Are you considering dental implants in Van Nuys, CA?
Whether you have lost one tooth or many teeth, the fact of the matter is that missing teeth need to be taken care of before they lead to other problems. What follows one missing tooth that left untreated is a vicious circle that eventually leads to more missing teeth in the future.
Chewing is, of course, more difficult when you have teeth missing, but your self-confidence and desire to smile, speak, and laugh also suffer. The best answer for many people is to replace one or more missing teeth with dental implants.
A dental implant is a replacement tooth that holds a restoration, like a crown or a bridge. It is put into your jaw to take the place of one, many, or all missing tooth roots. Made of titanium, dental implants in Van Nuys, CA are so sturdy that when we attach your restoration tooth, the dental implant looks and feels completely natural. In fact, most patients feel as if they have their natural teeth back.
If you would like to schedule a dental implant exam, or if you have questions about dental implants in Van Nuys, contact our dental office today.
Meanwhile, see the frequently asked questions below to learn more about dental implants and tooth replacement.
Dental implants are made up of three components: (1) the post, which takes the place of the root of the tooth, (2) the abutment, which sits atop the post, and (3) the restoration, which is the crown of the implant and takes the place of the tooth.
It generally takes about four to six months after the implants are placed for the posts to fuse to your bone tissue and become strong replacement roots. This prolonged fusion is what makes the implants such a stable base for replacement teeth.
Although dental implants are an excellent option for many, some patients might not be good candidates. Those who smoke and are in poor general health, for example, may not be good candidates. Healthy gums and sufficient jawbone are necessary to support the implant. Fortunately, we have dentists right here in our Van Nuys office that can perform bone grafts!
When you come to The Dental Care Center, we will let you know whether or not you are a good candidate for dental implants in Van Nuys. If you are not, we will go over other tooth replacement options that might be better for you.
It’s also vital that good candidates must be committed to taking excellent care of their implants every day by brushing and flossing. With proper care, dental implants can often last a lifetime.
There are many advantages to using dental implants. If you are missing all your teeth, you’ll find that dental implants are completely secure; unlike dentures, they won’t move or slip. You’ll be able to eat all of the crunchy foods you desire. Chewing with dental implants is just like chewing with your natural teeth.
Another advantage to dental implants is that they prevent a condition called facial collapse, or osteoporosis of the jaw. When you lose your teeth, your body senses that the jawbone is no longer needed to hold your teeth in place. As a result, your body will resorb the unneeded jawbone. The jawbone will continue to shrink over the years, and your face will develop a sunken-in look, making you appear older. If you are wearing dentures during this time, you’ll find that your dentures will no longer fit properly. When implants are used to replace the roots of the teeth, however, the body will continue to send needed calcium and phosphorus to the jawbone, keeping it from shrinking.
Additionally, smile gaps create a space that encourages the shifting of existing teeth. This shifting can lead to wear, breakage, cavities, and even tooth loss down the road.
A few dental implants can also support an entire bridge or denture, too.
Simply, dental implants are the most natural tooth replacement option available today, and they give you years—even decades—of service.
A few dental implant posts are sturdy enough to support an entire bridge or arch of new teeth. This method is a less expensive option than using one implant per missing tooth.
It is also possible to restore your smile using multiple tooth replacement options, including a dental bridge in conjunction with dental implants.
Following implant placement—during the healing process—it’s important not to chew with your implant post.
Following restoration tooth placement, you care for them as if you’re caring for natural teeth!
Dental implants are so similar to natural teeth that they even require the same type of care. As with natural teeth, you are encouraged to brush and floss twice daily. It’s also important to visit your dentist twice yearly for dental exams and teeth cleanings—also recommended for natural teeth.
Regular exams help your dentist spot potential issues before they lead to serious and costly dental health problems that can compromise your smile and lead to dental implant failure.
Professional teeth cleanings help prevent gum disease, which can mean future tooth loss and loss of your dental implants.
If you grind and clench your teeth, ask our dentist about a nightguard. This appliance helps keep your teeth from grinding or clenching while you sleep—grinding and clenching lead to breakage, implant wear, and future tooth loss. Treatment from grinding and clenching is crucial even if you do not have dental implants.
If you play sports, it’s also essential to wear the right face gear to protect your smile—both your natural teeth and dental implants.
Finally, never use your dental implants (or your natural teeth) for unintended purposes—opening a bottle or twisting off a cap.
Why The Dental Care Center for my dental implants?The Dental Care Center is fully staffed with leading dentists, implant specialists, oral surgeons, and more. Collectively, our dentists in Van Nuys, CA have decades of experience, and our patients could not be happier.
Additionally, our dentists have studied at some of the top schools in the country—including Tufts and Northwestern—and have published in some of the most prestigious health journals around. They dedicate countless hours to continuing education and are always eager to bring the latest techniques and technologies to our patients.
When you’re with our dentists, you’re in great hands!
Don’t let missing teeth control your quality of life. Find out if dental implants are a good option for you by calling The Dental Care Center today!
We serve patients in Van Nuys, Valley Glen, Sun Valley, Sherman Oaks, Sepulveda Basin, Panorama City, Northridge, North Hills, and Lake Balboa. We are also a destination dental office for patients in outlying areas who are looking for an experienced and compassionate dental team.
