain, numbness, or tingling in your gums, lips, chin or natural teeth can be caused by nerve damage. Sinus complications, when implants put in your upper jaw protrude into one of your sinus cavities. Damage or injury to surrounding structures, like blood vessels or other teeth.

What are Mini Dental Implants?

Mini dental implants are small titanium screws that are placed into the jawbone to act as anchors for replacement teeth. They are less invasive than traditional dental implants and can be used to support a variety of dental prosthetics, including crowns, bridges, and dentures.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures are dentures that are attached to dental implants. The dental implants are placed into your jawbone to provide stability and support for the denture. The main advantage of implant-supported dentures is that they provide much greater stability than traditional dentures. This helps to prevent the dentures from slipping out of place and makes it easier for you to eat and speak. Implant-supported dentures are also much more comfortable than traditional dentures as they do not put any pressure on your gums.

Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures

Fixed implant-supported dentures are a much more permanent solution than removable dentures, and they are also more comfortable and provide more support. This type of denture attaches to two to four implants that are surgically placed in your mouth. The implants act as anchors for the denture and keep it from slipping.

Implant-supported Bridges

Implant-supported bridges are an alternative, but they are typically more expensive than dentures. The procedure to have dentures or implant-supported bridges placed takes two to five appointments. At the first appointment, your dentist will take a series of detailed impressions of your teeth and gums. These impressions are used to create models of your teeth and gums.

At the second appointment, your dentist will fit you with a set of provisional dentures or bridges. This is done to protect your teeth and gums during the healing process. At the third appointment, your dentist will remove the provisional dentures or bridges and place the permanent ones. Dental implants are placed in the jaw bone and act as a support for the denture or bridge. This procedure is usually done in a hospital or outpatient surgery center.

After the implant procedure, it takes two to six months for the implants to fuse to the bone. At the fourth appointment, your dentist will place the abutments (connectors) on the implants and take an impression of your mouth. At the fifth appointment, your dentist will place the final denture or bridge. After the procedure, you will need to see your dentist for periodic follow-up appointments to make sure the dentures or bridges fit properly and to check the health of your mouth, teeth, and gums.

Minimally-invasive Dental Implant Treatment

Minimally-invasive dental implant treatment involves placing implant fixtures with as little damage to the surrounding teeth as possible. In many cases, the implant can be placed using a single incision, which is a much smaller cut than is required for traditional implant placement. This means that the treatment can be completed in as little as one visit, with a shorter recovery time.

How Much Does Dental  Implant Cost?

Dental implant cost starts from $5,000 to $30,000. The dental implant cost depends on several factors. If you want to know the exact cost of dental implants in your case, please consult your dentist.

Factors Affecting the Cost of a Dental Implant

There are a few different factors that will affect the cost of a dental implant, including:

  • The type of implant you choose — There are different types of dental implants available on the market, and each one will come with a different price tag. Talk to your dentist about which type of implant is right for you and your budget.
  • The number of implants you need — The more implants you need, the more expensive the procedure will be.
  • The location of the implant — The location of the implant will also affect the cost. Implants placed in the front of the mouth typically cost more than those placed in the back.
  • Your dental insurance — Some dental insurance plans will cover a portion of the cost of dental implants, so be sure to check with your insurer to see if you have coverage.
  • Your geographic location — The cost of dental implants can vary depending on where you live. In general, implants cost more in urban areas than they do in rural areas.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants

Read through the faqs below to better understand dental implants.

Can I get dental implants if my teeth are not in good shape?

If you have missing teeth, you may still be eligible for dental implants. However, your teeth must be in good shape to support the dental implants. This will be assessed by your dental implant dentist during your consultation.

Do dental implants hurt?

No, dental implants do not hurt. Dental implants are placed under local anesthetic or sedation depending on your requirements.

Is there an age limit for dental implants?

No, there is no age limit for dental implants. However, you must be in good general health for the treatment to be successful.

Find an Affordable Dental Implant Center Near Me

Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth and are designed to blend in with your other teeth. They are an excellent long-term option for people who suffer from dental problems such as periodontal disease, or tooth decay.

At South Coast Dentistry in Aliso Viejo, California, we provide the highest quality dental implants at the most affordable prices. Our board-certified oral surgeons have great experience placing dental implants and have successfully placed hundreds if not thousands of implants. We offer a free consultation to determine if dental implants are right for you. Call us today at 949-360-1021.