San Juan Capistrano's guide to dental implants: Recovery time, cost, and more

Dental implants are considered the best tooth replacement option for the vast majority of patients. Dr. Alex Basti and Dr. Nina Basti are proud to provide this service for residents of Mission Viejo, San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Niguel, and other nearby communities.

What are implants?
You probably envision replacement teeth when you think of dental implants. Actually, they are replacement roots. There are several styles, with root-form implants being the most popular. They are small cylinders, made of a biocompatible material, usually titanium. They are sized and shaped similar to natural tooth roots, and they serve the same function.

The procedure
Dental implants are placed in a very gentle oral surgery. The area is numbed completely beforehand, so you are comfortable throughout the process. A tiny incision is made in the gum, and the implant is carefully inserted into the jawbone. Some patients experience minor soreness for a few days following the surgery. Most compare the procedure to having a tooth extracted.

Your new teeth
The bone tissue in your jaw gradually adapts to the implant, and fuses with it. Within a few months, the implant should be firmly integrated with the bone. At this time, the final restoration is placed. Dental implants can be topped with crowns to replace individual teeth, or bridges to replace several teeth. For patients missing all of their teeth, denture plates can be fitted with attachments that snap over implants.

Costs
The upfront cost of implant-supported restorations is higher than that of traditional bridges or dentures. However, those appliances typically need to be replaced after a period of years, whereas implants can last a lifetime. This makes implants the most cost-effective solution in the long-term.

Appearance
Drs. Basti are known for their exquisite cosmetic work. They design dental implants with the same artistic flair, attention to detail, and quality materials as they use for strictly cosmetic procedures. The result is simply stunning. No one would ever guess that your beautiful new tooth or teeth are not natural. If you are looking for the best way to fill the gap in your smile, call 949-427-2096 and schedule a consultation today.