Santa Ana Dentist Smiles on Bristol Dentistry

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a small, usually titanium, peg or screw that a dentist will insert into the jaw bone.  It is the support structure that allows replacement teeth to be permanently affixed in the mouth.  Essentially, it acts as the artificial root for the fake tooth.  Fake teeth are specially made for each patient to match their own teeth.  When done by a skilled professional such as Santa Ana Dentists Dr. Danial Kalantari or Dr. Fernando Arcila of Smiles on Bristol Dentistry, a replacement tooth fitted to a dental implant should look completely natural with the adjacent teeth.

Why Get a Dental Implant?

Unlike dentures, dental implants are permanently fitted into the mouth.  They are made to exactly match the surrounding teeth.  This means:

  • A beautiful, natural-looking smile
  • No speech issues due to having a missing tooth or ill-fitting dentures
  • The ability to eat whatever you would normally eat whenever you want
  • The confidence boost of having your complete smile back
  • Long-lasting results that, with proper care, can last a lifetime

Who Can Receive Dental Implants?

Dental implants have about as much risk as a normal dental extraction.  Usually, anyone who can safely undergo a routine extraction can receive a dental implant.  It is important for patients to have healthy gums and enough bone mass to receive the implant prior to the procedure.  Certain patients such as smokers, people with chronic disorders such as diabetes, and/or patients that have had radiation therapy should use caution before getting dental implants. If you are considering implants, talk to Dr. Danial Kalantari to see if they are right for you.

What Is Involved in Getting a Dental Implant?

Before any other step can be started, patients interested in dental implants will work with their dentists to create a plan, individualized for the patient, about how to proceed. The plan addresses your specific needs and is prepared by Dr. Danial Kalantari or Dr. Fernando Arcila, both of whom are trained and experienced in oral surgery and restorative dentistry.

After a plan has been approved, the dentist will surgically place an implant post into the bone underneath the area of the missing tooth.  The bone will grow onto the implant, affixing it permanently in place, however the bone usually takes between 6 to 12 weeks to properly heal. The overseeing dentist will double check on the patient to make sure that the implant is fully healed.  Once that happens, they will attach what is called an abutment to the post.  The abutment is a key piece that fastens the replacement tooth to the post.  To make the new tooth or teeth, Dr. Danial Kalantari will make impressions of your teeth.  Based off those impressions, the replacement tooth, called a crown, will be made and permanently affixed to the abutment.  Dr. Danial Kalantari will also match the color and shape of the new tooth to your natural teeth to give you the most natural looking smile possible.

Does Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Coverage by your medical plan may be possible depending on the insurance plan and/or cause of tooth loss. Detailed questions about your individual needs and how they relate to insurance should be discussed with Dr. Danial Kalantari or with a Smiles on Bristol Dentistry team member.

For more information, contact Santa Ana Smiles On Bristol Dentistry at 714-662-2000, visit us at 2502 S. Bristol Street, Santa Ana CA 92704 or visit our site at http://www.SmilesOnBristolDentistry.com