Are you looking to replace missing teeth? Shawn Saidian, DDS, in Westwood, California, specializes in the premier tooth-replacement option: dental implants. With implants, you can enjoy prosthetics that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Implants are long-lasting and improve speech, chewing, and digestion. To find out if you’re an ideal candidate, call the office or schedule a consultation online today.
Book OnlineWhat are dental implants?
Dental implants are small metal posts that are placed deep in your jawbone, creating a durable base for crowns, bridges, or dentures. Implant-retained prosthetic teeth will look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
Oral surgery for dental implants is an involved process, though it’s not painful or overly complicated. The transformative results dental implants deliver is well worth the time and effort it takes to get them.
How does the process of getting dental implants work?
Getting dental implants placed requires at least two in-office visits with Dr. Saidian. Once you decide on implants, you’ll schedule an oral surgery appointment well in advance.
Before oral surgery, Dr. Saidian gives you a local anesthetic to make the procedure comfortable for you. Then, he uses a special dental drill to insert the implant directly into your jawbone. During the procedure, you won’t feel anything.
After the procedure, your jaw needs time to heal and allow the implant to fuse to your jawbone so it can support replacement teeth. Typically, the recovery takes at least several months. Once your jawbone has fully healed, you’ll come back in to have your permanent replacement crown, bridge, or denture attached to your implant.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
Dental implants offer a host of critical benefits for people with missing teeth, such as:
- Improved chewing, speech, and digestion
- Prevention of teeth shifting into empty spaces
- Curbing the effects of bone loss
- Restoration of lost facial volume
- Maintaining of mouth and jaw structure
If you have a weak or insufficient jawbone that can’t properly support implants, this tooth-replacement option may not be the right restoration option for you. In such cases, Dr. Saidian can help you sort through other options for replacing your missing teeth.
How long do dental implants last?
One of the reasons dental implants are so popular is that as long as you practice good oral hygiene, they can last virtually a lifetime. Nearly 90% of dental implants last patients for at least 30 years. It’s important to note that their longevity depends largely on you. Make sure to continue brushing, flossing, and maintaining your regularly scheduled cleanings at Shawn Saidian, DDS.
To find out more about how dental implants can benefit you, call the office or schedule a consultation online today.