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Dental Implants in Santa Monica
Missing teeth can affect more than just your smile; they can impact how you eat, speak, and feel about yourself. Whether you’ve lost a tooth due to injury, decay, or age, dental implants offer a lasting and realistic way to restore your bite and confidence.
Here in Santa Monica, where lifestyle and appearance often go hand-in-hand, dental implants provide a strong, natural-looking replacement that blends seamlessly with your existing teeth, without the hassle of dentures or bridges.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant acts as an artificial tooth root. It's a small post, usually made of titanium, that your dentist places into your jawbone. Over time, it fuses with the bone, creating a solid foundation for a custom-made dental crown that looks and functions just like a real tooth.
Each implant consists of three components:
- The Implant Post: It is placed in the jawbone to act like a tooth root
- The Abutment: This is used as the connector between the implant and the crown
- The Crown: It is the visible portion that’s shaped and shaded to match your smile
Once complete, the implant behaves like a natural tooth, strong, secure, and long-lasting.
Who’s a Good Candidate?
Dental implants aren’t for everyone, but they’re a great option for many people. You might benefit from implants if:
- You're missing one or more teeth and want a permanent fix
- Your dentures don’t feel stable or cause discomfort.
- You want to avoid altering nearby healthy teeth for a bridge.
- You have sufficient jawbone density or are open to a bone graft if needed.
- You’re committed to good oral hygiene and dental visits.
- You’re looking for a solution that doesn’t wear out in just a few years.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants stand out as the gold standard for replacing teeth. Here’s why they’re so popular in Santa Monica and beyond:
Natural Appearance
Stability You Can Count On
Protects Your Jawbone
Long-Term Value
What the Process Involves
The dental implant journey takes several steps but delivers lasting results. Here's a quick breakdown:
- Initial Exam and Imaging
Your dentist evaluates your oral health using digital scans or X-rays to determine if implants are right for you. - Tooth Removal (if necessary)
If a tooth is still in place and can’t be saved, it may be extracted before the implant procedure. - Bone Grafting (if required)
If the jawbone lacks density or volume, a bone graft may be performed to strengthen the area before placing the implant. - Implant Placement
The titanium post is surgically inserted into the bone. Healing begins immediately as the implant bonds with the jaw, a process called osseointegration. - Abutment Placement
Once healed, a small connector (abutment) is attached to the implant. This will hold your future crown. - Crown Restoration
A custom-made crown is crafted and secured to the abutment. It blends in naturally and restores your smile. - Ongoing Maintenance
You’ll maintain your implant just like a natural tooth, by brushing, flossing, and attending routine checkups.
Frequently Asked Questions
The full procedure typically takes 4 to 9 months, depending on how long you recover and whether you require further surgeries such as bone grafting. The bulk of the time is spent allowing the implant to integrate with your jawbone.
