Dental Implants
Have you lost a tooth, or maybe it was never there to begin with? Whether it's due to deep decay, an injury, or an unexpected accident, dental implants might be the perfect solution for you. At Goodday Dental Care in Orange, CA, we provide expert dental implant services to help restore your smile.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are metal posts surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath your gums to provide stable support for artificial teeth. They are ideal for patients who are in good health, have healthy gums, sufficient bone density, and are committed to maintaining good oral hygiene.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Stability
Dentures and fixed restorations mounted to dental implants won’t slip or shift in your mouth.
Confidence: Feel more comfortable and confident when eating and speaking.
The Dental Implant Procedure
Initial Consultation
Dr. Elies Kim, DDS, will assess your dental health to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. This includes evaluating your gums and bone density. When you decide to do implant with us, CT and surgical guide will be prepared prior to surgery. CT and surgical guide are essential to plan where the implant will be placed and decrease the risk.
First Visit: Implant Placement
Local anesthesia will be administered, and the implant will be carefully inserted into the bone. The gums are then sewn above the implant site, and you'll need to be healed for at least three months. During this time, the implant fuses with the bone in a process called osseointegration.
Follow-Up Visit: Healing Cap and Impression
At the three-month mark, a test will confirm successful osseointegration. A small contoured healing cap is attached to shape the gums and prepare for the final crown. Dr. Kim will take an impression of your teeth and an X-ray to ensure a proper fit for your custom implant crown.
Final Visit: Crown Placement
The healing cap is removed, and a disinfecting solution is applied to the implant. The custom abutment and implant crown are then fitted. Dental X-rays ensure a quality fit with no micro-gaps between the abutment and implant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do gums grow around implants?
Gums form a seal around dental implants to protect them from bacteria but do not grow around them as they do with natural teeth. Proper oral hygiene is essential to maintain healthy gum tissue around implants.
Can you get a temporary tooth while waiting for an implant?
Yes, temporary solutions like a flipper or a temporary crown can fill gaps and maintain the aesthetics of your smile during the healing period.
Can a tooth implant get infected?
Yes, a dental implant can get infected, a condition known as peri-implantitis. Maintaining good oral hygiene is critical to preventing infections.
Who is a candidate for dental implants?
Ideal candidates are those with one or more missing teeth, good overall health, healthy gums, sufficient bone density, and a commitment to good oral hygiene. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or heavy smoking can impair bone healing and affect prognosis.
Is the dental implant procedure painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you will not feel pain during the implant placement. Post-procedure discomfort can be managed with prescribed pain medications.
What should I expect after getting a dental implant?
Post-procedure, you may experience mild discomfort and swelling, which can be managed with pain medication. It's important to follow Dr. Kim's instructions for care and maintenance to ensure successful healing and longevity of the implant.
Schedule Your Appointment
If you're considering dental implants, contact Goodday Dental Care in Orange, CA, to schedule your consultation. Reach out by filling out our online contact form or calling (657) 282-0078. We're here to help restore your smile with confidence.