Tag Archives: dental implants

Man running representing older patient with dental implants look real

Do Dental Implants Look Real?

Implants are a popular choice for restorative dentistry. Implants can be a great option for people who have lost or damaged teeth and are having difficulty chewing, breathing, or even smiling. And, implants give patients a chance to live a normal, comfortable life. But do dental implants look real?

Do Dental Implants Look Real?

But a lot of patients want to know: How do implants work? Do dental implants look real enough to pass off as real teeth? Do they feel good, too? If there’s one thing our dentist in downtown Los Angeles knows, it’s that dental implants should be built to last a lifetime. High-quality implants can look and feel just like real teeth. If you want to improve the functionality and health of your smile, read on!

How Dental Implants Work

Implants can serve as a permanent fixture in your mouth and act just like natural teeth. They should feel and act almost identical to your natural teeth over time. To ensure they last long, it is important to understand how they function in the first place. Dentists typically follow these steps to determine how many implants you need and how the procedure will take place:

  • Your dentist will determine how many teeth should end up replaced by dental implants.
  • Your dentist will surgically attach posts on your jawbone that will attach to the implants later.
  • The posts will fuse to your bone as you heal and provide permanent security for the implants.
  • The posts will hold your dental implants. They will look and feel just like your natural teeth.

Once your implants are removed, your permanent dentures will become more comfortable in your mouth. They will become your natural teeth over time and you will feel normal again.

Your Candidacy for Implants

For more information on whether you are a suitable candidate for a dental implant, schedule a consultation with your dentist. The dentist will examine your teeth to determine if they have damage or missing parts. This will allow them to determine the type of restorative dentistry treatment that best suits you. Candidates typically exist in good general health with one or more missing teeth needing replacement by implants. If you are dealing with bone loss in your jaw, you may not be a suitable candidate for this procedure.

Custom Made for Your Smile

A prosthetic crown is the visible portion of a dental implant. It attaches to an implant’s surface called an abutment. Crowns are made of a composite material, which is custom-made to match the color and shade of the tooth enamel. This is what makes it look just like a real tooth. Your dentist can also mold, sand, and shape crowns to match the shape of the tooth they are replacing. Implants look and function just like normal teeth.

The benefits of implants are not limited to aesthetics. The jawbone will ultimately fuse with the titanium elements of the implant. This integration stimulates the healthy gum tissue and jaw growth. It also prevents jaw and gum recession which can lead to serious problems for not only the area surrounding the missing tooth but for the entire arch. Not to mention, you’ll be able to chew and smile again like new!

Dental Implants are a Lifetime Benefit!

We at Samaritan Dental Arts understand how important it is to maintain your dental health. You won’t enjoy many of the everyday activities that you can do if your smile isn’t healthy enough. Implants can give you a second lease on life, extending your comfort and well-being for many years to come. Contact us now to find out more about the best dental implants in downtown Los Angeles and to schedule a consultation immediately!

three dental implants on blue background.

Can Dental Implants Fall Off?

Whether you are new to dental implants or have been wearing them for a while, you may be nervous about the idea that your dental implants can fall off. Every so often, patients experience a damaged or improperly installed implant that can cause it to fall out of the mouth. This doesn’t mean that dental implants are bad for you, but it may warrant an urgent correction at Samaritan Dental Arts in DTLA.

Can Dental Implants Fall Off?

Our dental experts can help answer the question, “Can dental implants fall off?” It’s important to know that a functional dental implant should never fall out. Signs of damage or disrepair may be due to poor installation. Read more to learn what you can do if you end up in any of these situations.

Implant Installation

Proper dental implants are made to fit perfectly in your mouth. When you visit with your dentist before getting the implants put in, you will make a mold of your mouth so the device can be made just for you. Implants are supposed to perfectly match the structure of your mouth and teeth; with the right fit, they should fit well and require very little maintenance.

If you are experiencing any issues with the structure or installation of your device, you should reach out to your dentist right away. Implants are not supposed to fall out for any reason other than improper installation. It is important to address this issue right away if you notice that your implants are loose or ill-fitting.

Signs of Improper Implant Installation

Although getting loose or falling out is not one of the most common problems with dental implants, it is something serious that needs to be taken care of right away should it occur. You may feel that your device is physically loosening, and you may be able to pinpoint the exact area of your mouth where the problem is happening. You may also discover symptoms such as:

  • Bone loss in the teeth or jaws
  • Bleeding when you touch your implant
  • Discoloration or swelling around the implant
  • Infection
  • Pain on and around the area

When you notice any of the above symptoms, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your dentist. This is especially true if the symptoms persist for a long period of time. You may be able to save your implant – and restore good health to your mouth – if you act quickly.

When Your Implant Falls Out…

If you cannot reach the dentist right away or the damage is too great and your dental implant falls out, you should visit your dentist and your doctor right away. Not only might you be faced with a costly implant repair, but the loss of your implant could have severe medical repercussions as well. Again, it is important to fix your dental implant right away.

Get in touch with your dentist ASAP and try to save the parts of your implant that fell out of your mouth. Try not to use that side of your mouth until you receive emergency treatment. While your mouth heals, you may want to rinse it with a mouthwash without alcohol. Maintaining your dental health is the most important part of the process. An untreated implant issue could lead to internal infection, resulting in death.

Get the Best Dental Implant Treatment Today

Samaritan Dental Arts offers advanced, top-rated dental implants in Downtown Los Angeles. If you are suffering from an ill-fitting implant, or you have suffered damage that caused your implant to loosen, contact us for immediate repair. It is important to maintain good dental health, and having lasting implants can make a huge difference. Get in touch with us today to talk about your personal oral health plan.