Comprehensive Guide To Dental Implants

This comprehensive guide on Beverly Hills Dental Implants was designed to help answer any and all questions you may have before jumping in the dental chair and taking the next step.

Questions We’ll Cover Include:

• What is a Dental Implant?
• Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
• What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
• What are the Potential Risks of Dental Implant Surgery?
• What is the Dental Implant Procedure Like?
• What is the Recovery Time for Dental Implants?
• Are Dental Implants Covered Under Insurance?
• What is the Cost of Dental Implants?
• And more…

What is a Dental Implant?

This is a common question many Beverly Hills residents have regarding cosmetic dental options. Each of your teeth has “roots” that anchor them into your gums and jaw bone. A dental implant is an artificial “root” that is surgically “implanted” into your jawbone to replace your tooth’s natural root and to provide an anchor on which a new artificial tooth can be placed.

These artificial tooth roots are shaped similarly to what you might recognize as a screw. This design allows them to be “screwed” and securely anchored to your jawbone where they will bond with your natural bone over time, providing a sturdy framework on which your dentist can position your new teeth.

New teeth placed on implants are known as crowns, and when used in conjunction with a special connector, can provide form, function, and beauty, mimicking your own natural pearly whites for decades to come.

Modern dental implants have been employed to help those with failing or missing teeth for over three decades, and are currently the strongest and most effective tooth replacement technology available.

What are the Components of a Dental Implant?

• Crown: This is the part of the implant that mimics the look, feel and appearance of your natural tooth. It is usually made from a type of highly durable ceramic and is indiscernible from your other teeth.
• Connector: Also known as an “abutment”, this component is used to anchor the crown to the base of the artificial root.
• Base: A screw-like component often made from titanium that is screwed into the jawbone, providing a base for the connector and subsequent crown.

What are Dental Implants Made From?

Dental implants take a lot of daily abuse, standing up to immense pressure as you chew and holding up against acidic foods and drinks. As such, they need to be made from highly durable materials.

Although major differences are notable between various material types, as a consumer you don’t need to worry too much about the intricacies of chemistry in order to make an informed decision. Your periodontist or cosmetic dentist will help walk you through the best options for your use case/situation and will be able to answer any questions you have while guiding you towards the right solution for your needs.

That said, currently, there are over 60 FDA-approved manufacturers of materials utilized for dental implants including materials for crowns, bases and connectors.

Common Materials Used include:

• Titanium alloy (root)
• Ceramic / Composite (base/connector and crown)
• Zirconia (abutment/connector)

As to which will be best for your procedure, be sure to discuss options with your dentist. Ask about the potential pros and cons of each, including price, durability, performance and more.

What are the Benefits of a Dental Implant?

The most obvious benefit of a dental implant for Beverly Hills residents is to replace missing or damaged teeth, yet the benefits of dental implants go well beyond simply replacement. Implants are designed to mimic the look, feel and function of your natural teeth, restoring the structure and function of your jawbone, reducing load/pressure on surrounding teeth and preserving tissue while preventing bone resorption or deterioration.

Apart from function and form, dental implants can bolster confidence and enhance self-esteem, leading to an improved quality of life.

A Quick Look at the Advantages of Dental Implants:

Enhanced Appearance:

As they say, you only get one chance to make a first impression. The human smile is arguably the most eye-catching facial feature we have. This procedure can restore your natural smile and enhance the aesthetics of your face, jawline, and more, helping you both look and feel your very best.

Better Speech:

Both missing teeth and improperly fit dentures can pose challenges with speech and pronunciation, causing the inadvertent slurring or mumbling.

Comfort and Support:

Dental implants become a permanent part of your mouth that you can be confident in. They perform day in and day out requiring nothing more than standard dental hygiene, and without the discomfort of loose, poorly fitted dentures sliding about.

Effortless Chewing and Eating:

Loose sliding dentures or missing teeth can make chewing and eating certain foods difficult, uncomfortable and even painful. Dental implants will restore the natural form and function of your teeth, allowing you to enjoy all your favorite Beverly Hills restaurants and the food you love. You may even find that your digestion and nutrition improve due to properly chewing up food prior to swallowing.

