Dental Implants

Dentistry has changed dramatically over the last 30 years. Dental implants are the treatment of choice for missing a single tooth or multiple teeth.

Dr. Lee can surgically place implants into the bone to act as tooth root substitutes. If you have adequate bone levels and density, are generally not prone to infection and can maintain stringent oral hygiene – then you’re the perfect candidate for dental implants.

***PLEASE READ*** With so many questionable brands with little to no long term research, choosing the best brands (and surgeon) are critically important. At Signature Dental, we only restore the highest quality implants from the most reputable companies such as Ankylos, Astra, Hiossen/Osstem, Nobel Biocare, Straumann, and Zimmer Biomet .

Many Benefits of Dental Implants

Preserving Tooth Structures and Bone:

Deciding to get your dental implants at our Upland dental office has many benefits.

Major Reduction of Bone Collapse: When a tooth is extracted, the surrounding cortical and alveolar bone quickly degenerates and resorbs. You may notice an indentation along sides of an area missing a tooth. Over the course of many years, the bone thickness decreases dramatically. At this point, placing an implant may no longer be an option with our without complex bone grafting procedures. Placing an implant EARLY greatly reduces bone resorption.
Prosthetic Stabilization: Some patients tolerate full or partial dentures well. However, can you imagine not having to worry about loose dentures? Or wondering when it could suddenly “pop out?” Or having to deal with messy and sticky denture adhesive creams? With an implant supported denture, loose dentures and sticky pastes will be a thng of the past. On most full dentures, the palate area can be cut out completely!

A bridge to replace missing teeth have been used for hundreds of years. This involves grinding adjacent teeth to cement a prosthesis which is essentially 3 crowns attached together. But with implants, you don’t have to grind on the neighboring teeth to support a bridge restoration. The adjacent natural teeth are left untouched, a significant long-term benefit to your overall oral health. Why grind on healthy teeth to replace a missing tooth?

Implants, What to Expect

A thorough dental evaluation is made using digital panoramic x-rays and an impression will be taken to fabricate a study cast. During the surgery appointment, the implant body is placed within the bone (in the area missing a tooth). Stitches are placed to close the surgical site. This procedure may take up to several hours and six months may be required for the bone to grow around the implant. Immediately following the surgery, you will be prescribed painkillers and antibiotics, as necessary, along with receiving instructions on diet and oral hygiene. After the period of implant stabilization, it is time contour the surrounding gums. This is done with a healing abutment, which looks like a tiny metal stub. In a weeks, the healing abutment is replaced with the final abutment, where the final crown will be seated.

What is the Success Rate and How Long Do They Last?

On average, the success rate for implants is around 96 percent for those placed in the front of the lower jaw and 93 percent for those placed in the sides and rear of the upper jaw. However, these rates are continuously improving as the profession continues to benefit from new techniques and technology. Implants will last for many years to come! However, just like natural teeth, you can expect gradual bone loss as we age. In addition, chronic problems such as clenching, bruxism or systemic diseases such as diabetes, will reduce the success rate for implants. People who smoke or drink alcohol have lower success rates as well. There are few things in life that last a lifetime and dental implants are no different. Should a problem arise, it normally does during the first six months to a year following surgery, during the period of bone healing. After this period, problems appear to be less frequent, with only occasional bite adjustments required. Overall, a commitment to good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist is essential in the long term success of any implant.