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Dental Implants in Beverly Hills

Dental Implant Beverly HillsMissing one or more teeth impacts your oral health, bone integrity and facial shape. While dentures and partials can restore some cosmetic appeal to your smile, dental implants are the best way to reach a healthy mouth and prevent further issues caused by the missing tooth. These titanium posts and artificial teeth look, feel and function like your natural teeth, providing a beautiful smile. 

Dr. Steven Goldy is a highly esteemed dentist with extensive experience in cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry. His Beverly Hills practice focuses on providing a luxurious, soothing and pain-free dentistry experience. Dr. Goldy uses advanced techniques and alternatives to traditional materials that are healthier and biocompatible to your tissues. With a long record of excellent results, Dr. Goldy’s patients enjoy a complete smile with dental implants designed to last a lifetime. 

When you lose one tooth, the change in your bite starts a domino effect. The adjacent teeth begin to shift to fill the gap left by the missing tooth, and the jawbone recedes or resorbs from the lack of stimulation. The jawbone may resorb up to 25% in the first year after tooth loss. That bone loss alters your facial shape, creating a gaunt or hollow look that makes you appear older. It’s best to replace missing teeth as soon as possible to prevent further tooth loss and the myriad of issues the gap creates. 

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Dr. Goldy performs a thorough dental and radiographic exam and reviews your health history during a dental implant consultation. This appointment focuses on your needs and considerations for restorative dentistry. Dr. Goldy works closely with a periodontist or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon will perform the implant procedure. The ideal dental implant candidate has healthy gum tissue and adequate jawbone height. Some patients may require a bone graft before dental implants to stabilize the jaw and reduce the risk of implant failure. 

Diabetes, leukemia, smoking and other health issues can delay healing and affect dental implant candidacy. Smokers have a higher rate of implant failure and will need to quit before the dental implant procedures to ensure proper recovery and successful dental restoration. 

If you are missing one or more teeth, you may be a good candidate for dental implants. Dr. Goldy will discuss your options and develop an approach that improves oral health and restores a full set of teeth. 

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Dental implants establish the foundation for a replacement tooth to restore your ability to eat and smile confidently. These natural-looking artificial teeth preserve facial contours and prevent further tooth loss. They can transform lives, allowing many patients to rediscover their love of certain foods and activities without worrying about dentures that slip or pinch. You can laugh, speak and smile with confidence. 

Dental implants offer several benefits, including: 

  • The artificial tooth is a dental crown that looks and feels like your natural teeth.
  • Dental implants are easy to clean and don’t require removal to wash or soak like dentures.
  • These dental restorations are the most stable restoration for missing teeth and function like the lost tooth without slipping or shifting.
  • Dental implants last a lifetime, or at least 25 years, unlike partials or dentures.
  • The titanium post fuses with the jawbone to preserve bone integrity and strengthen the jaw.
  • Replacing a missing tooth restores or maintains facial structure and shape.
  • Dental implants allow you to chew with no food restrictions.

Restoring your oral health with dental implants has many advantages and makes you more likely to care for your teeth with dental hygiene at home. Dental implants are cared for just like your existing teeth by brushing and flossing twice a day and scheduling regular dental exams and cleanings at our Beverly Hills office. 

Many people report increased self-esteem with dental implants and are no longer embarrassed by their smiles. 

What Is Involved in the Dental Implant Procedure?

Placement of dental implants is a process involving two procedures performed several months apart. However, some patients may need bone grafts before beginning the process. The first dental surgery anchors a titanium post in the jaw to act as a substitute for the missing tooth root. Over the next three to six months, the jawbone fuses with the metal to create a stable foundation for the pontic (dental crown). 

A temporary denture is often used while the jawbone ossifies with the titanium anchor. A soft diet is recommended during dental implant recovery. Once the jaw has healed correctly, an abutment or attachment connects to the artificial tooth root. This piece extends through the gum tissue and attaches to the dental crown. The dental crown is created to match the shade and shape of the surrounding teeth.

The second procedure places the abutment and dental crown. People who are missing multiple teeth may have an implant-supported bridge or denture. These restorations are fabricated for durability and aesthetic appeal using a dental impression of your teeth and bite.

The entire dental implant process may take six to eight months. The procedures are performed in our office with local anesthesia or Novocain. You can expect some pain and swelling after both dental surgeries, but you may manage your discomfort with prescription medication or over-the-counter pain relievers. Lukewarm soups and soft, cold foods are easiest to eat during the days after dental implant surgery. Most patients return to work the day after their implant procedure. 

What Kind of Results Can I Expect?

Tooth Implant Beverly HillsAfter the second dental surgery, the implanted post and pontic are permanent structures in your mouth. A five-year follow-up study involving 185 patients with 271 dental implants produced these findings: 

  • After one-year, dental implant success was 97.3% to 100%
  • At three years, the implant survival rate was 97.1% to 97.3%
  • Five years after dental implant placement, 98.6% of implants were still successful
  • More than 99% of participants reported “excellent” or “good” satisfaction with their dental restoration

Dental implants function like your natural tooth roots and teeth and are meant to last a lifetime, with an average of 25 years. Proper care and regular dental exams and cleanings make all the difference in the longevity of dental implants.

Contact Dr. Steven Goldy in Beverly Hills

If you are missing one or more teeth, schedule a dental implant consultation with Dr. Goldy to learn more. Call our Beverly Hills office at (310) 550-1511 or fill out our online contact form.