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Woodland Hills Dentist

The Dental Implants Procedure

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Safe Dental Implant Surgery in Woodland Hills, CA

The idea of undergoing a surgical procedure can be daunting or overwhelming. However, our implant dentist provides safe and comfortable dental implant surgery for those needing to replace one missing tooth or multiple missing teeth.

If you’re ready to see if dental implants are best for you, contact Dr. Chaves in the Los Angeles area today by calling 818-491-7294 and setting up an appointment. Dr. Chaves is one of the best dentists in Woodland Hills and will ensure that your smile goals are met.

How Dental Implant Procedures Work

Initial Consultation

The first step in receiving dental implants is to schedule an initial consultation with our dentist in Woodland Hills, CA. During this appointment, he’ll examine your mouth and take digital X-rays to determine if you’re a good candidate for treatment. He’ll also discuss your medical history and any medications you’re taking to make sure that the implant surgery is safe for you.

Supplemental Procedures

For some patients, additional procedures such as bone grafting may be recommended before they can move forward with replacing missing teeth with dental implants. Bone grafting is a common supplemental procedure for those with low jawbone density and is essential for supporting the dental implant and ensuring its stability. This procedure, along with soft tissue grafting, is crucial for patients who have underlying oral health conditions, such as gum disease.

These supplemental procedures, including a bone graft, can be performed before or during the implant process, depending on the patient’s needs and the complexity of their case. Dr. Chaves will evaluate your specific situation and determine if bone grafting or any other additional procedures are necessary to ensure the success of your dental implant procedure.

In some cases, dental implants may not be right for you. Our dental specialists may recommend other restorative dentistry treatments, such as removable dentures or a dental bridge.

Implant Surgery

The implant surgery is typically an outpatient procedure done under local anesthesia, but some patients may choose to have IV sedation for added comfort. Sedation options are discussed at the initial consultation. During the procedure, the dentist will make a small incision in the gums and carefully place the implant post into the jawbone, a process known as dental implant placement. This step involves the use of precision surgical guides to ensure the implant is accurately positioned, a technique that significantly enhances the success of implant placement. The post will then be left to heal and integrate with the bone in the coming months.

Depending on your dentist, they may perform the surgery with the help of 3D scanning technology or even laser technology to further ensure the precision and success of the implant placement.

Recovery Period

During the recovery period, the post will begin the process of osseointegration. Osseointegration is a natural process where the bone around the implant post begins to fuse with the jawbone. This process is essential for the implant to be secure and stable. It takes several months for osseointegration to be completed.

The healing time for osseointegration varies for each patient, but you’ll be able to return to your normal routine after a few days. Make sure to stick to a soft foods diet and follow any instructions provided. You may have some discomfort or swelling for a few days to a week.

Remember, each patient heals differently, so the entire dental implant timeline will fluctuate for each person.

dental implant consultation

Getting Dental Implants from Dr. John Chaves

As a local dentist with over 30 years of experience, Dr. Chaves has a true lifelong passion for dentistry, as evidenced by his award-winning career and the countless thousands of patients who have left his Woodland Hills practice with a stunning, perfectly crafted smile.

After Your Dental Implant Surgery

After your dental implant surgery, it’s essential to take great care of your oral hygiene to ensure proper healing and reduce your chance of complications arising. Here are some tips to help you out after oral surgery:

  • Follow your dentist’s instructions
  • Manage pain and swelling with cold compresses and over-the-counter pain medications
  • Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol
  • Eat soft foods and avoid anything hard, crunchy, or spicy
  • Practice good oral hygiene
    Attend follow-up appointments

 

To learn more about post-op dental implant care, our Woodland Hills dentist has created a detailed guide to assist you with a speedy recovery. You can also contact our practice by calling 818-491-7294 and our team will answer your questions.

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Applying for financing is fast and easy and provides you with a monthly payment plan that fits your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not necessarily. In some cases, dental implants can be placed directly into the jawbone without the need to remove any existing teeth. However, if there aren’t enough healthy teeth or if the jawbone is too thin or weak, tooth extraction may be necessary before placing dental implants.

On average, the dental implant process takes about four to six months. The implant surgery itself takes just a few hours during one appointment, but the post needs time to heal and integrate with the jawbone before your dentist places the final restoration, typically a dental crown or bridge. Osseointegration can take anywhere from three to six months and is a crucial step, as this is when your implant post naturally fuses with your jawbone.

Most patients report little to no pain during the dental implant procedure. A local anesthetic is used to numb the area, or your dentist may offer alternative dental sedation options depending on your needs. After the implant procedure, patients usually manage any discomfort or swelling with over-the-counter medications.

The purpose of dental implants is to replace a missing tooth or teeth. When a tooth is lost because of injury, decay, or other reasons, it can hurt a person’s oral health and quality of life. Dental implants provide a permanent, durable replacement tooth, improving your natural teeth’ function and appearance.

Start Your Smile Journey With Dental Implants!

Do you still have questions about the dental implant procedure? Contact our Woodland Hills dentist today. With years of experience in implant dentistry, they’ll answer any questions you may have about the dental procedure and help you determine if dental implants are right for you.

Call our dental office at 818-491-7294 to schedule your dental implant consultation.

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