LA Implant Dentist, Dr. Elisha, Offers Dental Implants in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills
Los Angeles dental implants are our specialty, so when our patients decide that implant dentistry is what they are after, we take care of the rest. Dr. Jacob Elisha has been a board certified Periodontist for over 25 years and has placed thousands of dental implants. Placing implants is a type of oral surgery used to replace missing teeth or to secure dentures. The complete process from implanting the cylinder (implant) to placing the crown (fake tooth) typically takes several months. Below is an explanation of what getting dental implants in Los Angeles entails.
1. 3-D digital x-rays are taken of the mouth and jaws. Dr. Elisha uses these 3-D images to plan the exact area of implant placement. This is a very important step as the implant’s angle affects proper jaw closure. Once a careful plan is created, the surgery may commence.
2. The titanium cylinder rod is surgically placed in the jaw bone. Once the medal cylinder implant is placed, it must be left for several months to heal and integrate with the bone.
3. After the dental implant has integrated with the jaw bone, than it’s ready for the dental crown which is connected to the implant by an abutment. The abutment is a post that fits inside the cylinder implant and sticks out high enough to fit the crown on top. The crown is cemented to the abutment and dental implant procedure is complete.
LA Implant Dentist, Dr. Elisha, works with his patients and makes sure that they are comfortable throughout the entire experience. He takes time to answer questions, and offers sedation dentistry if requested ahead of time. Otherwise, all of his surgeries are completed under local anesthetic with a focus on gentleness. Post Op, most of our patients feel that the dental implant surgery was easier than anticipated.
As an experienced, LA Periodontist, Dr. Elisha is equipped to handle other oral surgeries. Sometimes patients do not have sufficient jaw bone to place the dental implant. When this is the case; Dr. Elisha must first perform another type of oral surgery. Below are explanations of a couple of the common oral surgeries that Dr. Elisha can perform to prepare the mouth with insufficient bone density for dental implants in Los Angeles.
1. Sinus Augmentation – The upper posterior of the mouth may need sinus augmentation before a dental implant can be placed. The back of the top jaw is where our sinuses are and as we age, we often lose bone in that area which causes the sinus wall to droop. In order to reverse this problem and build bone, our implant dentist will perform a sinus augmentation. During a sinus augmentation surgery, Dr. Elisha cuts a small circle into the bone on the cheek side of the jaw. The space is then filled with bone grafting material to strengthen and enlarge this part of the jaw bone so an implant can eventually be set. The incision is stitched up and left several months to heal and for the bone to regenerate. During this healing process, the sinus membrane typically also raises as it heals in with the regenerated bone. Once the bone is developed, then the dental implant can be placed.
2. Ridge Modification – This procedure is used when one of Dr. Elisha’s Los Angeles dental implant patients has an indention in their jaw bone. The indention can be caused by periodontal disease, injury, or bone defect. To perform a ridge modification, Dr. Elisha must lift away the gums to expose the deformed jaw bone. Then he fills in the gap with bone grafting material to build up the ridge. The bone is left to develop and heal for several months and then a dental implant can be placed.
If you have any questions about Los Angeles implant dentistry or the cost of dental implants, contact us by phone or request your free consultation appointment online today.
“Our Dental Implant Team is dedicated to providing the absolute best care to each of our patients and ensuring that you feel right at home with our staff. Utilizing the latest advances in Dental Implant technology and Bone Regeneration techniques, the Dental Implant Team assures each patient a precise and successful treatment. Working together, we can help you achieve your perfect smile.” – Jacob Elisha, D.D.S.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium screw that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. Dental implants can be placed in either the upper or lower jaws. Due to the biocompatible properties of titanium, a dental implant fuses with the bone and becomes a good anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental implants can be used in solutions for replacing single or multiple missing teeth.
Why dental implants?
There are a number of reasons why you should consider a dental implant:
Without the root structure of a natural tooth present, the jawbone can shrink. This shrinkage will make your face look older than it is.
There are no loose parts to worry about losing. The dental implant is stable and comfortable. No adjustment is needed after placement. Normally, it will serve its owner for life.
Are dental implants successful?
