Dental Implants in Glendale, CA
If you have missing teeth, you probably feel embarrassed about the obvious gap in your smile. We understand how you feel, but you are not alone - The American College of Prosthodontists indicates that over 178 million American adults are missing one or more teeth.
Aside from the cosmetic impact, a missing tooth also interferes with your ability to speak clearly and can cause discomfort when you chew.
Lucio H. Kim, DDS, understands how patients are impacted by missing teeth and how difficult it is to smile confidently when engaging with friends and business associates. during. Dental implants in Glendale, CA are popular with our patients because they look, feel, and function like a natural tooth.
This is why Dr. Kim generally recommends dental implants to his Glendale patients. Implants are the best tooth replacement option around because of their longevity and ability to function like real, natural teeth . A dental implant doesn’t require unique maintenance or constant evaluations with our dentist. It becomes part of your anatomy.
If you have a missing tooth or several missing teeth and are considering dental implants, contact our Glendale dental office today at (818) 242-3739. We love to help our patients achieve their best smiles, and we want to help you, too, by scheduling a dental implant consultation with our cosmetic dentist.
- What is a dental implant?
- How do dental implants work?
- Are dental implants a good option for me?
- What is a sinus lift?
- Does dental implant placement hurt?
- Will my dental implant look real?
- Can dental implants break?
- How long will my dental implant last?
- Can I get an infection from dental implant surgery?
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a permanent artificial root for a missing tooth. Implants are constructed from thin but strong titanium.
A dental implant is different from other types of tooth replacement because it stands alone and does not rely on neighboring teeth for support.
Even better, a dental implant is the sturdy root that will support your new life-like restoration tooth.
How do dental implants work?
Your procedure will start with a small titanium screw, surgically placed in the jawbone, which later becomes the host for a realistic tooth restoration.
But first the titanium screw must bond securely with surrounding gum and jawbone. This process usually takes several months, but the wait is well worth it.
When the titanium screw is fully integrated, it has the same strength and stability as a natural tooth root.
Once the screw is securely bonded with your jaw, Dr. Kim will attach the restoration. You’ll have a seamless smile because the restoration will be shaped and shaded to match surrounding teeth.
You’ll be able to eat your favorite foods. You’ll feel like laughing again and, if you had speech difficulties before, this should disappear following your dental implant and artificial-tooth restoration.
Dental implants have been used safely for decades and can replace just one or several missing teeth. One option is a few dental implants supporting a full or partial denture. This means no more slippage or messy adhesives, and no more worrying about your denture loosening when you speak or eat.
Are dental implants a good option for me?
If you are missing one or more teeth in the Glendale area, dental implants are the ideal way to get back to chewing again and feeling confident. If your front teeth are missing, dental implants are possibly the only way to take back your smile permanently.
Depending on how much bone is left underneath your gums—jawbones shrink when teeth are missing—some augmentation procedures may be needed to give your dental implant a solid and lasting foundation.
This may include bone grafting to lift the jaw or add stability for your new implant.
Also, during your initial assessment with Lucio H. Kim, DDS, he will evaluate you thoroughly to make sure that dental implants are a good option.
What is a sinus lift?
When dealing with missing teeth, we also consider your facial anatomy. In this case, the sinus. When trying to place implants, the sinus sometimes gets in the way, and there isn't enough room to place upper implants. That's when a sinus lift is needed.
You will be relaxed and comfortable during this procedure! Many patients even opt for IV sedation, which is safe in our Glendale dental office because we monitor you closely throughout your implant placement surgery.
Does dental implant placement hurt?
At Lucio H. Kim, DDS, we take every measure to make sure you’re relaxed and comfortable throughout all dental procedures. We also numb the area, so you don’t feel anything. However, we do offer sedation dentistry if you want a little extra relaxation.
This includes oral and IV sedation. These are both safe options, and you will be closely monitored during all dental procedures, including dental implant placement.
With IV sedation, you likely won’t even remember your dental implant placement.
Will my dental implant look real?
At Lucio H. Kim, DDS our cosmetic dentist takes every measure to make sure your implant restoration looks completely natural. Our Glendale patients love our dental implants, in fact, because they are so natural-looking.
Remember, dental implants are the most long-term tooth replacements on the planet. They look real, they feel real, and no one will guess that you have a dental implant unless you tell them.
Also, our cosmetic dentist makes sure your restoration tooth looks exactly like your other teeth. This includes the shade of your new tooth and the shape.
You, of course, have to take care of your implant with excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits. But other than that, dental implants serve to restore your bite and give you an aesthetically beautiful smile without too much fuss.
They will always look like natural teeth!
Can dental implants break?
A dental implant is a biocompatible titanium post that is placed surgically in your jaw. As it heals, a process called osseointegration occurs. This means the implant post fuses securely with the surrounding bone and tissue. It is tough to break a dental implant.
However, if you don’t take care of your dental implant, it can fail.
Caring for your dental implant requires good oral hygiene and visiting our dentist and hygienist regularly.
How long will my dental implant last?
