When you have a dental implant placed in the smile for the replacement of a single tooth, the procedure is relatively straightforward from start to finish. Dr. Don Mungcal of Downtown Dental in Los Angeles, California, can educate you on what to expect when considering implants.
What can I expect from dental implants?
Many patients are curious about the various steps needed to obtain dental implants. Below is just a glance at the process of placing dental implants:
- Consultation appointment. First, you start with an initial evaluation and consultation visit with Dr. Don Mungcal or any of his associates, who will assess your smile’s current situation. You need to be the right candidate for treatment before moving forward with surgery. Dental X-rays are often used to examine the jawbone, which is critical for successful dental implant placement
- Oral surgery. A surgical date is scheduled once you have been deemed an appropriate candidate for dental implants. Surgery is done under proper sedation and anesthetics as the dentist places the implant into the jawbone where a tooth once was. The upper part of the implant, known as the abutment, which sits above the gum line, is used to hold a dental restoration in place
- Healing. Dental implants stimulate natural bone growth in the jaw, allowing the implant to “become one” with the natural jawbone. This is what stabilizes and strengthens the function of the implant and makes it ready for restoration
- Restoration. After the implant is fully healed, our dentist at Downtown Dental will create a dental crown which will be affixed to the abutment of the implant. This crown covers the entire implant down to the gum line and is fabricated with porcelain, a material that looks just like natural tooth enamel. The color, size, and shape of the dental crown are made to be consistent with your existing teeth for cosmetic purposes
How do I take care of my new dental implants?
Dr. Don Mungcal of Downtown Dental educates patients on how to take care of their smiles and their dental implants after placement, ensuring patients enjoy their implants for many years to come! This includes daily oral habits and regular examinations and cleanings at our Los Angeles, CA, area practice.
Call 213-863-9464 to request a visit with our family-friendly dental team today!
