Dental Implants – Huntington Beach, CA
Your One-Stop Shop for Tooth Replacement
There are few tooth replacement options more effective at restoring missing teeth than dental implants. Of course, you’re always going to want an expert to place your implants directly, and Dr. Justin Braga has the tools and expertise to ensure that your next treatment is well-planned and completely successful. As a periodontist, he understands the level of detail and precision required from dental implants in Huntington Beach, CA, so don’t wait to give him a call if you’re in need of services that exceed your expectations.
Why Choose Huntington Beach Periodontics for Dental Implants?
- Highly Experienced Periodontist Performing Treatment
- All-on-4 Treatment for Extensive Tooth Loss
- Performs Several Preparatory Treatments In-House
What Is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are essentially comprehensive tooth replacements that work to replace the entire structure of a tooth. This includes the root portion, which integrates with your existing oral structures, such as your bone and gum tissue. Not only does this integration make them look and feel more natural than other methods (i.e. bridges and dentures), but it also ensures that they last longer than them as well. Furthermore, it doesn’t matter if you’re missing one tooth or all teeth in a given arch, dental implants can restore your smile to the fullest.
Benefits of Dental Implants
It’s important to recognize that dental implants offer a wide variety of benefits that not only benefit your smile, but help reduce the risk of complications later in life related to your oral and overall health. When you’re eating your favorite meal or spending time with loved ones, you can have the peace of mind that your tooth replacement works for you, rather than you working for it.
Day-to-Day Benefits
- When you have a dedicated implant holding your restoration, whether it’s a single crown or a full arch, you can confidently eat all your favorite foods without worry if it slipping or shifting out of place. This cannot be said for traditional dentures, especially when the denture no longer fits as well as it used to.
- Do you find yourself struggling to speak clearly with your current tooth replacement solution? Dental implants are designed to be nearly indistinguishable from natural teeth when it comes to basic functions like speaking, laughing, and smiling, so feel free to express yourself to the fullest.
- Maintaining a healthy smile requires no removal of your restoration (with the exception of implant dentures customized to be removable.) Simply brush, floss, and visit our office every six months just like you would if you had never had a tooth extracted!
Health Benefits
- Dental implants constantly stimulate the jawbone just like real tooth roots do, which means your surviving bone tissue will not resorb or experience atrophy. The result is a biting force that is at or near 100% functionality, ensuring all the food you consume is processed properly.
- Integrated dental implants allow blood flow to occur between your socket and your gums, ensuring that your cheeks can maintain their elasticity. While many people experience hollowing of the cheeks when teeth are lost, dental implants stop this side effect in its tracks!
- The moment you lose a tooth, your risk for future tooth loss goes up dramatically if you do not replace the root. This is because the overall structure of the bone making up the jaw breaks down, putting nearby teeth at risk. With dental implants, you take a proactive approach to preventing this problem.
Long-Term Benefits
- If you want to make sure that your overall appearance does not change dramatically over the span of several years, replacing missing teeth with dental implants is one of the most effective ways to accomplish that. Tooth loss has the ability to age people quickly, so having them placed ensures you continue to look the age you actually are.
- Missing teeth can lead to existing teeth moving and shifting out of place in order to compensate for the additional space within the mouth. By placing a dental implant, you can keep your teeth aligned and reduce the risk of teeth grinding and clenching, which more commonly occurs when teeth are crooked.
- Misaligned teeth can also result in disproportionate levels of force being applied to the joints as teeth grinding and clenching can lead to chronic discomfort and TMJ disorder.
Are Dental Implants Right For You?
Over the years, dental implants have been accessible to more and more patients thanks to advancements in dental techniques and technology. With that said, in order to be a viable candidate for dental implants, you will need:
- Good oral health overall
- Healthy gum tissue
- Sufficient bone volume
In the event that you need preparatory treatments to become a candidate for dental implants, we can perform them right here in our periodontal office.
Missing One Tooth
Replacing a single tooth requires just one implant post and one porcelain crown. An additional component, known as an abutment, attaches the restoration to the titanium post, ensuring stability during regular use. We always use tooth-colored restorations to ensure the best esthetics possible without sacrificing durability.
Missing Multiple Teeth
To replace multiple teeth at a time, Dr. Braga places a pair of dental implants into the jaw so they can hold an implant-retained bridge. This method is ideal for replacing one or more teeth at a time, all without modifying existing tooth enamel like you would with traditional bridges.