Confidence and Self-Esteem:

According to a paper published by the University of South Carolina, there is a strong and direct correlation between self-esteem and oral health. The study found that as it relates to social behaviors involving the mouth (such as smiling, eating and talking), those individuals with better oral health tend to have a more positive outcome.

Another scholarly journal the “Foundation for the Sociology of Health and Illness” noted America’s preoccupation with self-image and public perception. They found that straight, white teeth are associated with self-esteem, self-confidence, social status and more.

Better Overall Health and Well-Being

Damaged, worn, missing and decaying teeth can have a serious impact on not just your oral health, but overall health and well-being. Did you know that poor oral health and hygiene is also linked to a number of other serious medical conditions?

According to Renowned Mayo Clinic, Issues with your Oral Health can Contribute to Risks for:

• Endocarditis (infection of the inner lining of your heart)
• Cardiovascular disease
• Birth complications
• Pneumonia
• Diabetes
• Osteoporosis
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Arthritis
• Certain cancers
• And more…

Fact is, oral health has a serious impact on your health in a much broader sense, with research demonstrating that once oral health is compromised, so is your mental health, other health parameters, and quality of life (Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 45, 1315–1323).

Greater Success in Work and Love

According to research published by Fortune 100 company Procter and Gamble, an independent study revealed evidence that an aesthetically pleasing white smile can have a direct impact on the success of interpersonal interactions spanning from meeting new friends and potential love interests, to interviews for that new promotion or career.

The study demonstrated that your smile does have an impact on how others perceive you. The 3-part study, which simulated first dates and job interviews found that those with immaculate smiles and teeth health were:

• 58% more likely to be hired
• 53% more likely to be offered a higher initial salary offer
• 54% more likely to have a second date

According to Professor of Psychology at the University of California Berkeley, Dr. Dacher Keltner noted that “This study provides some of the first findings that speak to the powerful benefits of having a whiter smile.”

Further aspects of the study asked participants about the importance of personal appearance in general. The consensus was that a person’s appearance is an indication of their:

• Trustworthiness
• Financial Success
• Professional Success

As you can see, having a healthy white smile goes well beyond just the form and function of chewing food, having a significant impact on socioeconomic factors, relationships and more.

What Types of Dental Implants Are There?

There a number of variations available to explore in Beverly Hills. Which is best for your situation will be dependent on your unique situation and goals. Your dentist will help you make the best decision for your mouth.

Full Mouth Implants

As the name aptly suggests, “full mouth implants” replace all of your upper or lower teeth (or both). These are also sometimes referred to as “All on four” implants. All-on-4 implants involve the implanting of four posts in your mouth (two upper posts and two lower posts). These posts serve as the anchors upon which a full set of upper and lower teeth will be positioned. Full mouth implants are often the best option for those patients who may have lost a lot of bone due to resorption in the back of their jawline. The 4-post procedure means patients can avoid a single post implant per tooth, reducing costs, improving form and function, and expediting time to full recovery.

Multiple Implants

In cases where an individual may be missing multiple teeth, but otherwise has healthy gums and surrounding pearly whites, multiple individual implants may be indicated. This is often the case for those who participate in contact sports where tooth loss due to injury is common.

Single-Tooth Implant

Whether from periodontal disease, impact due to an accident, or other cause, presuming other teeth are healthy, a single implant is often the best option for replacement.

Types of Dental Implant Procedures Available at our Beverly Hills Dental Practice

Single Stage Dental Implants

Single stage procedures involve the implantation of a longer artificial root into the jaw. The exposed portion of the implant allows easy access after a couple month’s of healing has taken place, at which point an abutment and subsequent crown can be placed without the need to surgically break the skin again.

Two-Stage Dental Implants

This procedure, is generally a less popular option, involving two small surgeries. The first stage places the artificial root in the jaw bone. A few months later after healing and fusion with your jaw, your dentist will make a small incision to expose the implant and attach the abutment and crown.

