Drs. Thomas Rolfes, Christina Do, and Timothy Rolfes are a team of dental professionals with decades of combined dental experience. They provide patients in the Costa Mesa, CA area with solutions that can be used to enhance their smiles. One treatment option that patients often want to learn all about is dental implants.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are tooth root replacements made of titanium. These restorations are often used in situations when patients have lost one or more teeth within the smile. Dental implants are one of the most popular options because they provide the best stability and strength when compared to alternatives. Dental implants are placed into the jawbone during oral surgery to achieve a stable foundation. We encourage patients in the Costa Mesa, CA area to ask their dentist if they are a good candidate for this restorative solution.

How does a dental implant work?

Dental implants are replacements for the natural tooth roots. they are made of titanium and are biocompatible and safe to integrate into the mouth. The dentist will place the implant into the bone during oral surgery, allowing the bone to fuse to the implant through a process called osseointegration. Osseointegration is what keeps the implant firmly in place within the jawbone, ensuring optimum strength and stability. Once this occurs, the implant can be restored in a variety of ways. Our dentists may restore implants with:

• Dental crowns – dental crowns are used over dental implants when patients need to replace a single tooth. The dental crown is fabricated to look just like the existing teeth regarding shape, size, and color, and is placed over the abutment of the implant. This restores the appearance and function of the smile when one tooth is missing.
• Dental bridges – dental bridges are restorations that require teeth on each side of the gap. They are used in replacing one or more teeth within the dental arch. Without adjacent teeth for support, patients will need to have dental implant placed to anchor the bridge in place.
• Dentures – when patients have lost all their teeth, they may consider the placement of dental implants to stabilize full dentures. Several implants are placed along the dental arch, typically four, and full dentures. are made to attach to them This locks them in place and ensures patients have optimum strength in their dentures to enjoy all their favorite foods!

Who is a candidate for the placement of a dental implant?

Before patients have a dental implant placed, they must undergo an initial examination to determine candidacy. Not everyone is a candidate for the placement of a dental implant. Dental implants require adequate bone structure for implant placement to be successful. Without this, the process will be unsuccessful. This is costly and detrimental for patients. Instead, patients should undergo a series of x-rays to check the bone to determine if a dental implant can be placed. Without enough bone, patients will be unable to achieve the smile they want. Instead, patients will want to consider alternatives, or ask our team of professionals about bone grafting to prepare the area for the placement of a dental implant.

How long does it take to place a dental implant?

Because of the process of osseointegration that must occur, the entire procedure can take a few months from start to finish. However, patients are often very satisfied with the results and are excited that they were able to achieve a natural-looking smile using these restorations available at Smiles4OC in Costa Mesa, CA.

When might a patient consider a dental implant?

Patients who are missing teeth will want to work with their dentist right away to find a solution for replacement. Missing teeth can cause bone loss and allow the existing teeth to shift out of place. This can cause further issues if left untreated. Instead, as soon as a tooth is missing, they should work with our professionals to determine the best options. Patients often consider dental implants when they want a standalone restoration that is strong, durable, and permanent. Although more costly, dental implants provide decades of repair that is unsurpassed by any other option available in dentistry today.

How long will a dental implant last?

Dental implants are popular because, with proper care and maintenance by a quality dental team, most patients can enjoy their dental implants for the rest of their lives. Dental implants have a solid foundation in the smile with the jawbone, and this ensures that they can stay in place for many years. The primary concern with dental implants is the loss of bone, which can occur with periodontitis. Patients who have dental implants will want to ensure they do not experience bone loss, which can cause a dental implant to become loose or fall out. Our professionals will evaluate patients at routine visits with x-rays to monitor their oral health and protect the placement of dental implants and other restorations within the smile.

Does a dental implant look natural?

Because a dental implant is restored over the top with a cosmetic restoration such as a dental crown, dental bridge, or a denture, the implant itself is not seen by others. The quality of the restoration placed over the dental implant is what matters in terms of aesthetics. At Smiles4OC, we use high quality dental ceramists who can provide restorations that match the existing smile to ensure natural integration. Our dentists send out specific information regarding the shape, size, and color of the new repair to match the rest of the teeth seamlessly. This attention to detail is what sets Smiles4OC apart from the competition in Costa Mesa, California.

How to care for a dental implant

Because a dental implant functions just like a natural tooth, it can be cared for like one as well. Drs. Thomas Rolfes, Christina Do, and Timothy Rolfes encourage patients to care for their implant in the same way, with routine brushing and flossing. Additionally, because dental implants are still susceptible to damage and loss due to shrinking bone, it is important for dental implant patients to have regular check-ups in the office to monitor f the implant. Professionals can ensure that the dental implantation remains successful with continued evaluations. Therefore, it is important for patients to book dental visits every six months for cleanings and examinations. Patients who are proactive about their dental health and wellness are less likely to deal with debilitating issues such as tooth decay and periodontal disease.

Screening for dental implants

Prior to choosing dental implants, patients must be screened during an initial evaluation appointment with our team of professionals. X-rays are taken to check the amount of bone available for placement while also checking the overall health of the smile. If patients are suffering from decay or periodontal disease, they may need to address these issues prior to moving forward with the placement of dental implants. We welcome patients in our practice to work with our team to determine candidacy and ask questions about the advantages of dental implants.

Why choose Smiles4OC?

Treatment for missing teeth can be achieved by working with Drs. Thomas Rolfes, Christina Do, or Timothy Rolfes of Smiles4OC. Our professionals have years of experience in offering general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry solutions, including the placement and restoration of dental implants. We encourage patients to consider our Costa Mesa, CA area practice for quality care and to work with a practice that wants only the best for patients in the community. Our practice offers some of the most state-of-the-art equipment to ensure patients enjoy the best dentistry has to offer.

Are you considering dental implants?

Drs. Thomas Rolfes, Christina Do, and Timothy Rolfes of Smiles4OC in Costa Mesa, CA are dentists dedicated to helping patients achieve the smile they’ve always wanted. If you are faced with issues caused by tooth loss, we welcome you into our practice to discuss the benefits of placing dental implants and other repairs with our team. We are conveniently located at 1530 Baker Street, Suite J, and are readily available to assist with a variety of solutions for each individual situation. Call our office at (714) 557-0700 to set up your consultation appointment with our staff to decide if dental implants are appropriate for your specific needs. New patients and families are welcome into our practice for comprehensive general, cosmetic, and restorative dental care.

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