Missing All Teeth
Whether you are missing several or all teeth in one or both of your arches, dental implants can be customized to fit specifically with full or partial dentures. Not only can we give your denture a more reliable foundation, but you don’t even need to have a dedicated implant for each tooth you intend to replace. With All-on-4, we can even place your denture the same day as your surgery.
The 4 Step Dental Implant Process
If you know much about dental implants, you understand that the process can take time. Unlike dentures or fixed bridges that can be placed in much less time, dental implants require a lengthier timeframe because of their permanence inside your jawbone. Known for their ability to fuse with the bone and mimic the full tooth structure from root to crown, it is necessary that you allow proper recovery time for your implants to become part of your oral cavity. Dr. Braga at Huntington Beach Periodontics & Dental Implants makes the process a bit easier because he provides the start-to-finish convenience many patients are looking for. Not only does he place the implants, but he also provides the customized restoration to complete your smile.
To give you further information on how dental implants work in Huntington Beach, let’s take a look at the step-by-step process that consists of consultation, dental implant surgery, osseointegration/abutment, and receiving the final restoration.
Initial Dental Implant Consultation
You will meet with your dentist or your initial consultation to discuss your eligibility for dental implant placement. After a thorough examination, you may be required to undergo preliminary treatments if there are signs of poor gum health, tooth decay, or jawbone deterioration. Although these procedures can add time to the implant process, bone grafting, periodontal therapy, or a tooth extraction will ultimately allow for a more effective and successful implant placement when ready.
Dental Implant Surgery
When arriving for your dental implant surgery at Huntington Beach Periodontics & Dental Implants, your implant dentist in Huntington Beach will start by administering local anesthesia to numb the areas of your mouth. When ready, Dr. Braga will make one or more incisions in your gums before carefully placing and angling each implant into the appropriate spot within your jawbone.
You can feel even more confident about this process because of the advanced technology he will use to successfully complete your surgical procedure. Using a 3D Cone Beam Scanner, he will capture a three-dimensional image of your oral structures, allowing him to properly plan the details of your surgery ahead of time.
Dental Implant Osseointegration/Abutment
Once your surgery is complete, you will be sent home to recover for a span of several months. This timeframe can range anywhere from 3-6 months depending on how many dental implants are put into place. Osseointegration will occur during this time, which is the process of your implants fusing with your jawbone and surrounding tissues. Once this is complete, you will return to have your metal abutments, which are connector appliances that bring together your custom restoration and implant when put into place.
Delivery of Dental Implant Restorations
The final step of the dental implant process is to receive your customized restoration. Because of the versatility of dental implants in Huntington Beach, you may have a dental crown, implant bridge, or implant denture put on top of your implants. The type of restoration you receive is dependent upon how many missing teeth you need to have replaced with dental implants. No matter the type of restoration you receive, you can trust that Dr. Braga and his team will make sure it blends in beautifully with the rest of your smile, giving you the complete look you desire.
The Cost of Dental Implants
It’s important to keep in mind that the cost of your dental implant treatment can vary dramatically depending on your distinct needs. For example, if you need to place multiple dental implants to replace teeth, it will cost more than replacing a single tooth. If you need preparatory treatments, such as a sinus lift, bone graft, or periodontal therapy, that can also affect your cost. Despite this, dental implants are often seen as the most cost-effective solution to tooth loss, even if their initial price tag appears high.
Financially Preparing for Your Future Tooth Replacement
As you’ll learn during your consultation, dental implant treatments are highly personalized to the patient’s needs. However, this also means that the cost of treatment will vary from person-to-person, further proving the importance of completing a detailed consultation ahead of your surgery. Even though dental implants do tend to cost more than other forms of tooth replacement, you’ll quickly learn from Dr. Braga how they act as a great long-term investment for both your smile’s appearance and oral health.
Types of Dental Implants
Since every dental implant case is unique, we’ll first need to confirm how many implants will be needed to replace your teeth and rebuild your smile. We may also go over the types of implants available based on your specific concerns (i.e. titanium vs. ceramic options.) Keep in mind that the more dental implants that need to be placed, the higher your overall cost will become. For example, single implants will cost significantly less than treatments involving four to six implants (which is the case when receiving an implant-retained denture.) Once we’ve determined these important facts, we can begin planning your treatment.
What are the Stages of Dental Implant Treatment?
