Dental implants in Los Angeles, CA
At Leith K Shawaf DDS in Los Angeles, California, dental implants provide a long-term option for replacing missing teeth. This guide covers what dental implants are, how they work, benefits, the treatment timeline, and what patients in Los Angeles, CA can expect from care.
Dental implants explained
A dental implant is a small titanium post placed in the jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root. After the post bonds with bone through a natural process called osseointegration, an abutment and a custom crown are attached to complete the tooth. Implants can replace a single tooth, several teeth with an implant-supported bridge, or a full arch with implant-supported dentures.
Because implants are anchored in bone, they feel stable and function much like natural teeth. For many patients searching “what is a dental implant” or “how do dental implants work,” it helps to think of an implant as a strong foundation that supports the visible tooth restored above the gumline.
How dental implants can help you
- Restore chewing efficiency for a varied diet and comfortable eating.
- Preserve jawbone volume by stimulating bone where a tooth is missing.
- Protect adjacent teeth by avoiding the need to grind down healthy enamel for a bridge.
- Support clear speech and confident smiling with natural-looking results.
- Offer durability; with proper care, implants can last for decades.
Candidacy depends on factors like gum health, jawbone density, and overall medical history. Even patients with some bone loss may qualify after bone grafting. A careful evaluation helps determine the safest and most predictable plan.
The dental implant process
While each case is unique, the typical dental implant procedure steps follow a clear path:
- Consultation and planning: A comprehensive exam, X-rays, or 3D imaging identify bone quality and anatomy. Treatment goals and options are reviewed, including single tooth implant vs bridge and implant-supported dentures.
- Site preparation if needed: Tooth extraction, gum therapy, or bone grafting may be completed first to create a stable foundation.
- Implant placement: The titanium post is placed in the jaw under local anesthesia. Most patients report pressure rather than sharp pain during the procedure.
- Healing and osseointegration: Over several weeks to a few months, bone fuses to the implant. This is the key phase for long-term stability and is often what people mean by “dental implant healing time.”
- Abutment and crown: Once healed, an abutment connects the implant to a custom crown designed to match your natural teeth.
Your implant experience: what to expect
Before surgery, expect personalized instructions about eating, medications, and oral hygiene. On the day of placement, the procedure is precise and typically well tolerated with local anesthesia. Mild soreness, swelling, or bruising may follow for a few days and can be managed with recommended care.
During healing, a soft diet and careful cleaning around the site help protect the area. Good daily home care plus professional cleanings support strong gums around the implant. Once restored, dental implant aftercare is similar to caring for natural teeth: brush twice daily, clean between teeth, and maintain regular checkups.
Risks are uncommon but can include infection, delayed healing, or implant loosening, especially in areas with low bone or in smokers. Thorough planning and follow-up visits help reduce these risks and support a high success rate.