Subperiosteal Dental Implants

Subperiosteal dental implants are often the preferred type for those individuals who may be suffering from bone loss in their jaw. Unlike traditional implants (which go into the bone), subperiosteal versions are positioned under a thin layer of tissue that exists between the bone and gums, known as the periosteum. According to the Journal of Otolaryngology and Rhinology, Subperiosteal procedures have a failure rate of up to 30-50%, which is why they are rarely employed unless absolutely necessary.

Endosseous Implant

Also known as Endosteal implants, these represent the most common types of dental implants performed in modern dentistry. This type of procedure involves the placement of an artificial root/post directly into the maxilla or mandible (jawbone). Generally, the procedure takes a 2-stage approach in which the post is implanted, allowed to heal, then an abutment and crown placed at a later date once the post has fused with the bone.

Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Although only a qualified dentist can determine whether or not you’ll be a good candidate, the following represents general information about ideal candidates for the procedure.

Generally speaking, the candidate should have good oral and general health with adequate bone structure in the jaw necessary to support the implant itself. Healthy gum tissue free from gum disease/periodontal disease is also important.

Anyone in good health and capable of undergoing basic dental treatments may be good candidates for dental extractions and/or oral surgery necessary for the procedure.

Good Candidates Include:

• Those who have lost teeth due to accidents/injury
• Those who have had teeth knocked out due to sports
• Those who have lost or damaged teeth from health conditions/medications
• Those who are part of the aging population and have lost teeth due to the natural aging process.
• Those with teeth damaged beyond other repair options

Those who may NOT be good candidates include individuals that:

• Are heavy smokers
• Are Diabetics
• Have certain chronic illnesses or conditions
• Have heart disease
• Have undergone or are undergoing radiation therapy
• Are under the age of 16 (due to continued jaw growth)
• Have a history of psychosis
• Have trouble controlling alcohol use

Every individual and situation is unique. The best way to determine if you’re a good candidate is to schedule an appointment with your dentist or dental surgeon who will be able to evaluate the condition of your teeth, jaw, gums and more.

How Long Will a Dental Implant Last?

Nothing lasts forever, not even dental implants. However, with the proper care and maintenance, they can last the rest of your lifetime. Remember, these are designed to be a permanent solution to tooth loss, and a procedure (under normal circumstances) that you should not need to have repeated.

Typically, dental implants should last for around 25 years or longer. Their longevity, however, can be impacted by a number of factors we’ll explore below.

Factors Impacting the Lifespan of Dental Implants for Our Beverly Hills Patients

Oral Practices and Hygiene

Similar to your own natural pearly whites, artificial teeth also require regular, routine upkeep in order to preserve their integrity and prevent damage. Most dentists recommend brushing and flossing twice daily (or after meals), as well as making sure you have an annual/bi-annual dental appointment for regular inspections and cleaning.

Habits and Activities

There are certain habits and activities that can put your newly minted pearly whites at risk of damage or early failure. For example, biting down on hard objects or participating in impact sports.

Your Dentist

How experienced your dentist is with the procedure can have a significant impact on the end result. This is why it is so important to do your research and to make sure your procedure is handled by an experienced and well-trained dentist with a track record of successful patient outcomes.

Implant Location

The location of your implant can have a notable impact on its longevity. Similar to your natural teeth, certain locations in your mouth may be prone to additional mechanical stress as you eat/chew, or prone to lesser upkeep/care (perhaps those in the back of your mouth that are hard to reach).

Lifestyle Choices

Certain lifestyle habits can degrade both natural and artificial teeth, as well as decrease gum health. For example, regular tobacco and alcohol use and drinking or eating acidic foods may reduce the lifespan of your implant(s).

What Happens Before, During and After Dental Implant Surgery?

Quick Overview / Summary

The procedure is an outpatient procedure usually performed over several visits allowing for healing between stages.