Dental implants are meant to last a lifetime. Because the titanium is so sturdy and bonds so nicely with your jawbone, there is no reason that it should not last for decades or even a lifetime!
Titanium is used in orthopedic surgeries, too, because of its durability.
However, it’s crucial that you take care of your dental implant because, even with full-mouth restorations, you are still vulnerable to gum disease and dental infections.
Lucio H. Kim, DDS recommends brushing and flossing at least twice per day. Additionally, you should have regular dental exams and teeth cleanings every six months.
In other words, treat your dental implant the way you treat your natural teeth, and it will serve you well.
Can I get an infection from dental implant surgery?
Although the mouth can never be sterilized or bacteria-free, our dentist takes every precaution to work in a sterile field. All the wrappings, handles, materials, and (of course) instruments are sterilized and monitored for bacteria.
Our Glendale dental office also relies on blood and stem cells known as "PRF" or platelet-rich fibrin and concentrated growth factors to help yo
u heal better and prevent postoperative complications from your dental implant surgery, including infections.
Our dentist, in other words, we take every precaution to provide you with a beautiful new smile and to keep you safe throughout your journey.
Why should I choose Dr. Kim as my implant surgeon?
Choosing an implant surgeon for your dental implants can be difficult. You want to feel comfortable with your surgeon and confident in their ability. You want to be able to ask questions and get solid answers. The chemistry between dentist and patient matters to you, and it matters to us!
If a dentist has a license, he or she can place dental implants, but that doesn't mean that every dentist should place dental implants. Experience matters!
Lucio H. Kim, DDS has been placing dental implants for decades, and he has been trained and mentored by top surgeons in the field and continues to dedicate most of her continuing education seminars to dental implant surgery.
Also, our Glendale dental office uses 3-D imaging to help our top cosmetic dentist safely and predictably place dental implants. He uses these 3-D surgical guides to ensure the best possible outcome for you!
To schedule a consultation for your dental implant in the Glendale, CA area give us a call or contact our office online.
Dental Implants in Glendale: Permanent Solutions for a Confident Smile
Dental implants in Glendale provide long-lasting, natural-feeling tooth replacements unrivaled in their support for both aesthetics and bite integrity.
Reliable Stability
Unlike dentures or bridges, dental implants fuse with your jawbone via osseointegration, providing a secure and lasting solution for missing teeth.
Jawbone Health
By replacing dental roots, implants help preserve jawbone density and facial structure, which naturally deteriorate with untreated tooth loss.
Natural Function
Dental implants look, feel, and function just like real teeth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with complete comfort and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
When you're dealing with tooth loss, it's essential to understand all of your treatment options. Most dentists will agree that dental implants are the gold standard and best choice for tooth replacement.
Patients may wonder if there's a less expensive tooth replacement that doesn't require surgery, and the answer to that question is: yes. However, while your other options may be less expensive, they may not be the ideal choice for your dental health.
Let's see how dental implants compare to other tooth replacement solutions.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge supports one or two prosthetic teeth with crowns on either end. The crowns attach to healthy teeth to support the artificial teeth in between.
Dental bridges were the first choice for tooth replacement before dental implants; however, they have drawbacks. A dental bridge does not replace your tooth root like a dental implant does, which results in bone loss over time.
A bridge also requires your dentist to alter two healthy teeth to place the support crowns. The bridge may also only provide a life span of about seven to 12 years and require replacement.
Full or Partial Dentures
Partial dentures can replace multiple missing teeth, while full dentures replace an entire arch. A complete denture fits over your gums and relies on suction, adhesives, and a snug fit to stay in place. Relying on your jawbone for support eventually results in bone loss over time, which will impact the fit of your denture.
Some people have difficulties with dentures moving or slipping when they talk, laugh, or eat, which can cause embarrassing situations.
Opt to Do Nothing
This is the least expensive option but could be the one with the most consequences.
If you choose not to replace a lost tooth, your neighboring teeth will begin to drift into the open space. Drifting results in tooth misalignment and increases your risk of developing problems like tooth decay or gum disease.
You will also experience bone loss without a root for your jawbone to support. This can impact surrounding teeth, resulting in more tooth loss. It can also cause your face to have a 'sunken' look that adds years to your appearance.
Why Dental Implants in Glendale, CA Are the Optimum Choice
Dental implants replace both your root and your tooth, solving the problem of bone loss and protecting your dental health. They also act like a natural tooth, giving you the function and appearance you had before your tooth loss.
Tooth implants also offer excellent longevity, as they can last a lifetime in many cases. This makes them a more cost-effective option for some patients.
Dental implants in Glendale can also support prosthetics like a bridge or denture so patients with multiple lost teeth can experience their benefits. For example, implants can act as anchor teeth for bridges and support dentures designed to snap into them, providing extra stability, so there's no slippage during talking and eating.
Learn More About Dental Implants for Your Smile
Dr. Lucio Kim has helped hundreds of patients over the years restore their smiles with tooth implants. He can complete the procedure from start to finish at our Glendale dental office, so you don't have to go elsewhere for your care.
