How are Dental Implants inserted?

Some dental implants are inserted right into the patients bone and others are placed over the bone. In both cases, dental implants are placed under the gum tissue.

Are Dental Implants better than your natural teeth?

No. No man-made teeth can compare to natural teeth. If at all possible it is better to save your existing teeth. Frequent dental checkups and good teeth cleaning habits, such as brushing and flossing, will help maintain the condition of your teeth.

Will Dental Implants help with my dentures?

Yes. Partial dentures are supported by existing teeth or a combination of tooth and gum support. When teeth are lost and replaced by partials, the teeth supporting the partial have more stress on them than before. Existing teeth must bear the burden of all the chewing, supporting the partial as well, and can be pushed past their limit. Under these stressful conditions, the remaining teeth will be subjected to accelerated bone loss.

Dental Implants give a permanent solution to missing teeth. The patient will not have to contend with constantly removing partials. Existing teeth won't have to bear the burden and stress that partials put on them. Also the patient is not subjected to extra bone shrinkage that makes partials loose.

When teeth are lost, supporting bone is also lost. Dental Implants are attached to the bone structure and will help in preventing bone lossage because the bone is being used similarly to when a natural tooth was present.

La Crescenta Dentist, someone told me I'm too old for Dental Implants. Is this true?

No. A person's health will better determine whether they are a good candidate or not. Age is not the determining factor in this case. Many patients who are over the age of 70 or 80 are better candidates than younger patients who have severe medical conditions. Dr. Thein will help you determine if you are a good candidate for Dental Implants.