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Of all the restorative treatments for replacing lost teeth, implants remain the #1 choice for most people. After all, implants closely resemble natural teeth in many ways. The implant process requires oral surgery to replace the crown and roots of your lost teeth. The artificial tooth roots ensure that your restorations remain securely placed while biting and chewing. These FAQs from Neal Edwards DDS in Riverside, California, offer insight into the benefits of replacing lost teeth with implants.
When you lose a tooth, you lose both the crown and roots. Dental implants are titanium screws that go into your jaw surgically to replace lost tooth roots. After placing the implants, Dr. Edwards will allow time for them to integrate with your bone tissue before attaching your new teeth. The osseointegration process may take up to 6 months. Dental implants can support dental crowns, a fixed bridge, or implant dentures – whatever you need to complete your smile.
Generally, you qualify for this treatment if you’re in good health and have adequate bone density to support implants. However, since implants involve surgery, all candidates should undergo a comprehensive medical and oral health evaluation to determine their suitability for treatment.
Implants give your new teeth something solid to hold onto in the form of artificial tooth roots. This gives your replacement teeth greater stability for biting, chewing, and grinding food. Implants prevent accidental slipping or loosening of your new teeth. Esthetics is another reason to consider replacing lost teeth with implants. As implants replace your whole tooth structure, your new teeth will closely resemble natural teeth to give your smile a smooth, realistic appearance. Add to that the fact that implants can last a lifetime with proper care, and it’s clear to see why more people choose implants over other restorative treatments.
No. Your procedure will be done under local anesthesia, ensuring your treatment is comfortable. We also offer sedation options if the thought of oral surgery makes you anxious or fearful. If you experience discomfort after the procedure, we suggest using over-the-counter sedatives.
If you’re replacing one or more teeth individually, we recommend single implants coupled with porcelain crowns. Dr. Edwards can create a fixed bridge and anchor it with implants on either end to replace several consecutive missing teeth. Implant dentures can replace all of your teeth using all-on-four implant treatment.
Dr. Neal Edwards is your go-to dentist for implant treatment in Riverside, CA. Contact us at (951) 614-0033 to schedule an appointment.
Neal Edwards, DDS, FICOI, studied Biology at La Sierra University and earned his dental degree from the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, where he also followed a mini-residency. He is a member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI). Dr. Edwards takes hundreds of continuing education units a year and completed his ICOI Fellowship recently. He is a Team Dentist for the Ontario Reign hockey team - LA Kings’ AHL affiliate.
He loves meeting people and helping them achieve their dental goals.