Dental implants require multiple phases to complete, which means that each phase will come with its own specific price tag. This includes the actual oral surgery, the possibility of having an abutment (or additional connector for the restoration) placed, and the restoration used to cover the implant. Furthermore, some patients may need to have bone grafting, periodontal treatment, and other services to make them eligible to receive implants. This ensures they remain stable and healthy for decades to come. However, it will also lead to a higher cost. This is just another reason why giving an upfront cost for dental implant in a single appointment is difficult, if not impossible.
Are Dental Implants Worth the Investment?
It’s no secret that dental implants cost more than traditional options like dental bridges and dentures. With that said, Dr. Braga can confidently say that they remain not only worth the investment, but a cost-effective solution for tooth loss. For example, dental implants have been proven to last substantially longer than other tooth replacement methods because of the surgical aspects of care. Bridges and dentures often require more replacements over the years, whereas dental implants can last for the rest of your life after placement. They also don’t require any more at-home maintenance than natural teeth, which can’t be said for bridges or dentures.
Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
In most cases, dental implants aren’t covered by dental insurance because they aren’t seen as medically necessary. However, some procedures related to implants can be covered up to a certain percentage, including gum therapy, consultations, and bone grafting. In the event that your insurance does not offer coverage or you still have a remaining balance, you can always apply for financing through CareCredit. Not only can you cover costs over several months, but you can even expect little-to-zero interest attached to your financing plan. Our team will gladly go over the process in greater detail with you directly.
Dental Implants Post-Op Instructions
We’ll do everything we can to make sure that your dental implant surgery is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. On top of that, we will provide you with a list of post-op instructions so that you have a firm idea of how you should be taking care of your mouth in the days after your procedure. Following these instructions carefully is essential for making sure everything goes according to plan during your recovery process!
What to Do Directly After Dental Implant Surgery
A blood clot will form at the site where the surgery was performed. It’s crucial to make sure that this blood clot stays in place so that your gums can heal properly. As such, one of your top priorities after your surgery will be to protect your blood clot. Obviously, you will want to avoid touching the area with your fingers or tongue as much as possible. Additionally, you should avoid spitting, drinking through a straw, or smoking.
Common Side Effects When Recovering from Dental Implant Placement
The most common side effects associated with dental implant placement are discomfort, swelling, and intermittent bleeding. These symptoms should eventually go away by themselves, but if they persist, you should call us immediately. In the meantime, though, you can deal with your post-surgical symptoms by:
- Taking pain medication (which can either be prescribed or bought over-the-counter).
- Using gauze to put pressure on the area whenever there’s bleeding.
- Holding a cold compress against your cheek over any places where swelling is present.
Your Diet After Dental Implant Surgery
It will take a few days for your mouth to recover to the point of being able to handle solid foods again. Until then, you should maintain a diet of soft or liquid foods such as scrambled eggs, yogurt, pasta, soups that aren’t too hot, and mashed potatoes. Remember that even when you are able to return to your regular diet, you should keep your food away from your implant posts while chewing.
Post-Op Health & Oral Hygiene
If you don’t want to have to worry about an infection disrupting the dental implant process, you should focus on practicing good oral hygiene after your surgery. Plan on brushing like you normally do while being careful around the area where the surgery was performed. Additionally, you can take the precaution of rinsing with salt water multiple times a day. You can still use mouthwash, but double-check the ingredients first; alcohol-based mouthwashes could cause problems for your still-recovering mouth.
What to Do After Your New Teeth Are Attached
Your mouth and jaw will have finished healing by the time replacement teeth can be attached to your dental implant posts. This step is much simpler than dental implant surgery; the main side effect that you’re likely to notice afterward is mild gum sensitivity. You can keep your discomfort under control by taking pain medication. Be on the lookout for unexpected symptoms like swelling or bleeding, as their presence can indicate that something has gone wrong.
Maintaining & Caring For Your Dental Implants
If you just got dental implants, congratulations! While the treatment time is longer than other options, the results simply speak for themselves. However, you’re not quite done. In fact, ensuring the health of your smile requires regular maintenance. That’s why Dr. Braga has outlined some easy yet incredibly effective ways you can care for your implants once they have been placed. Read on to learn more about the best steps you can take to keep your dental implants in Huntington Beach healthy and effective.
