Missing teeth can significantly impact your daily life, from the foods you enjoy to the confidence you feel when smiling. If you’re in the greater Oak Lawn area searching for a permanent solution to tooth loss, understanding your options is the first step toward reclaiming your smile and quality of life.
At Eco Friendly Dentistry, we provide advanced dental implant solutions for patients throughout Burbank and the surrounding communities. Our team combines cutting-edge technology with personalized care to restore function, health, and confidence through implant dentistry. We’re committed to helping you achieve lasting results in a welcoming, eco-conscious environment.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into your jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots. Once integrated with your bone, these posts support custom-made crowns, bridges, or dentures that look and function like natural teeth. Unlike traditional dentures or bridges, implants don’t rely on adjacent teeth for support, which helps preserve your remaining healthy teeth.
The implant process typically involves multiple appointments over several months. This allows your jawbone to heal and fuse with the implant in a process called osseointegration, creating a stable foundation for your restoration. According to research published in the Journal of Dental Research, dental implant prevalence among U.S. adults increased from 0.7% in 1999-2000 to 5.7% in 2015-2016, reflecting growing acceptance of this transformative treatment option.
Why Choose Dental Implants Over Other Options?
Preserves Jawbone Health
When you lose a tooth, the surrounding jawbone begins to deteriorate without the stimulation from chewing. Implants are the only tooth replacement option that stimulates your jawbone like natural teeth, preventing bone loss and maintaining your facial structure. This preservation of bone density sets implants apart from bridges and dentures.
Superior Stability and Comfort
Traditional dentures can slip while eating or speaking, causing embarrassment and discomfort. Dental implants anchor securely in your jawbone, eliminating movement and allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with complete confidence. You won’t need adhesives or worry about your teeth shifting at inconvenient moments.
Long-Term Durability
With proper care, dental implants can last decades or even a lifetime. While the crown may need replacement after 10-15 years due to normal wear, the implant itself typically remains stable indefinitely. This longevity makes implants a cost-effective investment when compared to other options that require frequent adjustments or replacements.
Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most adults with missing teeth can benefit from dental implants, but certain factors affect candidacy. You’ll need adequate jawbone density to support the implant, though bone grafting procedures can address insufficient bone volume. Good overall health is important, as certain conditions like uncontrolled diabetes can affect healing and integration.
Healthy gums are also essential for implant success. If you have active gum disease, we’ll address that condition before proceeding with implant placement. We’ll conduct a comprehensive evaluation including X-rays and possibly a CT scan to assess your bone structure and determine the best treatment approach for your unique situation.
The Dental Implant Process at Our Practice
Your implant journey begins with a detailed consultation where we examine your oral health, review your medical history, and discuss your goals. We’ll create a customized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and timeline. Digital imaging helps us precisely plan implant placement for optimal results.
During the surgical phase, we place the titanium post into your jawbone under local anesthesia. Many patients are surprised by how comfortable the procedure is. After placement, you’ll need several months for healing while osseointegration occurs. We may provide a temporary restoration during this period to maintain your appearance.
Once your implant has fully integrated, we’ll attach an abutment (connector piece) and take impressions for your custom crown. Your final restoration is carefully crafted to match your natural teeth in color, shape, and function. The result is a seamless addition to your smile that feels completely natural.
Caring for Your Dental Implants
Implant care resembles caring for natural teeth. Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, paying attention to where the crown meets the gumline. Daily flossing remains crucial for removing plaque and preventing peri-implantitis, an infection that can threaten implant stability. Special floss threaders or water flossers can make cleaning around implants easier.
Regular dental cleanings and exams allow us to monitor your implant health and address any concerns before they become serious. We’ll check the integrity of your restoration and the health of surrounding gum tissue. Most patients with implants should visit every six months, though we may recommend more frequent visits during the first year after placement.
Advanced Technology for Precision Results
Modern implant dentistry relies heavily on advanced technology for predictable outcomes. Computer-guided implant surgery uses 3D imaging to plan exact implant placement, reducing surgical time and improving accuracy. This technology minimizes trauma to surrounding tissues and often allows for faster healing.
Digital impressions replace messy traditional molds, creating highly accurate models for your custom restorations. These precise impressions ensure your crown fits perfectly and looks natural alongside your existing teeth. At our practice, we invest in the latest technology to provide you with the most comfortable, efficient treatment experience possible.
Restore Your Smile with Eco Friendly Dentistry
At Eco Friendly Dentistry, we understand that choosing dental implants represents a significant decision for your oral health and confidence. Our experienced team has helped countless Burbank-area patients reclaim their smiles through personalized implant solutions. We take pride in creating a comfortable, supportive environment where your questions are welcomed and your concerns are addressed.We offer comprehensive implant services from initial consultation through final restoration, ensuring continuity of care throughout your treatment. Our commitment to using environmentally conscious practices means you can feel good about choosing our office for your dental care. Contact our office today to schedule your implant consultation and take the first step toward a complete, confident smile.