Steps Generally Involve:

• Removal/extraction of the damaged or decaying tooth/teeth
• Preparation of the jawbone (including grafting when necessary)
• Implanting of the post/artificial root
• The fusion of the jawbone with posts and healing
• Placement of the abutment on posts
• Attaching the artificial crown to the post

Consultation and Planning

Everything begins with a thorough consultation and evaluation. During this stage, your dental surgeon will visually inspect and examine the proposed site the potential implant will be placed. They will take and/or look at x-rays and other diagnostics such as a panoramic film or CT scans of your teeth and jaw. This will allow your dental surgeon to assess the quality and density of jawbone and to determine if a bone graft is necessary prior to implantation.

Oral Surgery

Your first oral surgery appointment will involve local anesthetic to numb the surgical area. Other sedatives to aid with reducing anxiety and improving comfort may also be employed based on previous discussions with your dentist. This first stage (for many patients) involves the extraction/removal of an existing damaged tooth.

Bone Grafts

If a bone graft is necessary, which is often the case, an “alveolar bone graft” or “onlay” bone graft will be performed. This involves packing the area where the implant will be placed with cadaver or synthetic bone granules. The area is then left to heal for around 2-6 months or as needed. If the implant is destined for the upper jaw (maxilla) positioned towards the back, there is a risk of there being little available bone to work with given the proximity of the sinus cavity. In such cases, a “sinus lift” may be required. In this procedure, the sinus is augmented to raise the sinus floor, making room for additional bone mass necessary to support the implant.

No Bone Graft Needed

In cases where no bone loss is present and ample jawbone is available, the extraction and implant of the post may take place during the same appointment. During this appointment, a special drill is used to create the opening the post will be screwed into. A “healing cap” is then positioned over the post and the gum stitched up allowing for healing and fusing of the post to the jawbone to take place. Healing generally takes two to six months. Regular follow up appointments should be scheduled to ensure proper healing and lack of infection.

Determination of Successful Bone Fusion

Once healed your dentist will evaluate the post to ensure it has properly fused with your jawbone. At this time an abutment can be attached to the post.

Mold / Impression

Once the abutment is in place your dentist can take an impression of your mouth in order to have the crown custom-fitted for your mouth.

Crown Placement

Once made, the crown will be affixed to the abutment via a screw.

Is the Surgery Painful?

This is a common concern amongst Beverly Hills residents looking into their options. The procedure is performed under local anesthetic, with additional anesthesia or sedatives employed as needed. As such, patients should not experience any pain or discomfort during the procedure.

Once the local anesthetic has subsided, post-procedure the patient will likely experience some discomfort, swelling, tenderness and some degree of pain. The extent of discomfort and pain varies based on each individual, with some patients needing nothing more than and OTC pain killer to stay comfortable.

Post-surgery it is often recommended that a cool ice pack be placed over the area to aid with comfort and control swelling. For those more sensitive to pain, or for those who require a more invasive surgery, prescription medication, as well as additional recovery time, may be necessary.

Can a Dental Implant Fail to Take?

According to WebMD, research shows that dental implants have an incredible 98% success rate. An impressive statistic considering over 500,000 of these procedures are performed in the US annually.

That said, there are certain circumstances or factors that can contribute to the possibility of a dental implant failing prematurely.

Medical Conditions and Medications

Certain medical conditions are known to cause issues that may adversely impact implants in a number of ways. Notably, cancer, diabetes, and gum disease all put the patient at a higher risk of failure.

Poor Oral Hygiene

As mentioned previously, poor oral hygiene can also lead to premature failure. Always follow your dentist’s recommendations on upkeep and maintenance.

Physical Trauma

Physical trauma from sports or accidents can break crowns, crack or chip teeth, or even knock an implant loose from its anchor in your jawbone.

How Much Does a Dental Implant Cost in Beverly Hills?

Dental Implant Cost Beverly Hills

Before we dig into exact costs, it is important to note that not all dental implants will cost the same. There are a wide range of factors that can (and often do) influence the end cost to the patient. Let’s cover those factors first.

