Implant Dentistry FAQs

The greatest innovation in dentistry in the last twenty years is the development of the titanium root form implant.
This artificial root, invented by an orthopedic surgeon in Sweden, Dr. Branemark, and released to the profession in 1985, allows specially trained dentists to place permanent teeth where there once were none. This eliminates the need for dentures, partials, and bridges.

In 1986, Dr. Alan Stein of Northridge, California was trained in these procedures at the prestigious Center for Tissue Integrated Prosthesis in Spokane, Washington, making him one of the first dentists in Los Angeles and one of the first 700 dentists in the world to perform these procedures. He has lectured on and has been in the forefront of implant dentistry for over twenty years. To learn more on Northridge Implant Dentistry contact us today.

What are they and how do they work?

Implants are much like artificial tooth roots, except they are made of a specific metal, titanium. When placed, bone and bone cells will grow right against the material and “fuse” with it. The body does not reject the material nor recognize it as “foreign.” Titanium is also the only material that can support biting forces when placed in the mouth.

Dr. Stein uses titanium alloy exclusively for all his implants. This material is superior to surgical stainless steel – which, although it has been used in medicine for years for pins and artificial joints, is only tolerated by the body. The body does not fuse with it, but instead creates a fibrous capsule around the steel.

Implants also prevent the gradual loss of bone material in the jaw that occurs over time with the use of dentures. For more information on Implant Dentistry in Northridge contact us today.

Are all implants successful?

The success rate of implants is very high, however there are several variables to consider before placing an implant. First the patient must be healthy and have adequate healing powers. Uncontrolled diabetics generally have poor healing, poor immune systems, are prone to infections and hence their illness may compromise the long-term future of the implant. Second, a proper diagnosis and treatment plan must be selected for the individual patient. Third, proper home care and regular maintenance is essential for long-term success. Heavy smoking or excessive alcohol consumption could impair the health of the gums and the implant. To learn if dental implants are for you contact our dental practice in Northridge today.

Will implants last a lifetime?

There are some implants, which have been in the mouth for over thirty years. The dentists understanding of how placement, design, bone physiology and engineering of the prosthetics affects the long term prognosis, and the overall advancement in education of the many dentists placing implants, means we will probably see many more implants lasting an increasing longer period of time. However, thirty years is still not the average. In many cases your own teeth do not last thirty years. Your health and maintenance is extremely important in determining how long an implant will last. In the final analysis, whether they last a lifetime depends on how long you live and at what age you are when implant(s) are placed. Depending on the situation the success rate of dental implants varies between 85% and 95%. The patient’s health, implant maintenance and home care are extremely important in determining how long an implant will last. In the final analysis, whether they last a lifetime depends on how long you live and at what age you are when implant(s) are placed and your general health. To learn if dental implants are for you contact our dental practice in Northridge today.

Is age a deterrent?

Anyone from 16 to over 80 years old can benefit from implants, as health is really the determining factor. In fact, many people 70 and 80 years of age are better candidates than someone years younger who has physical complications.

But no matter what your age, the bottom line is that eating comfortably is critical to enjoying life.

For older patients, dental implants allow them to do away with dentures, and chew food such as meat and raw vegetables again, helping them maintain their quality of life. As well, older individuals are more likely to need implants because they usually have lost more teeth and supporting ridges. Digestion and absorption of essential nutrients from food can then become impaired and the need to be able to eat all types of nutritious foods becomes even more important. To learn if dental implants are for you contact our dental practice in Northridge today.

Types of teeth

Implants can be used to replace one to several teeth. When replacing single teeth, they can be made to resemble a real tooth. Implants can be used for full arches, to fabricate permanent non-removable teeth, or they can be made to hold and secure removable teeth. The number of implants required depends on the number of teeth (or tooth roots) they are replacing, and the type of teeth that are being placed on top of the implants. See the section on implant treatment options for the different ways implants are being used to replace teeth. To learn if you are a candidate for dental implants contact our office in Northridge today.

Is there a guarantee?

No, medical treatments cannot be guaranteed. However, if an implant is placed and fails to integrate, most surgeons will replace it at no cost to you.

If an implant is placed and fails to integrate, we will replace it at no cost to you. This is an extremely rare occurrence in his office; however, should it happen, we will determine and correct the problem and replace the implant.

Once integrated, the success depends partly on the design of the prosthetics and loading, and we will treatment plan accordingly. Success also depends on your long-term care and maintenance of your teeth. For more information on Implant Dentistry in Northridge contact us today.

Will there be discomfort?

Just as with any surgery there will be some discomfort the first few days following surgery. This is usually minimal to moderate, similar to having a tooth removed, and for the majority of his patients it is easily controlled with non-narcotic medications such as ibuprofen or Tylenol. However, we are not all alike and you will be provided with alternative medications should it be necessary. During the procedure there will not be any discomfort as the combination of local anesthetics and sedation will keep you comfortable. For more information on Implant Dentistry in Northridge contact us today.

How much time does it take?
This also depends on the complexity of the treatment. Individual procedures are completed from thirty minutes to several hours. The total treatment time can vary from four months to two years. To set-up a consultation on Implant Dentistry contact our dental office in Northridge.

Will I be without teeth?

No, in most cases you will never be without teeth. There are rare situations when a patient will be without teeth for up to two weeks. If this applies to you, it will be discussed with you before treatment starts

If you need a longer healing process until your final implants are completed, you may be without teeth for a few weeks or months. If this is the case, we can often make you a temporary implant that can support fixed or non-moveable teeth.

Also, in some cases where patients have dentures, we ask them to wear them as minimally as possible for the first few days to one week following surgery. To learn if dental implants are for you contact our dental office in Northridge today.

How long will I be off work?

Generally we recommend the day of surgery plus one to three days for recovery. For simple procedures you may be able to return to work the next day, and more complex procedures may require a longer recovery time. In all cases, we do not recommend any exercise or strenuous physical activity for at least three to seven days following surgery. To set-up a consultation on Implant Dentistry contact our dental office in Northridge.