Dental Implants

If you want to replace one or more missing teeth, dental implants may be the solution to your problem. Dental Implants provide greater structural support and last longer than bridges, removable partials or dentures. Dental Implants are a complex procedure requiring specific knowledge and training. It is important to find an Implant Dentist who has the unique special training and experience necessary for the diagnosis and treatment planning.

Because implant dentistry is a relatively new branch of knowledge, it isn't a recognized specialty and isn't a required subject in many dental schools. This could be part of the reason that there are so many malpractice cases involving implants.

Dr. Thein, however, has taken the time to pursue advanced credentials in this field. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology, and of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Fewer than one out of every two hundred dentists possess either of these credentials. Click here to read more about Dr. Thein's credentials.

For more information you may want to consult Dr. Thein's Los Angeles dental implants website.

Benefits of dental implants

• your teeth won't slip and
   slide or come out at the
   wrong time
• eat whatever you like and
   be able to enjoy it more
• talk without denture clatter
• smile without reservation
• without implants, your jaw
   shrinks and your face begins
   to cave in (read more about
   facial collapse on Dr. Thein's implant dentistry website)
• renewed confidence
• be healthier and look better

"Dr. Thein has completely rebuilt my mouth. From 1999 to 2003 he has worked on a bridge for my front teeth and eight Dental Implants, while removing all the loose teeth in my jaws. During that time he performed sinus augmentation surgery to grow bone and several office procedures to place Dental Implants into my jaws. Through all the procedures I have felt no pain and have had the pleasure of being kept fully apprised of all that was happening along the way. Now I am able to chew my food with confidence!"

- Thomas McKegney

So what are Dental Implants?

Dental Implants are man-made "tooth roots" crafted of lightweight titanium, a strong and safe material. Dental implants are the newest and most permanent way to replace missing teeth. Implants are surgically placed into the jawbone. Once in place, these "roots" can then can be used to attach new teeth, as well as bridges, removable partials or dentures.

How successful are they?

Dental Implants have a success rate of approximately 95%, with best results coming from implants at the front of the lower jaw. The skill and experience of the dentist also contributes to overall success rates.

How long do Dental Implants last?

Dental Implants are connected with the surrounding bone in your jaw. They have a long-term potential and can last a lifetime when properly taken care of.

Can anyone have Dental Implants?

Yes. In most cases, anyone healthy enough to under go routine dental extractions or oral surgery can be considered for an implant procedure. Patients suffering from uncontrolled chronic diseases, systemic problems or behaviors and heavy smokers may not be good candidates.

Is the procedure painful?

With modern anesthesia, you are unlikely to experience any pain during implant replacement. Afterwards, discomfort will be based on the extent of your procedure. Most patients tell us the benefits of their Dental Implants far outweigh any discomfort they experience.

How long will it take?

The Dental Implant procedure itself is brief. It takes place in a single visit. This is followed by a healing period during which the bonding of the Dental Implant to the jawbone takes place. Typically, this requires from three to six months. Most patients use a temporary bridge during this period.

Is this an experimental treatment?

No. This treatment has been used for more than 35 years in Europe, and has become an integral part of dental care in the United States and Canada over the past 15 years. Worldwide, hundreds of thousands of people have had missing teeth successfully replaced by Dental Implants.

What about cost?

First ask yourself, can I afford not to get Dental Implants? With missing teeth, loose-fitting dentures or bone loss your quality of life is greatly affected. Inability to chew food properly, unable to eat the foods you like, premature aging (sunk-in look of the mouth), embarrasing denture clatter and worrying about your appearance shouldn't hold you back from enjoying life. All these problems can be improved through Dental Implants.

Dental Implant costs vary from individual to individual and are based on different conditions. After your first examination, we'll accurately assess your dental health and can better answer your questions. Dr. Thein understands your concerns. Many patients in our office have the same concerns.

Recently we finished one of our patient's implant care. His name is Tom and he is a retired railroad worker on a fixed income that hated the dark spaces between his teeth. We tailored his treatment plan to fit within his budget. Now he is enjoying his new smile. We can do the same thing for you.

Making dentistry affordable is very important to us. That is why we make every effort to keep down the cost of your dental care. We provide a free private consultation relating to any dental problem of your concern. We will answer all of your questions. We will go over all of the charges in advance and we won't start any dental treatment without your approval. If you have dental insurance, we will work with you to assure that you receive the maximum benefits to which you are entitled. We accept Visa, Master Card, Discover and American Express. With Care Credit® we offer no interest financing with low monthly payments for qualified patients.

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Will insurance pay for Dental Implants?

Although some insurance plans will cover a portion of the cost of Dental Implants, most will only pay for the procedure if you are replacing a tooth lost as the result of an accident. Our office can help you find out what your dental plan provides.

Los Angeles Dentist's additional information on Dental Implants

Dr. Thein uses an advanced C.A.T. Scan machine, interactive computed tomography, and computer design surgical guides to make implant surgery safer for his patients.

C.A.T. Scan images.

This patient was missing a tooth and he did not want a conventional bridge to solve his cosmetic problem.

A few months after the surgery, Dr. Thein placed a custom made crown over the implant which acts just like a natural tooth!

X-ray of implant. Dr. Thein did a root canal on an adjacent dead tooth.

A happy and delighted patient!

A man named Stan, from West Virginia, called our office one day and said, "I hear you guys do great work. I haven't been to a dentist in 20 years and I don't smile much because of my messed up teeth. Oh, by the way, I'm scared of dentists."

We said, "Drop by our office when you are in L.A. for a meeting and we'll talk."

We overcame Stan's fear of Dentistry with sensitivity, gentle touch, humor and the caring loving attitude of our Boston Dental Care team. Of course using oral and I.V. sedation helped as well.

Unfortunately Dr. Thein was only able to save a few of Stan's original teeth. The idea of slippery dentures gagging him terrified Stan. He said " I want to taste my food and I don't want dentures to cover the roof of my mouth."

With Cindy, Ariana and Lisa (Boston Dental Care Staff) holding the patient's hands, Dr. Thein was able to reconsruct his mouth by doing bilateral sinus bone grafts and placing dental implants and porcelain crowns. The dental implants act like tooth roots, and Dr. Thein was able to permanently attach porcelain crowns to the posts.

Stan returned to West Virginia with his new confident smile. "I can smile again and my bite is so comfortable. I can't wait to get a steak from Ruth's Chris Steak House!"