A missing tooth affects more than your smile. It can change how you chew and speak, let neighboring teeth drift, and cause the jawbone beneath the gap to shrink over time. Dental implants replace the whole tooth, root and all: a titanium post placed in the jaw bonds with the bone and supports a custom crown that looks, feels and functions like a natural tooth. At Applemint in Beverly Hills, Dr. Caroline Malakuti plans each implant from 3D imaging and designs the final tooth to match your smile.
Benefits
- Look, feel and function like natural teeth
- Help preserve jawbone that would otherwise shrink
- No need to grind down neighboring teeth, as a bridge requires
- Fixed in place, with no slipping or adhesives
- Chew and speak with confidence
- Can last decades with good care
How a Dental Implant Works
An implant restoration has three parts:
- The implant. A small titanium post placed in the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone over several months and becomes a stable root.
- The abutment. A connector that attaches to the implant and holds the new tooth.
- The crown. A custom tooth designed to match the shape and shade of your natural teeth.
Because the implant replaces the root, it transmits chewing forces to the bone the way a natural tooth does, which helps keep the jawbone healthy.
Options for Replacing Teeth
- Single-tooth implant. One implant and one crown replace a single missing tooth without touching the teeth beside it.
- Implant-supported bridge. Two or more implants support a bridge that replaces several missing teeth in a row.
- Implant-supported denture. A full arch of teeth anchored on implants, for patients missing most or all of their teeth. It stays secure without adhesives.
We will recommend the option that fits the number and position of your missing teeth, the health of your jawbone and your goals.
Are You a Candidate for Implants?
Most adults who are missing one or more teeth can have implants. Good candidates have:
- Healthy gums, or gum disease that has been treated
- Enough jawbone to support an implant, or are willing to have a bone graft
- Good general health, with conditions such as diabetes under control
- A commitment to brushing, flossing and regular checkups
Smoking and uncontrolled diabetes slow healing and raise the risk of implant problems, so we will talk through these before treatment. If you have lost bone where a tooth used to be, a bone graft can often rebuild it so an implant can be placed.
Implants Compared with Bridges and Dentures
- Bridge. Fills a gap by crowning the teeth on either side. Faster, but it requires reshaping healthy teeth and does not stop bone loss under the gap.
- Removable denture. The least invasive way to replace many teeth, but it can slip, may need adhesive and does not preserve the jawbone.
- Dental implant. Takes longer from start to finish, but it stands alone, helps preserve bone and is the closest replacement to a natural tooth.
Caring for Your Implants
Implants cannot get cavities, but the gums and bone around them can become inflamed if plaque builds up, much like gum disease around natural teeth. Brush twice a day, clean between your teeth daily and keep your regular cleanings so we can check the implant and the tissue around it. For patients prone to gum inflammation, Perio Protect trays can be made to fit around implants.
With good care, the implant itself can last for decades. The crown on top may eventually need replacing after normal wear, typically after 10 to 15 years or more.
The Process, Step by Step
Consultation and 3D imaging
We examine your mouth, review your health history and take scans and X-rays to measure the bone and plan the ideal implant position.
Preparation, if needed
Any extraction, gum treatment or bone grafting is completed first so the implant has a healthy foundation.
Implant placement
With the area fully numbed, and sedation available if you prefer, the implant is placed in the jawbone. Most patients return to normal activities within a day or two.
Healing
Over the next few months, the implant fuses with the bone. You may wear a temporary tooth during this time so there is no visible gap.
Your new tooth
Once the implant is stable, we attach the abutment and your custom crown, then check your bite and the fit.
Your Dental Implants Dentist
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long do dental implants last?
- With proper care, the implant itself can last for decades and often a lifetime. The crown on top may need replacement after 10 to 15 years or more of normal wear.
- Is the procedure painful?
- The area is fully numbed during placement, and sleep dentistry is available if you are anxious. Most patients report mild soreness for a few days afterward, usually managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
- How long does the whole process take?
- Most implants take a few months from placement to final crown, because the implant needs time to fuse with the bone. If you need an extraction or a bone graft first, the timeline is longer. We give you a specific plan at your consultation.
- Will I have a gap while my implant heals?
- Usually not. In most cases we can provide a temporary tooth so your smile looks complete while the implant heals.
- What if I do not have enough bone?
- A bone graft can often rebuild the area so an implant can be placed. We check your bone levels with 3D imaging at your consultation and explain what your case needs.
- Can implants replace all of my teeth?
- Yes. A full arch of teeth can be anchored on a small number of implants, giving you secure, fixed teeth instead of a removable denture.
- Do implants need special care?
- Care for them like natural teeth: brush, clean between your teeth and keep regular cleanings. The gums around implants still need healthy habits to stay free of inflammation.
Ready to get started?
Schedule a consultation to discuss your Dental Implants options.