Missing teeth can be detrimental not only to your smile but also to your dental health. Teeth and their supporting root system stimulate blood flow and bone tissue regeneration. When even a single tooth is extracted, or falls out due to gum disease or damage, the jawbone begins to recede giving an aged look to our facial profile. Over time, the bone structure weakens and can damage neighboring teeth.

Dental implants are the only proven method to permanently replace missing teeth and retain jawbone integrity.

A dental implant is a small titanium screw that is surgically inserted into your jaw. As it heals over several months, the bone forms around the implant, a process that is known as osseointegration.

The titanium is adaptable to our natural body so there is very little risk of rejection. Your body actually perceives the implant as human bone, which contributes to the high success rate of dental implants that is often above 95 percent.

A single implant can be placed and restored with a crown to replace a single tooth, or a dental bridge can be supported by two implants to replace several teeth. Restorations placed on dental implants act and look like permanent teeth, and never need to be removed. Teeth are maintained as your natural teeth, with regular brushing and flossing.

At Gentle Care Dentistry of San Gabriel Valley, dental implants are surgically placed by a visiting oral surgeon who performs the procedure in-house. If you are considering dental implants, Dr. Luu will consult with you about your options and take CT scans and x-rays of your mouth to ensure you are a good candidate. After the implants are surgically placed, Dr. Luu will carry out your tooth restoration creation and placement, and provide post-procedure care.

Patients who have experienced tooth loss from any of the following conditions are possible candidates to have dental implants:

• Periodontal disease
• Dentures
• Trauma or accidental damage
• Loose teeth
• Born without teeth
• Tooth fractures
• Extensive tooth cavities

If you are a patient with severe periodontal disease, or if you have conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer, you can still be a good candidate for dental implants. For those with gum disease, Dr. Luu may recommend a bone graft procedure before placing the implants to give you added support to the gum. There is a good chance that with regular professional dental care in conjunction with the dental implants you can halt the progression of the gum disease and begin regenerating new bone tissue from the action of chewing, which rejuvenates blood flow and cell generation in the bone.

Dental implant technology has advanced exponentially. Consider this choice if you have a single missing tooth or multiple tooth loss. Contact Dr. Luu today at +1 626-466-9596.

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