Implants Beverly Hills | Beverly Wilshire Dental Group

What Is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a small titanium or ceramic post surgically placed into the jawbone, where it serves as an artificial tooth root. Over a period of healing, the implant fuses with the surrounding bone through a process called osseointegration, creating a stable foundation. Once healed, a custom-made crown, or in some cases a bridge or denture, is attached to the implant to complete the restoration. Because the implant is anchored directly in the bone, it functions independently of neighboring teeth, unlike a traditional bridge.

The Benefits of Dental Implants
1. Long-Term Durability
With proper care, dental implants are designed to last for many years, and in many cases, decades. They are a well-established option for long-term tooth replacement.

2. Preserves Jawbone Structure
When a tooth is lost, the jawbone beneath it can begin to gradually resorb without the stimulation normally provided by a tooth root. An implant helps preserve that bone structure by replicating the function of a natural root.

3. Doesn't Rely on Neighboring Teeth
Unlike a traditional bridge, which requires shaping the adjacent teeth to support the restoration, an implant stands independently, meaning healthy neighboring teeth are not altered to support it.

4. Functions Like a Natural Tooth
Implants allow for normal biting and chewing function, and because they are anchored in bone, they don't shift or move the way a removable denture can.

5. A Natural Appearance
The crown attached to an implant is custom-designed to match the size, shape, and shade of your surrounding teeth, so the final result blends in with the rest of your smile.

Common Myths About Dental Implants

Myth: "Implants are only for older patients." Dental implants are used across a wide age range, generally once jaw growth is complete. Age itself is less of a factor than overall oral and bone health.

Myth: "Getting an implant is extremely painful." The implant placement procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and many patients report the discomfort afterward is manageable and comparable to that of a tooth extraction, often controlled with over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication.

Myth: "Implants require constant special maintenance." Implants are cared for much like natural teeth, with regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. They do not decay, but the surrounding gum tissue can still develop issues if oral hygiene is neglected.

Myth: "Anyone can get an implant, regardless of their bone health." Successful implant placement depends on having adequate bone density and volume to support the implant. Patients with significant bone loss may need a bone graft before implant placement, which is why an evaluation and imaging are an important first step.

Myth: "Implants look and feel obviously artificial." When properly planned and restored, an implant-supported crown is designed to be indistinguishable from a natural tooth in both appearance and function.

Myth: "The entire implant process happens in one visit." Implant treatment typically occurs in stages, including placement of the implant, a healing period for osseointegration, and then placement of the final restoration. The full process often spans several months, though the exact timeline depends on individual healing and treatment needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a good candidate for a dental implant? Good candidates generally have adequate bone density, healthy gums, and are in good general health. Dr. Ebrahimi evaluates your specific situation, including imaging of the jawbone, to determine candidacy.

How long does the implant process take from start to finish? Timelines vary, but the process often spans several months to allow for proper healing and osseointegration between placement of the implant and attachment of the final restoration.

Is dental implant surgery painful? The procedure itself is performed under local anesthesia, so discomfort during placement is minimal. Afterward, most patients experience manageable soreness that improves within a few days.

What is the success rate of dental implants? Dental implants have a high success rate overall, though individual outcomes can be affected by factors such as bone health, oral hygiene, smoking, and certain medical conditions.

Can I get an implant if I've been missing a tooth for a long time? Yes, though longer-term tooth loss can sometimes be associated with bone loss in that area. Dr. Ebrahimi can evaluate whether a bone graft or other preparatory step is needed before implant placement.

How do I care for an implant once it's restored? Implants should be brushed and flossed like natural teeth, along with regular dental checkups to monitor the health of the surrounding gum and bone tissue.

What's the difference between an implant-supported crown and a bridge? An implant-supported crown replaces a single tooth independently, without involving neighboring teeth. A traditional bridge, by contrast, relies on the teeth adjacent to the gap for support, which requires those teeth to be shaped and crowned as part of the restoration.

Considering a Dental Implant?

At Beverly Wilshire Dental Group, Dr. Ebrahimi begins the implant process with a thorough evaluation, including imaging of your jawbone, to determine whether an implant is the right solution for your missing tooth or teeth. If you've been considering replacing a missing tooth, we welcome the opportunity to discuss whether an implant is a good fit for you.