Make Oral Hygiene a Priority
At-home dental hygiene is always important, but it becomes especially significant once you get dental implants. Plaque and bacteria can get caught between your implants and gums, causing potential issues like infection. Thankfully, this is completely avoidable by practicing these key steps:
- Brushing: Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each session, paying close attention to your implants and gumline.
- Flossing: Floss once a day to remove plaque and food debris from in between your implants. In some cases, you may need a floss threader or water flosser for effective cleaning.
- Mouth rinse: Add a mouthwash to your dental hygiene routine. Just be sure it’s nonalcoholic because alcohol dries out the mouth, which promotes bacterial growth.
- Hydration: Water is already great for your body, but staying hydrated helps promote saliva flow, which naturally washes away bacteria in your mouth.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Maintaining a diet that’s balanced and consists of multiple food groups is incredibly important for long-term oral health. Not only should you be eating a healthy amount of fruits and vegetables every day, but you should also include proteins, dairy products, and whole grains into your diet. Focus on vitamins and minerals known for promoting good tooth and gum health, such as Vitamins A, C, and D as well as potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and iron.
Break Bad Habits
To avoid damaging your dental implants, it’s extremely important that you:
- Never use your teeth as a tool to open packages or bottles
- Avoid chewing on pens, pencils, or other inedible objects out of habit
- Never chew on ice cubes, which can easily crack a dental restoration
- Break your nail-biting habit if you have one
Protect Your Dental Implants
Physical injury can often damage tissue around the dental implant, and in some cases, knock them out completely. That’s why you should do all you can to protect them if you participate in sports or physical activity. Even if you don’t think you play a “contact sport,” it’s important to protect your smile with a mouthguard. Additionally, for those who may grind their teeth while they sleep, nightguards can prevent the restorations from getting damaged. Plus, the nightguard relieves your implants of extra stress caused by teeth grinding. Lastly, you should always mind your surroundings because a slip or fall could result in serious dental injury.
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
Whether you’ve had a single tooth replaced, or your entire smile, it’s vital that you visit our office for routine checkups and cleanings. These appointments allow us to clean areas of your mouth you’ve been missing, which helps prevent infection, decay, and other problems. We can also ensure that your dental implants are healthy and functioning properly. If we notice any issues, we can catch and treat them early on to prevent more extensive and expensive dentistry down the road.
Dental Implant Salvage
In the rare circumstance that your dental implant treatment does not go as planned and failure happens, you’ll be happy to know that Dr. Braga is more than prepared to address it as soon as it occurs. He’s highly trained to perform a wide variety of treatments designed to protect your oral health and improve the chances of successful dental implant salvage.
Dental Implants FAQs
How Long Will It Take to Get Dental Implants?
The total treatment time for the implant process will be different for every patient. Sometimes bone grafts and other procedures are required to prepare your mouth, and you’ll need to wait for the gums to heal before the actual implant surgery. And of course, you need to give the implant time to join with the bone before it can be restored with a crown. Overall, it can take anywhere from three months to one year to complete the process depending on your needs, dental history, overall health, and the materials used; during your initial consultation, Dr. Braga will make sure you understand the treatment timeline.
Is the Treatment Safe?
Dentists have been using implants for at least half a century now, and there are plenty of studies showing the treatment to be both safe and effective. There is, of course, a very small risk – around 5% -- of implant failure, which can occur for multiple reasons. However, a skilled periodontist like Dr. Braga can check and prepare for potential complications ahead of time, greatly increasing the odds of success. We’ll take your health history and certain habits (such as smoking) into account while planning the dental implant procedure in order to ensure that everything proceeds according to plan. You can look forward to your new smile without worrying!
How Old Do You Need to Be to Get Dental Implants?
Implants rely on the patient having a fully developed jaw. Without that, the posts might not join with the jaw properly, and other complications may occur. For this reason, implants aren’t usually recommended until a patient is 17 or 18 years old. However, this is not a set number; everyone is different, and some younger teenagers might still be candidates. We’ll need to perform a thorough examination to confirm whether or not someone can safely undergo any given procedure. Feel free to ask whether dental implants are an option for your teen.
What Kind of Care Do Dental Implants Need?
You actually don’t need to do anything particularly special to clean your implants. Like your regular teeth, you can get rid of any plaque that builds up on them by brushing and flossing. Pay attention to the gumline as well as the area under the crown while brushing. Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush; hard bristles could scratch your dental crown. If you have trouble using traditional dental floss, try using an interdental brush or an oral irrigator instead.