Dental Implants

Missing teeth can rob you of your confidence; but with dental implants, you can rejuvenate your smile and find that confidence once more. At Livewell Dental in Santa Ana, California, James Sung, DDS, and the team customize treatment plans for you using the latest dental implant procedures and technology. Dental implants look, feel, and function most like natural teeth. Call today to schedule an appointment or book online.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are artificial roots and teeth that replace each missing tooth individually. The root of an implant is a titanium screw that becomes a permanent part of your jawbone, and the crown of the implant is your new tooth that feels and functions just like a natural tooth. The Livewell Dental team surgically attaches the titanium post to your jawbone to provide secure, stable support for the custom-made crown that sits on top.  

Dental implants are an ideal way to replace missing teeth without worry that they might shift out of place when you talk or eat, as dentures often do. 

Why should I replace a missing tooth with a dental implant?

When you lose a permanent tooth to injury or decay, replacing it with an implant is a good idea. The dental implant helps you avoid more complex dental procedures and helps keep your mouth and jaw as healthy as possible. Some of the reasons you should replace a missing tooth include:

• Restore your self-confidence
• Prevent surrounding teeth from shifting out of place
• Promote good oral health and hygiene
• Restore your ability to chew and talk as usual
• Support a dental bridge
• Restore or enhance facial features
• Relieve pain and bite problems
• Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting the surrounding teeth
• A permanent solution for a missing tooth

Since dental implants are most like your natural teeth, they are often an ideal way to replace a missing tooth. 

Am I a good candidate for dental implants?

If you have one or more missing teeth and are in overall good health, you are a good candidate for dental implants. Some conditions and diseases that affect whether or not dental implants are a good fit for you include:

• Uncontrolled periodontal disease
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Cancer 
• Smoking
• Alcoholism
• Health issues that prevent your body from healing properly

Because dental implants require the ability of your body to heal as the titanium root becomes a permanent part of your jawbone, any condition that prevents you from healing may prevent the implant from adhering to its new position. Before you schedule dental implant surgery, the Livewell Dental team discusses your medical history in detail to ensure your safety and well-being. 

What is the procedure for dental implants?

Your provider tailors a treatment plan based on your needs, but in most cases, dental implants require some preparation and at least two dental appointments with healing time in between. First, if necessary, the team removes the damaged tooth and prepares your jaw. Some people need a bone graft to provide enough healthy bone for the artificial root to adhere. 

Once your jaw is ready for the implant, the Livewell Dental team installs the titanium post by drilling a small hole into the bone and placing the metal screw. It typically takes about six months for your jawbone to grow around the post that serves as the artificial root of your new tooth. Finally, they install the crown and it becomes a permanent part of your mouth so you can chew and talk as usual.

To learn if dental implants are right for you, call the office or request an appointment online.