Dental Implants Simi Valley, CA

Implant FAQ

Q. I’m missing two teeth next to each other. Can I place one implant and attach it to a natural tooth to make a bridge?

A. This is not advisable in the majority of cases. Improved dental implants and natural teeth act in varying ways. Implants are stiff and fixed into the bone, whereas natural teeth contain ligaments and slight movement. When you relate the two, that difference in motion has the potential of stressing the implant or the natural tooth in the long run. We have witnessed the results of this, which causes loosening, fractures, or bone loss surrounding the implant. The most common way out is in a better long-term solution, that is, a better solution to the problem, which is to fix the two implants in close proximity to each other and to connect them. Although it might be more expensive in the short run, it tends to be more stable, comfortable, and longer lasting. It can save subsequent complications and further treatment in the long run.

Q. I lost my upper back teeth years ago, and my sinuses feel worse on that side. Could the missing teeth be causing this?

A. This is indeed not unusual. In the case of long-term absenteeism of upper back teeth, the maxillary sinus over them may be slowly displaced downward into the cavity left behind. This is the case since the jawbone is no longer stimulated by tooth roots. In cases where patients eventually desire Dental Implants in Simi Valley, they may not have sufficient bone to carry out the case safely. Sinu lift or sinu elevation procedure could also be advised in such cases. This is done by inserting a supportive material, such as bone or bone graft, in the region. Although it may sound dangerous, it is a proven process that enables the safe and successful placement of the implants.

Q. I’ve worn dentures for years, and they constantly move. I rely on adhesives and can’t eat properly. Is there still hope?

A. Yes. A significant portion of denture wearers feel trapped, but the current types of implants are providing remedies even after a long time of bone loss. One of the most frequent complaints that we hear is loose lower dentures. They swim, scratch, hurt tender parts, and make dining painful. Stability can, in most situations, be enhanced dramatically with the insertion of a few implants. Implant-supported dentures may be clipped or cemented to the place of your requirement. Patients usually report an instant increase in discomfort, level of chewing, and confidence.

Q. I’m missing all my teeth and wear full upper and lower dentures. Do I need an implant for every tooth?

A. No, you don’t. This does not entail replacing all the teeth with individual implants. The quantity of implants required is determined by the kind of restoration to be carried out. Other full-arch designs are supported with as few as four or six implants. When you are consulting, we are also examining your bone structure, bite, and general oral health to decide the best method. Numerous situations may be treated with the minimization of implants in order not to overcomplicate the treatment, yet implants are still able to help tremendously, be functional, and comfortable.

Q. A dentist told me years ago that I didn’t have enough bone for implants. Are there alternatives now?

A. Dentistry has evolved during the last decade. Those who had been informed years ago that there were no implants, maybe a second opinion is worth having. Nowadays, we have great imaging, bone grafting procedures, and other types of implants which enable treatment in situations that used to be deemed too dangerous. It is not so common that a person has no choice at all. Even patients with severe bone loss may be suitable after a proper assessment for some sort of implant-supported solution.

Q. I had a root canal, and the tooth later fractured. Can it be replaced with an implant instead of a bridge?

A. Often, yes. Root canals cause teeth to become brittle as time goes by and are easily fractured. A bridge was the most popular solution in the past, and it involved the grinding of the other healthy teeth. When using dental implants, it is often possible to replace only the damaged tooth and leave the rest intact. This saves a greater amount of your own natural tooth structure and, in most cases, results in a more solid solution that will last longer. The bone and the gums will be examined during your exam to establish whether they are appropriate for taking an implant.