Dental Implants

Replacing Missing Teeth with Dental Implants in Encino, CA

What are Dental Implants?

A dental implant replaces the entirety of a missing tooth, including the root and crown. The implant is a titanium or ceramic screw surgically placed in the jawbone to replace the root of the missing tooth. Once it has healed and fused with the surrounding bone, an abutment (a slender pin or fastener) is used to attach a restoration, usually a crown, to the implant. The restoration takes the place of the visible portion of the missing tooth. The completed dental implant can last decades and resembles a natural tooth.

If you are edentulous (missing all of your teeth), we can place a few strategically placed implants in the jawbone (usually between four and eight) to support an entire arch of replacement teeth that resembles a denture but is lighter and thinner. This restoration is permanently fixed so the implants do not shift.

Why Choose Dental Implants

No one should have to live with one or more missing teeth. Even a single missing tooth can interfere with your ability to eat comfortably and speak clearly. Multiple missing teeth can severely impact your oral health and destroy your smile. Dr. De Oliveira can restore your smile and dramatically improve your oral health and your life with dental implants in many ways, including:

• Permanently restoring teeth
• Preventing bone loss in your jawbone
• Preventing remaining teeth from shifting or deteriorating
• Restoring your ability to eat all the foods you love without restriction
• Restoring your ability to speak clearly
• Closing gaps in your smile
• Doing away with the need for dentures that shift or slip

Dr. De Oliveira is a recognized leader in dental implant placement in the Encino, CA area, and across the United States, regularly lecturing on implant placement techniques for single tooth replacement, full mouth restoration, and everything in between. Implant placement by Dr. De Oliveira ensures optimal results and expert follow-up care.

The Dental Implants Procedure

On the day of implant surgery, we take every measure to ensure your comfort. We numb the jawbone and gums so you do not feel any pain during the procedure. We also offer some form of anesthesia, such as nitrous oxide or oral sedation, to relax you and keep you comfortable throughout the process.

Dr. De Oliveira makes an incision in the gum tissue and carefully places the implant into the jawbone using a precision surgical guide. This surgical guide is 3D printed in his office using 3D imaging of your oral cavity taken at your initial consultation. The surgical guide allows him to accurately place each dental implant for optimal stability and support. After closing the incision, you will recover at home for a few days while the swelling and discomfort subside.

During the healing phase, the implants will fuse (osseointegrate) with the surrounding bone, creating a stable foundation for the restorations. They will also act as artificial tooth roots, stimulating the jawbone and preventing bone loss. During the healing phase, you can wear a temporary denture or prosthetic, so you do not have to go without teeth.

Once osseointegration is complete, the crowns or restorations are attached to the implants using slender pins (abutments) inserted into the center of the implants. The process may take six to twelve months, from the initial consultation to the final restoration.

Dental Implants FAQ

• Who is a candidate for dental implants?
• Does insurance cover dental implants
• Do dental implants hurt?
• When are dental implants placed?
• Will I need bone grafting?

Who is a candidate for dental implants?

Anyone missing one or more teeth and looking for a permanent solution can be considered for dental implants if they are in good overall health. They must not have any current dental issues, including active gum disease or cavities. Certain individuals may not be good candidates, including those with uncontrolled diabetes, certain bleeding disorders, and some autoimmune diseases. Dr. De Oliveira assesses each patient individually to determine whether they are a candidate for dental implants.

Does insurance cover dental implants?

Insurance coverage varies from policy to policy. Some cover implants fully or partially, while others do not cover them at all. Some policies depend on whether they consider dental implants cosmetic or medically necessary. We recommend that you contact your insurance provider to determine your coverage limits.

Do dental implants hurt?

During the surgery, you are sedated, and the area is numbed, so you will not feel any pain. You will experience some discomfort and swelling in the first week following surgery. This can be controlled with pain medication and ice packs. Most of our patients report that they are relieved that their pain level is much lower than they expected and typically subsides within a week.

When are dental implants placed?

Typically, we place implants several months after teeth are extracted. However, there are times when Dr. De Oliveira may place an implant immediately after removing a tooth. While this may involve a bit more risk, it means less waiting until the implant is placed. If you need bone grafting or issues like infection, immediate placement is not an option.

Will I need bone grafting?

If your teeth have been missing for a year or more, bone grafting may be needed to build up the jawbone so that there is sufficient bone density and the bony ridge is thick enough to securely hold and support dental implants. Once teeth are lost, the jawbone can deteriorate quickly, particularly in the first year following tooth loss. You can expect to lose up to a third of your jawbone’s mass in the year following tooth loss. If you need bone grafts, the grafting procedure will be performed before any implants are placed, and it will take several months to heal before implant surgery.

Are you interested in learning more about dental implants and how they can improve your oral health and give you back a beautiful, functional smile? Call our office at August de Oliveira DDS Phone Number (818) 783-2981 today to schedule your consultation with Dr. De Oliveira.