Permanent Tooth Replacement in Van Nuys, CA

Adult tooth loss is a serious problem and can occur as a result of tooth decay, gum disease, or a facial injury.

If tooth loss impacts your daily life by making it difficult to eat and speak properly, you should know that dental implants are a secure replacement for missing teeth.

Dental implants in Van Nuys, CA are a solution for one or more missing teeth and can be paired with different types of dental restorations to address your individual tooth replacement needs.

If you would like to arrange a consultation and learn how dental implants can improve your oral health, your appearance, and even your quality of life, please call Saticoy Plaza Dentistry to arrange a consultation.

 

How does a dental implant work?

couple with dental implants in lake balboaA dental implant is a tiny post that we place in your jaw in the area of the missing tooth. Once the implant is in place, it begins fusing with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration.

When this process is complete, the dental implants will act as a natural tooth root and provide the foundation for a dental crown, bridge, or denture. With proper care, your implant can last a lifetime.

Why do so many dentists recommend dental implants?

We believe that dental implants are the best replacements for missing teeth. These artificial teeth both feel and function almost the same as natural teeth.

A dental implant also offers greater structural support and lasts longer than either a dental bridge or dentures. Once your implant heals in place, it will function just as your natural tooth roots would and allows for dental crowns, dental bridges, and dentures to remain fixed in place.

The presence of the implant in the jaw also prevents deterioration of the bone that’s common with tooth loss. Replacing a missing tooth can also restore a youthful appearance by filling out your gum line.

Am I a good candidate for dental implants?

Every individual has unique dental anatomy that we must evaluate before implant surgery.

Dr. Bacquet uses state-of-the-art technology to determine the density of your jaw bone to make sure it is sufficient to support a dental implant post. Your jawbone health is one of the most critical considerations in determining your suitability for dental implants.

Bone recession is a common problem associated with missing teeth. In some cases, you may not have a foundation that is strong enough to place a dental implant. If we find that it is not, bone grafting is an option that can build up your jaw so that you can have an implant placed.

We also need to know that you are healthy enough to have implant surgery. Many patients we see can have dental implants, but there are certain conditions like osteoporosis or cancer treatment that may make it impossible for the implant to integrate with your jaw bone.

How soon should I get an implant after I lose a tooth?

It is important to have dental implants placed into the jawbone as soon as possible after you lose a tooth. In some cases, we can even place a dental implant immediately after removal of a tooth. 

Generally speaking, the longer you wait to get dental implants, the more costly and complicated the dental implant procedure will be. Your jawbone continues to shrink the longer you go on with missing teeth.

If the shrinkage occurs for too long, the jawbone becomes too thin or short to place a stable implant. In this case, jawbone or sinus lift surgeries may be necessary before we can place your implant.

Do I have to go to a different dentist to have my implant placed?

dental implant diagram in lake balboaNo! Dr. Daniel Bacquet comes from a family of dentists and understands the importance of providing patients with the most up-to-date dental treatments available.

He has completed the implant residency program provided by the International Academy of Dental Implantology, so you can be confident that you are in skilled hands. This training also allows Dr. Bacquet to perform the entire implant procedure right here in our Van Nuys dental office.

How long does it take to get a dental implant?

Getting a dental implant is a process that takes place over several months.

First, Dr. Bacquet places the implant post during a procedure in our Van Nuys dental office that takes about an hour. We then leave the implant to heal, and as it does, it fuses with the bone and tissue around it. On average, healing takes about four to six months, and it’s during this time that the implant gains its strength and stability

Once the implant is stabilized in the jaw, we add an abutment. The abutment is the piece of the implant to which we secure your new crown, bridge, or denture.

What are dental implants for dentures?

Fortunately, there is a solution to the problem of unstable dentures—dental implants. Dr. Bacquet places several implants at various points along your jaw. He will customize a denture for you that looks natural and conforms comfortably to the contours of your jaw.

The implant denture also has attachments that snap onto the implant to provide the ultimate in stability. With the implants as a base, your dentures will stay securely in place so you can eat nutritious foods and speak and smile with confidence.

If you would like to learn more about how we use dental implants in Van Nuys to stabilize your dentures, please call us to arrange a consultation with Dr. Bacquet to review all your options and answer your questions.

How long do dental implants last?

Since the success of an implant depends on the health of the structure that supports it, good gum health is critical. If you aren’t conscientious with your oral hygiene, you can develop a periodontal infection that gradually destroys the bone and healthy tissue that supports the implant.

Dental implants have a 95 percent success rate, but one of the primary reasons they fail is poor oral hygiene.

So, the answer is that a dental implant can be considered a permanent tooth replacement. However, you must be committed to taking proper care of your investment. If you neglect your oral health and develop gum disease, you risk losing your implant.

Can my dental implant fall out?

dental implant dentures illustration in lake balboaWe hear this question a lot from our patients, and the answer is no, your implant won't just fall out.

Unlike a denture or bridge that sits on top of your gum and restores function and appearance, a dental implant is a replacement root. Dr. Daniel Bacquet surgically places the biocompatible titanium implant in your jaw, and he leaves it to heal for a period of several months.

The healing process is called osseointegration because, during this time, your implant becomes one with your jaw bone. This means that, unlike a denture that can slip or fall out when you sneeze or laugh, your implant isn’t going anywhere.

However, just like a natural tooth root, an implant requires the support of a healthy jaw and gums for its stability. A common reason for implant failure is gum disease that compromises the integrity of these supporting structures.

I’ve been told I don’t have enough bone for an implant. How can you help me?

At Saticoy Plaza Dentistry, Dr. Daniel Bacquet and the other dental specialists he works with have the skills and expertise necessary to use a grafting technique to augment the bone in the jaw. This procedure is required if you want an implant, but you have been told you don’t have enough bone in your jaw.

Bone from another part of your body is grafted to your jaw and allowed to heal for several months. During the healing process, a dense bone mass is created that will successfully support your implant.

Tooth Replacement in Van Nuys CA 

If you have been told that you aren’t a good candidate for dental implants in Van Nuys, please call Saticoy Plaza Dentistry to arrange a consultation with Dr. Bacquet. He will use state-of-the-art technology to evaluate your condition, and the chances are good that he will be able to help with creating enough bone in your jaw to hold your implant securely in place.