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? 

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.

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

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.

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 you 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.