Factors that can Impact the Cost

• Where you live. Oddly as it may seem, the state and even the county you live in may impact the cost of your procedure. For example, factors such as higher overhead for rent in upper scale areas, or even dental malpractice insurance rates in a state can impact overall costs passed down to patients.

• The Number of Implants Needed. Although each additional implant necessary will increase the overall cost, your dentist may provide bulk/multi-implant discounts.

• Materials Used. As previously mentioned, implants are made from a number of materials such as titanium alloys and zirconium. The materials of your post, abutment, and crown may impact pricing, so be sure to discuss options and the pros and cons of each with your dentist.

• Additional Procedures / Care / Prep. Additional care or treatment needed prior to the actual procedure can increase final costs. For example, tooth extractions or additional imaging.

• Dentist / Dental Practice. Every dentist and/or dental office will have varying prices based on their overhead, experience, and other factors.

The Costs of Single Implants

According to the New York Times, the price range for a single dental implant can vary between $3,000 – $4500 on average. However, expect to see variances from this ranging from around $3,000 all the way up to $6,700. These estimates take into consideration the cost of the entire procedure including dental surgery, implantation of the post, all necessary components and the crown. These numbers also do not take into consideration any applicable insurance, discounts or other benefits that may be applied.

The Costs of Whole Mouth Implants

According to the same NYT publication cited above, the cost a patient could expect for whole mouth dental implants can range from $20,000 – $45,000. This range includes both partial and total replacements.

Why They Cost so Much and Why it is Still Worth It

The procedure involves a number of dental professionals, multiple sessions, and a myriad of tools, exams, diagnostics, molds and more in order to carry out. Although some dental plans cover partial costs (more on this and other benefits later), most patients end up footing the bill on their own.

Basic Breakdown of Requirements that Add to the Cost Calculation:

• Consultation – This appointment usually involves a standard checkup, routine examination of your mouth, x-rays, and diagnostic evaluation of your jawbone, teeth, and gums in order to determine if you’ll be an ideal candidate for the procedure.

• Impression – Your dentist will take an impression/mold of your bite in order to begin the process of fabricating a perfectly fitting set of implants.

• Surgical Insertion of Root/Post – This is the minor surgery, during which a hole is drilled into your jawbone and the post screwed into place. A temporary tooth/crown is often provided until the post has healed and your permanent crown is ready.

• Placement of Abutment – Once your gums have healed your abutment will be placed, upon which your crown will be attached.

• Permanent Crown – Finally, your permanent crown will be attached to the abutment.

Why Dental Implants are Often the More Cost-Effective Option

Despite the high costs of dental implants, they are often still a very worthwhile option for many patients. Aside from the benefits already mentioned in this guide further above, implants represent a lifelong investment into your health, quality of life and general well-being. Not to mention that other alternative treatments often end up requiring further dental work and upkeep, offsetting the potential cost of an implant as the better option.

Example:

In the event that you lose a single tooth, you may opt for a bridge. Bridges for a single tooth have price points very similar to a single implant. However, your dentist will often grind down both adjacent teeth in order to create a more secure structure. These “ground down” teeth then become more susceptible themselves to damage and decay, with a higher chance they will require a root canal in the future. Root canals, as you may or may not know, are also not inexpensive. According to Nerd Wallet, a root canal can cost between $619-$1369 averaging around $700-$900 per tooth.

In the above example, you almost would have broken even on the cost of an implant vs. the bridge in the first place, with the added risk of needing up to two additional root canals ranging from $700-$900 each in the future.

Further, there are associated upkeep costs to contend with in regards to a bridge. For example, a study paid for by Washington Dental Service (one of the largest dental insurance carriers in the state of WA) found that spanning a 5-year period the maintenance costs of a bridge was higher than that of an implant.

Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Dental Implants?

Dental Insurance Benefits

Although some dental insurance plans will cover part of the cost of an implant, many do not, while others will only aid in paying out benefits for the crown portion of the treatment.