With more than three decades of clinical experience and over a million patients treated, statistics confirm a success rate of nearly 95 percent for individual Nobel Biocare dental implants*, and even higher for the bridges they support.
* Results based on dental implants and dental bridges remaining and in function over a five-year period.
How much do dental implants cost ?
The fee for tooth replacement with dental implants depends on several factors, including the number of teeth being replaced and the number of dental implants required to support your replacement teeth. Some additional procedures may be required prior to the placement of your dental implants to ensure the long-term health of your dental implants. To obtain a specific fee estimate, it is necessary to have a doctor examine your mouth. After a thorough diagnostic examination, Dr. Elisha will recommend the treatment that is best for you.
Who is a Candidate?
Anyone who is missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease or tooth decay may be a candidate for dental implants. The determining factor is the amount of available bone. Your dentist is the best person to evaluate whether dental implants are a viable solution for you.
Is old age a problem?
Occasionally, older patients express concern that their age may prevent them from enjoying the benefits of dental implants. However, health is more of a determining factor than age. If you’re healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you’re probably healthy enough to receive dental implants. Certain chronic diseases may contraindicate dental implant treatment. Your dentist will determine if you are a candidate for dental implants after a careful evaluation of your dental and health history.
What are the advantages of dental implants over dentures or a dental bridge?
Improved appearance: When you lose the entire tooth - crown and root - shrinkage of the jawbone may cause your face to look older. Dental implants can stop this process. A traditional denture or dental bridge doesn’t.
Preserve natural teeth: With traditional dental bridges, teeth adjacent to missing teeth are normally ground down to be used as anchors for a dental bridge. Dental implants often eliminate the need to modify healthy teeth.
Permanent solution: There are no loose parts to worry about losing. The dental implant is stable and comfortable. No adjustment is need after placement. Normally, it will serve its owner for life.
Dental implant-supported replacement teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth. This means that you can eat and drink whatever you choose. But most importantly, dental implants often improve quality of life in a very concrete way. People who have felt embarrassed and worried because of their tooth problems are often overwhelmed by what new permanent teeth can do for their self-esteem.
Will my new teeth look natural?
When dental implants are used in combination with modern restorative dentistry, their appearance, comfort and function are very likely to exceed your expectations. Often they are hard to tell apart from your natural teeth.
Will I be able to chew with the same force and pressure I use with my natural teeth?
Yes. Following a brief adaptation period, chewing capacity is comparable to that of natural teeth.
How much time is required for a dental implant placement?
Today, state-of-the-art guided surgical techniques are convenient alternatives to place dental implants and allow you to have the dental implant placed in a single session using keyhole surgery. This new method has significantly simplified the procedure, for both patients and dentists. The major advantage of the guided surgical technique is the minimal amount of manipulation of the soft tissue due to keyhole surgery. This significantly reduces the healing time and the discomfort normally associated with traditional dental implant surgical techniques.
The conventional process can take from three to six months. First, the dentist places the dental implant, which is left for three to six months to heal and integrate with the jawbone. During the healing period, your are given a temporary prosthesis until the permanent crown is put in place.
The procedure chosen depends on several factors, such as your dental health, the number of teeth involved and which teeth are replaced. These factors will also determine the total number of visits to the dentist throughout the treatment period.
Is the treatment painful?
With any surgery, there can be some discomfort. Placing one implant normally causes less discomfort then placing several. Anesthesia and patient sedation are commonly administered to help reduce any discomfort during the dental implant process. Most patients report that they were much more comfortable following the procedure than they had anticipated. Your doctor will prescribe medications to ease any discomfort that may occur. Ask your dentist to recommend another patient who has already had tooth replacement therapy to assess their personal experience.
How will I feel after the treatment?
It is normal to have some bruising and swelling in the gum and soft tissues. But usually the discomfort, if any, is treated with an ordinary painkiller. You should expect to be able to work the next day.
How will I care for my dental implants?
Your new teeth must be cared for and checked regularly, just like your natural teeth. Brush and floss as recommended by your dentist or dental hygienist. See your dentist in six months, or more frequently if so advised.
Make an appointment today with Los Angeles dental implant specialist Dr. Jacob Elisha by calling 310-231-5100 .