DENTAL IMPLANTS
[ Dental Implants ] [ Sinus Augmentation ]

Dental implants have come a long way over the years in both technique and appearance. Dental implants, while one of the greatest advancements in dentistry, need to be administered by a skilled and qualified surgeon if it's to be a safe, predictable and painless procedure. Learn how to choose the right surgeon.  

Dental Implants - the natural choice!
The most common and successful form of dental implants available today are "root form" dental implants, which go beyond basic tooth replacement and essentially replace the root of a tooth as well.

Natural tooth roots, which are embedded in the bone, basically hold the bone in place and help support the teeth.

When teeth are missing, the bone that previously supported those teeth melts away, or deteriorates. Without dental implants, the eventual impact of this can include collapsed facial profiles, lost lip support, increased wrinkles around the mouth and the appearance of a pointed nose and chin that are too close together.


The Miracle of Dental Implants
With dental implant surgery, the bone can be preserved by replacing missing tooth roots with the dental implants. Eventually, the bone will form a strong bond to the dental implants where they will serve the same functions as natural tooth roots.

Not only will this provide a strong foundation for biting and chewing, but the dental implants will also allow for the replacement of the entire missing tooth, which was never before possible. Thanks to years of progress and improved techniques, dental implants will look, feel and function like natural teeth if done properly.

Will My Dental Implants Be Done Properly?
This will often come down to the periodontist professional you rely on to do the work. Basically, you need to consider three different aspects before moving forward with dental implants.

1. The quality of the dental implant
The type (brand) and the quality of the dental implant used is extremely important for long term success. There are hundreds of dental implant manufacturers, but only a handful have a history of success. As your dental implant surgeon of choice, we only use proven performers so that you receive the very best dental implants. We don't use cheap or undocumented brands. After all, dental implants will be with you your entire life, shouldn't you have the very best in both care and dental implant materials?

2. The quality of the surgeon
In most states, any dentist can declare him or herself to be a dental implant specialist, even without proper training. In fact, a general dentist could attend a weekend course and be placing dental implants into a patient upon his or her return.

The last thing you need is an under qualified dental professional treating you with dental implants. When you choose Atlas Dental Care for your periodontal needs, you can rest assured knowing that Dr. Miles Madison is a well qualified and nationally recognized professional.

Aside from completing advanced post-graduate training in dental implant surgery, where advanced surgical skills are taught and honed, he and his entire staff are also skilled at handling complications should they arise.

It is also very important to know how many dental implant procedures your potential surgeon successfully completes on a weekly, monthly, or annual basis. Periodontal surgeons that only do a few dental implants each year may not be experienced and skilled enough to provide the level of treatment and ongoing care that you'll need.

3. The quality of follow up care
You need to know that your surgeon will be available to provide ongoing care after you receive your dental implants. With Atlas Dental Care and Dr. Miles Madison on your side, we'll see you through the procedure from start to finish and beyond.

Benefits of Dental Implants
There are numerous benefits to dental implants over conventional replacements or procedures, including:

Dental implants help preserve your jaw bone
The human jaw bone maintains its integrity through proper stimulation from the roots of the teeth. When a tooth is missing that portion of the jaw bone atrophies and wastes away. This is why denture wearers have the “sunken” appearance.

Dental implants help save the adjacent teeth
Traditional replacements like bridges, or partials permanently damage the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth space. Dental implants are independent of the neighboring teeth and will not damage your natural look.

Dental implants are a lifetime restoration
Properly placed and maintained dental implants will last you a lifetime. Crowns, bridges, and partials only have an average lifespan of 5 to 10 years.

Dental implants feel natural
Dental implants feel and function just like your own teeth. There are no restrictions on the types of food you can eat. Many find that they can return to eating the kinds of foods they've missed for years with dental implants.

Dental implants can give you an internal “facelift”
Because dental implants restore the health and the density of your jaw bones, and because your facial muscles can be used properly again most patients notice a visible tightening of their face, and can regain your youthful appearance.

For more on the benefits of dental implants, read "Dental Implant Benefits".

What's Involved with Dental Implant Procedures?

1. Initial Consultation
The first step is an examination and consultation. This usually involves x-rays and may include taking impressions for models of your teeth. If you have already lost a significant amount of bone, additional x-rays taken at another facility that specializes in this type of x-ray may also be recommended.
During the examination, we will be evaluating the area(s) of your mouth where teeth are missing, including the amount of bone available to support the placement of implants. we will also be evaluating the type of replacement teeth that will best meet your needs. A review of your health history will indicate whether there are any medical conditions that could prevent you from being a candidate for implant treatment.

2. Dental Implant Placement Procedure
The dental implants are placed in the bone using a gentle surgical technique. Depending upon the type of implant, it may or may not need to be placed completely under the gum tissue.
Following the implant placement procedure, the implants are left undisturbed for a period of 2-4 months so that the bone can grow around the implants to form a strong biological bond to them. During this bone "remodeling" phase, you will have some type of temporary replacement teeth, so that you never have to be without teeth during treatment.

3. Abutment Attachment Procedure
Following the appropriate bone remodeling period, a small connector post called an abutment is attached to each dental implant. The permanent replacement teeth will eventually be attached to the abutments.

4. Fabrication of Replacement Teeth
A series of appointments will be needed to take impressions of your teeth and the implant abutments; place temporary replacement teeth; select the appropriate shade for your replacement teeth and try them for proper fit. In between these appointments, the laboratory technician will fabricate your replacement teeth and the underlying structures that will be attached to the dental implants.

5. Completion of Dental Implants
Once the above phases are complete, then your new dental implants will be fixed to the abutment and you'll have a beautiful new set of teeth that look, feel and function just like the real thing.

6. Ongoing After Care
We'll continue to provide care throughout all phases of your dental implant procedures, even after it's completed so that you have the best experience possible. From pain management to maintenance or adjustments, our staff is dedicated to your satisfaction and long term care.

For more information or to set up an appointment, please contact us for a consultation.

Atlas Dental Care is proud to serve the local communities of :
El Monte, Rosemead, San Gabriel, Arcadia, Whittier, Baldwin Park,
Pico Rivera, Montebello, Alhambra, West Covina, Covina, Pasadena and Los Angeles.
California.