In most instances, dental implants are considered to be an “elective” cosmetic procedure and thus not covered. Even when covered dental insurance is quite limited, generally only offering around $1500 per year in benefits.

Questions regarding coverage should always be directed towards your insurance company for official and accurate guidance on the options you have for your particular plan.

That’s the “bad” news. The “good” news is that you do have other options to assist with coverage and payment.

Cost Savings Plans

Dental savings plans (not insurance) are a potential and affordable alternative to dental insurance. In some instances, you may even be able to combine the cost savings of a dental savings plan with insurance to reap even greater benefits.

These plans generally have no limit to their use and offer savings based on a schedule that ranges from 10-60% in many cases. They usually have no restrictions on treatments, frequency or existing conditions and can be used immediately with no waiting period once signed up. One word of caution though: make sure your dentist is part of the “savings network” before signing up.

Financing and Payment Plans

Given that we know dental implants will (in the long run) generally cost you less than other options, it may make sense to make the investment even if that is largely “out of pocket”. For many patients, financing is their best bet. Many dentists and dental offices have in-house or other available financing solutions to cover costs. Others offer “installment plans” putting you on a monthly re-payment schedule.

Dental Implant Problems

What are the Potential Complications of Dental Implants?

As previously mentioned, around 95% of all dental implant surgeries are successful, but that doesn’t mean the procedure is without risk. Any surgery poses a certain degree of risk, even if complications are rare.

Risks Associated with Dental Implants Include:

• Localized infection at the site of the implant
• Systemic infection
• Damage or injury to surrounding tissue
• Nerve damage
• Chronic pain, tingling or numbness
• Issues with sinus cavities
• Allergic reaction to medications or materials

Dental implants also put the patient at risk for a condition known as “peri-implantitis”. This condition is similar in symptoms to that of periodontal disease of the gums.

Dental Implants Aftercare

What Type of Follow-Up Care is Necessary?

Proper follow-up and aftercare will ensure the implant heals properly and that your teeth and gums remain healthy. Good oral hygiene and regular brushing and flossing as advised by your dentist should be carefully followed.

Follow-up visits will include inspection of the area for infection and bite force, as well as expertly cleaning of the artificial tooth and surrounding tissues.

In the event that there is an infection, or if you are at high risk for infection or infection-related complications, an antibiotic may be prescribed before or after the procedure.

What Types of Dentists Specialize in Implants?

Beverly Hills Implant Dentist

Any licensed dentist is capable of providing dental implants, provided that the procedure is in the best interest of the patient and follows the prescribed standard of care.

However, that does not mean that all dentists “should” be performing this surgery. Oral surgeons (oral maxillofacial surgeons) are highly trained specialists within the dental field who deal specifically with the treatment of hard and soft tissue defects, injuries, trauma, or diseases, including but not limited to surgeries of the jaw and teeth. Periodontists are also often a good fit for dental implant procedures, having specialized training and experience in treating the gums, jawbone, teeth and surrounding structures and tissues.

Post procedure, once the implant has taken hold and healed, attaching of the crown is generally carried out by a prosthodontist or general dentist.

Implant Dentistry Beverly Hills – Closing Thoughts

Dental implants are a widely carried out procedure capable of helping individuals young and old restore the natural look, feel and appearance of their smile. They can restore form and function while improving oral health and hygiene as well as improve the self-confidence of the patient.

Although dental implants represent a significant investment in your health and well-being, research shows that in the long run they are actually more cost-effective than other alternative options such as bridges.

If you or a loved one find yourself searching for “dental implants near me”, give our office a call or drop us a message to learn more about how we can help. Our team of highly experienced dental professionals has helped countless patients in and around the greater Beverly Hills area get back the smile they deserve and pearly whites they can be proud of.

Our family-friendly office atmosphere and compassionate care team will make sure you’re comfortable at every step of the process. We always take time to answer any questions you have and to make sure you have all of the information needed to make an informed decision.

With decades of experience and an ever-growing list of satisfied and smiling patients, you can’t go wrong when choosing our team for all of your dental needs.