Years ago, if you were missing teeth, whether due to trauma or disease, you had limited options in terms of tooth replacement. Now, advancements in dental technology have led to improved options that restore both functionality and appearance to the smile. Dental implants are widely considered to be the number one option for tooth replacement because they are highly customizable and the closest option to your natural teeth. At the Office of Dr. Claire Cho, DDS is Aliso Viejo, CA, we recommend dental implants to many of our patients who are missing multiple teeth or facing full extractions. If you would like to learn more about dental implants including their benefits, read on below.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are a tooth restoration option that replaces missing tooth root and crown portion of the tooth. When gaps are left in the smile from missing teeth, it can cause bone deterioration and lead to other oral health implications. Dental implants have an extremely high success rate and are preferred over other options such as removable dentures due to their natural look and feel.
Benefits of dental implants
There are many reasons our patients love dental implants, from their aesthetics to their oral health benefits. The most notable benefits include:
- Incomparable stability – After the implant is placed into the jawbone it goes through a healing process where it fuses to the bone, allowing it to provide a stable foundation for the remainder of the restoration.
- No specialized care required – Once implants have healed and the final restoration has been attached, all you have to do is brush and floss as normal.
- Improved oral health – Dental implants stimulate the jawbone which prevents deterioration and improves long term oral health. Additionally, dental implants do not require alterations to remaining healthy teeth.
- Highly successful – Dental implants have a success rate of up to 98% and can last a lifetime with good oral hygiene.
All about bone grafting in implant dentistry at Dental Health and Aesthetics Center
What are the different aspects of implant dentistry?
At Dr. Cho’s office, we have been placing dental implants for the last 15 years.
Implant dentistry has come a long way. There are many different aspects, such as bone grafting if someone lacks bone.
What is bone grafting in implant dentistry?
Every situation depends on how much bone, the anatomical structures such as the sinus, where nerves are, etc.
Using our CT scan in our office, we diagnose each case to use the right kind of bone. We sometimes draw bone to get growth factors called PRGS.
Healing time ranges anywhere from 3-6 months and depends on whether it’s a single implant or an all-on-four.
Candidates for dental implants
Whether you are missing a single tooth or multiple teeth, you can be a candidate for dental implants. The procedure does require there to be enough bone structure in order to support the implant placement. If you have bone deterioration, restorative procedures such as bone or soft tissue grafts may be necessary prior to receiving dental implants.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Why are dental implants popular?
Patients, dentists, and everyone love dental implants for their natural appearance, comfort, and durability. Unlike traditional dentures, they don’t slip or move when you eat or speak. They also help preserve your jawbone and facial structure, preventing the “sunken” look that can come from missing teeth. In short, implants allow you to smile, chew, and speak like you have 100% natural teeth.
How many teeth can dental implants replace?
Dental implants are incredibly versatile. They can replace a single tooth, several teeth, or all missing or failing teeth. Here’s a closer look:
- Single-tooth implants: An implant combined with a crown replaces a single missing tooth, providing incredible stability and a life-like appearance.
- Implant-supported bridge: Replace several missing teeth in a row with implant bridges that look and feel like natural teeth.
- All-on-4 implants: We can replace a full arch of missing teeth using four implants strategically placed in the jawbone. Unlike traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures are stable, comfortable, and natural-looking.
Are you unsure which type of implant is right for you? Your Aliso Viejo implant dentist will determine the best option after an in-office consultation.
Can a dental implant fail?
Dental implants have a very high success rate of over 95%. However, failure can happen in rare cases due to infection (peri-implantitis), poor oral hygiene, or smoking. The good news is that with proper care and regular dental visits, implants can last for decades or even a lifetime.
Does insurance cover dental implants?
Dental insurance coverage for implants varies. Some plans cover part of the restoration (like the crown or denture) but not the implant surgery itself. At Claire Cho, DDS, our team helps you understand your benefits to maximize your coverage. We’ll also explore financing options to make treatment more affordable.
How much do dental implants cost in Aliso Viejo, California?
Naturally, cost is a significant factor in deciding whether to proceed with treatment. Because implants depend on many variables, it’s almost impossible to provide an upfront cost without a consultation. However, we can provide a guideline.
The cost of dental implants depends on several factors, including the number of implants needed, the type of restoration, and the requirement for adjunct procedures such as bone grafting. On average, a single dental implant in Aliso Viejo costs between $3,000 and $5,000. While it’s an investment, implants offer unmatched comfort, stability, and long-term value compared to other tooth replacement options.
Does my local dentist in Aliso Viejo offer dental implants?
Are you thinking about replacing missing teeth? Dental implants are one of the most trusted and long-lasting solutions available today. Expertly placed by Dr. Cho, dental implants feel like a fresh start.
Ready to restore your smile and confidence? Call (949) 541-2529 or schedule an online consultation with Dr. Claire Cho.