Contact us today at (818) 242-3739 for more information about dental implants.
Dental implants in Glendale offer an excellent solution for patients struggling with tooth loss. An implant provides the look, feel, and function of a natural tooth so you can eat, chew, and smile with ease.
Completing an implant does take some time, as they need three to six months to heal and integrate with your bone before we can design your new porcelain crown. However, the surgery itself is straightforward and pain-free.
Dr. Kim has the advanced skills and training to complete your implant from start to finish here at our Glendale dental office. He uses the best anesthetics to ensure that you don't feel a thing during your procedure. His experience and expertise help the procedure go smoothly and efficiently. Most of our patients report that dental implant surgery is often easier than a tooth extraction.
We also offer options for dental sedation either orally or intravenously for patients who may need extra help getting through their dental procedures. Dr. Kim is happy to review your options if you feel that you might benefit from dental sedation during your procedure.
If you want more information about dental implants in Glendale and how they might benefit you, contact our team today at (818) 242-3739.
If your dentist suggests a complicated and costly procedure like a dental implant with complex pretreatments or braces, you may be considering a second opinion dentist in Glendale, CA. You are not alone!
A second opinion dentist will agree with the original diagnosis or may present alternatives that better suit your goals and budget.
Reasons to Visit a Second Opinion Dentist in Glendale, CA
#1 Being Your Own Advocate
Seeking a second opinion is natural, so don't feel bad about advocating for yourself. You're not the first patient to seek a second opinion by far, and you'll not be the last.
#2 Differences in Dental Training
All dentists and dental practices are different. Even the treatment options offered and the technologies utilized will be different as well as the education level of the dentist. One dentist may be limited in what they can offer, but another dentist has the skill and technologies to give you more options. This is the case at our dental practice. A second opinion dentist here means seeking the opinion of a top dentist in the field.
#3 A Second Opinion Dentist for Your Peace of Mind
Sometimes you're given a diagnosis or treatment plan, and something about it nags at you. You wonder if there is an easier way to restore your oral health. In this case, a second opinion dentist is crucial. You never want to wonder if you made the right choice for your smile.
#4 Considerations for Your Budget and Time
Perhaps a suggested treatment is expensive, or it means a lengthy recovery. Often another dentist can recommend a similar, less expensive, and less invasive treatment to restore your oral health. Less invasive dentistry typically means a shorter recovery time.
For your convenience, our dental office is happy to work with third-party financing like CareCredit.
#5 You're Feeling Unsure About Your Dentist
Maybe you're not feeling good with your current dentist and team. Perhaps, they push you to undergo expensive dental treatments regularly, or something is always wrong. If you're unsure about your dentist, we strongly encourage a second opinion dentist in Glendale, CA.
#6 You Feel Something Is Wrong Following Treatment
Maybe you've had dental work done and still have pain. Perhaps a restoration or prosthetic is uncomfortable, and your current dentist dismisses your concerns and does not solve the problem. This is an excellent reason to seek a second opinion.
#7 Your Current Dentist Says You Are Not Suitable for a Certain Treatment
This goes back to skill and technology. Remember, all dentists and practices are different. For example, one dentist may say you are not a good candidate for dental implants. Another dentist may provide treatments to bring you into candidacy.
Contact a Top Second Opinion Dentist Near Me
Your oral health is crucial to your well-being, and your smile was meant to last a lifetime. When something is this important, it only makes sense to be sure and seek another opinion when you are not.
Dr. Lucio Kim wants the best for you and does not mind offering a second opinion, especially for advanced procedures that may be unnecessary, costly, or mean a long recovery for you. Second opinions also help verify that you made the right choice if a procedure has already been performed.
For a second opinion dentist near me, give us a call at (818) 242-3739 to arrange a consultation with Dr. Kim.
That's a common question I get about dental implants all the time when we have consultations. Dental implants cannot get cavities or decay. So that's good. But dental implants are vulnerable to gum issues. You need to keep them clean....like they are the only teeth in your mouth kind of clean. Also, the dental implants themselves (the titanium placed into the actual bone as support) need to be placed in a good place. AND the implant crowns need to be designed correctly as to allow for cleaning and to make sure they are biting down the wrong way.
Dental Implants in Glendale
So it's not just one thing that determines the longevity of dental implants. Let's talk numbers. Traditional dental "bridges" have a success rate of about 50-65% over a 10-year span. Dental implants have a better success rate over 10 years, about 85-95%. The odds are in your favor. But like most things, the better you take care of it, the better chance it has for lasting in the long term.
Meet Our Doctor:
Lucio H. Kim DDS
Dr. Kim obtained his Bachelors of Science degree at UC San Diego in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Dr. Kim attended dental school at the University of Southern California.
After obtaining his DDS at USC, Dr. Kim went on to complete a residency at the highly competitive UCLA Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) postgraduate program, where he focused on reconstructive, restorative, and implant dentistry.
He has also received advanced training for dental implants at the Misch International Implant Institute and at the Global ...
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