Advanced technology in Mission Viejo makes dental implants available for virtually anyone who is missing teeth

We all hope to keep our natural teeth strong and healthy for life. Although modern dentistry has greatly improved the odds of that happening, tooth loss remains an unfortunately common problem. When this happens, the most popular solution is an implant-supported restoration, which closely mimics natural teeth in appearance, function, strength, and comfort.

Dental implants are not actually replacement teeth; they are replacement roots. They are surgically placed in the jawbone, providing a level of stability and health benefits comparable to natural roots. They fully support the crown, bridge, or denture, so there is no alteration or excess stress to other teeth, and no concern about a loose or sloppy appliance. The technology has been refined and improved for decades, making implants available to virtually anyone missing one or more teeth.

Aside from overall good oral health, the most important consideration is the quality and quantity of bone tissue. This may be an issue for several reasons:

• Periodontal disease, the leading cause of adult tooth loss, can wreak havoc with the jawbone. Therefore, many people who lost their natural teeth to this condition also have damaged or insufficient bone tissue.
• When a tooth is lost or extracted, the bone in that area loses the vital stimulation of a tooth root. Unless a graft or implant is put in place promptly, the bone begins deteriorating. People who have been missing teeth for an extended period typically experience considerable bone damage.
• Every person is different, and certain people have naturally thin jawbones.
• Some diseases can cause bone loss.

In the early days of dental implants, these problems eliminated many patients as candidates. However, with modern technology, we now have a couple of excellent solutions.

• Bone grafting can be performed with natural or synthetic materials. It builds up the amount and strength of the bone, making it capable of supporting implants. Contrary to what you may be imagining, it is a comfortable procedure with rapid healing.
• We now have a wide variety of implant sizes and styles. Often, a small amount of bone tissue is sufficient if the ideal type of implant is chosen. Additionally, we have better surgical planning technology, making it possible for the surgeon to pinpoint the optimal implant location.

Call our Mission Viejo office at 949-427-2096 and schedule a consultation with Dr. Nina or Alex Basti to learn more about your best options.