Dental implants have been around for many years, but many patients are just learning what they are. At The Dental Care Center, Dr. Peter Suh ensures that his patients are always comfortable and pleasantly relaxed.
Call us today if you have questions about dental implants in Van Nuys, or to schedule your next appointment with us.
A dental implant is composed of three pieces, a biocompatible titanium implant post that is surgically adhered to your jawbone and allowed to heal. Once it improves, it integrates with nearby bone and tissue and becomes a permanent part of your oral health anatomy.
The abutment and dental crown form the functioning part of the restoration.
Like any invasive oral health procedures, patients can expect a minimum of pain for surgical healing.
Typically, patients should not feel any pain. We offer sedation dentistry in Van Nuys, CA for anxious patients. If patients feel distressed or discomfort after the procedure, we can recommend over-the-counter pain medication.
At The Dental Care Center, we work hard to make sure our patients are well-provided for and always relaxed and comfortable.
For patients who need extra TLC, please let us know if you are interested in sedation dentistry before any dental procedures.
Contact The Dental Care Center in Van Nuys at (818) 781-1533 to schedule your dental implant consultation!
If you are missing one or multiple teeth and are looking into alternatives to dental bridges or full or partial dentures, your Van Nuys dentist, Dr. Peter Suh, will let you know if you are a good candidate for dental implants.
Dental implants are a natural tooth replacement over dentures since they are beautiful tooth restoratives that attach directly to the jawbone. To benefit from dental implants, patients must be in good oral health (other than missing teeth) and have a healthy jawbone.
Dental implants look and feel more like natural teeth than dentures. A dental implant begins with 
a screw that replaces the tooth root of the missing tooth. Dental implants are made of biocompatible titanium that attaches to the jawbone and gum tissue.
Your dentist recommends dental implants in Van Nuys after they determine you are a good candidate for them.
The process for dental implants takes several months to heat after placing the implant and allowing it to integrate with the jawbone.
Once the healing process is done, your dentist will attach an abutment to the implant; this is where we attach dental crowns, the visible portion of your tooth.
Your Van Nuys dental staff is here to address any concerns or answer any questions. We welcome you to contact The Dental Care Center at (818) 781-1533 for more information on dental implants.
We highly recommend dental implants as the best way to replace a missing tooth. Not only do they look natural, but you will also enjoy full functionality with a dental implant.
Generally made out of titanium, dental implants are placed directly into the jawbone where a tooth and the root are missing. An artificial tooth is fitted on top of the implant. Over a period of time, the implants will fuse to the jawbone, giving you the same functionality you would have with your natural tooth.
Whenever you lose a natural tooth, you must replace the missing tooth as quickly as possible. If you choose not to replace the tooth and leave the area in your mouth empty, your remaining teeth become threatened.
This threat happens when your other teeth work hard to fill the gap left behind by the missing tooth. Even though your natural teeth aren’t supposed to shift or move from their places in your smile, they will gradually make their way into the available space—much like how books on a bookshelf move when even a single book is removed.
To ensure each tooth's health, you need to maintain a complete smile with either natural or artificial teeth.
If you lose or severely damage a tooth, you may need a specialist with advanced training and experience in implant dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, or periodontics to restore your smile. Our Van Nuys dentists and specialists work as a team to coordinate, communicate, and recommend the most appropriate technology and treatment so that you get the best dental care possible.
Whether you need natural-looking dental implants, a bone or gum graft, or another type of oral surgery in Van Nuys, you can have confidence that you’re receiving proven, advanced treatments and care.
Dr. Peter Suh is a general dentist and owner of The Dental Care Center. A graduate of UC San Diego and Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, he has been ...
Dr. Nicolas Ravon has specifically trained and developed advanced expertise for the most challenging cases. In fact, his skills as a cosmetic dentist and periodontist have often been called on ...
Dr. Anthony Guerrero grew up in Orange County, California, and received his Bachelor of Science degree from UCLA. After college, he moved to New York City to attend Columbia University ...
Mark Yafai DDS, MD, is an oral surgeon at The Dental Care Center and has been with the practice for four years. He received his training at UCLA, receiving both ...
Dr. Feldman is a Canadian-born, board-certified orthodontist currently residing in Los Angeles, California. She attended dental school at the prestigious McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. Upon completion, she was accepted ...
With The Dental Care Center for a decade, Inbo Cho, DDS, received his Bachelor of Science degree from Northwestern University. He went on to attend the Columbia University School of ...
Did you know that millions of Americans are missing one or more teeth? According to the American College of Prosthodontists, nearly 178 million U.S. residents have gaps in their smile. Unfortunately, missing teeth do more than affect your willingness to smile in public and your ability to eat ...
Missing teeth can impact more than just your smile; they can affect how you speak, eat, and feel about yourself. At The Dental Care Center, we offer a lasting, natural-looking solution: dental implants.
If you’re tired of slipping dentures or hiding your smile, it’s time to discover how dental implants ...
Several dentists in your area may offer dental implants, but when it comes to replacing your teeth, you want a skilled implant professional.
Dr. Peter Suh and his team have experience placing dental implants and invite patients to schedule a consultation in our dental office.
Meanwhile, let’s explore dental implants and ...
