Los Angeles Dental Implants & Cosmetic Center –
Periodontist Los Angeles

Losing your teeth can be devastating. In addition to changing the way you look, losing teeth can make it harder to eat or speak. But, thanks to modern technology, dental implants can be used to effectively replace one or more missing teeth. Besides being not aesthetically pleasing, missing teeth can also be bad for your oral health.

WHAT IS A PERIODONTIST?

The term “periodontics” comes from the root words peri (“around”) and odont (“tooth”). The field of periodontics is concerned with the structures around the teeth that support them and keep them healthy. If you want to keep your natural teeth as long as possible (hopefully, for your whole life), a skilled periodontist can be an important part of your team. A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists are also experts in the treatment of oral inflammation. Periodontists receive extensive training in these areas, including three additional years of education beyond dental school. They are familiar with the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating periodontal disease, and are also trained in performing cosmetic periodontal procedures. Periodontists often treat more problematic periodontal cases, such as those with severe gum disease or a complex medical history. Periodontists offer a wide range of treatments, such as scaling and root planing (in which the infected surface of the root is cleaned) or root surface debridement (in which damaged tissue is removed). They can also treat patients with severe gum problems using a range of surgical procedures. In addition, periodontists are specially trained in the placement, maintenance, and repair of dental implants. This specialty literally addresses the foundation the healthy smile that we all hope to preserve. Any gaps in your teeth may cause bacteria build-up that increases risk of dental disease. The jaw structure under missing teeth can begin to shrink, impacting your facial structure. Tooth gaps can also negatively impact your bite. The teeth around the empty space often shift around to compensate, misaligned your natural bite.

DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dental implants are artificial tooth replacements used to counter tooth loss.

Although you have a number of restorative options for the treatment of missing teeth, none have proven to be as functionally effective and durable as dental implants. In many cases, dental implants may be the only logical choice for the restoration of all necessary functionality of the teeth and supporting structures.

If you are considering dental implants, there are two questions you absolutely need to consider: 1) The experience and qualifications of your surgeon, and 2) The quality and the track record of the dental implant that is being used. In California any dentist is allowed to place dental implants, even if they have not had the proper educational background or the training. As a periodontist I have had additional years of training after dental school specifically focused on advanced surgical procedures, such as dental implants. I also pride myself in being a lifetime student of this field. I continually attend advanced educational seminars in implant dentistry and am one of the recognized leaders and educators in this field. You can rest assured that you will be in great hands under my care. Additionally I will always use the most advanced and premium dental implants that are available. I will not use the lower tier dental implant brands because I have seen too many unfortunate mishaps and failures with poor quality implants.

Dental implants have come a long way over the years in both technique and appearance. Dental implants, while one of the greatest advancements in dentistry, absolutely have to be administered by a skilled and qualified surgeon for it to be a safe, predictable and painless procedure.

During the first visit, the periodontist usually reviews the patient’s complete medical and dental histories. It is extremely important for the periodontist to know if any medications are being taken or if the patient is being treated for any condition that can affect periodontal care, such as heart disease, diabetes, or pregnancy.

THE MIRACLE OF DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dental implants are small cylinders made of Titanium or Zirconia which are then placed below the gum line and into a small channel prepared in the jaw bone. Because they replace the function of a natural tooth root, they continue to stimulate the jaw bone which prevents it from deteriorating over time. This is a big advantage over traditional methods of tooth replacement such as bridges and dentures.

THE ADVANTAGES

Dental implants help preserve your jaw bone

The human jaw bone maintains its integrity through proper stimulation from the roots of the teeth. When a tooth is missing, that portion of the jaw bone atrophies and wastes away. This is why denture wearers have the “sunken” appearance. Dental implants help in maintaining the integrity of the jaw bone over time.

Dental implants help save the adjacent teeth

Traditional replacements, like dental bridges, or removable partial dentures (also known as partials or Valplast ®), permanently damage the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth space. Dental implants are independent of the neighboring teeth and will not damage or affect your natural teeth.

Dental implants are a lifetime restoration

Properly placed and maintained dental implants can last you a lifetime. Crowns, bridges, and partials only have an average lifespan of 5 to 10 years. In the long run a properly placed and maintained dental implant can actually help save you money, time and aggravation.

Dental implants feel and function just like your own teeth

There are no restrictions on the types of food you can eat. Many find that they can return to eating the kinds of foods they’ve missed for years with dental implants. With other alternatives, especially with removable partial dentures and dentures, most patients find that they cannot chew harder foods.

Dental implants can give you an internal “facelift”

Because dental implants restore the health and the density of your jaw bones, and because your facial muscles can be used properly again, most patients notice a visible tightening of their face, and can regain their youthful appearance.

BENEFITS OF DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dental implant procedures can enhance your overall quality of life

With dental implant support, the appearance of your smile will be more natural and your new teeth will function just like natural teeth. This not only increases comfort, but it also boosts self-confidence when smiling, speaking, and eating. In fact, if dentures or partials are replaced with dental implant supported teeth, the overall boost in quality of life is even more significant thanks to expanded food options, the elimination of messy adhesives, and improved speech, comfort and appearance.

A dental implant can preserve the integrity of facial structures

By preventing the bone resorption that would normally occur with the loss of teeth, the facial structures remain intact. This is particularly important when all of the teeth are missing, as the lower one-third of the face collapses if dental implants are not placed to preserve the bone.

Dental implant procedures can lead to better health due to improved nutrition and proper digestion

People with dentures usually have problems eating certain foods, such as fresh vegetables and fruits, which can compromise their nutrition. Additionally, since it is difficult to chew properly with dentures, digestion is often compromised. With a dental implant surgery, you can dramatically boost your food options and overall health at the same time.

Dental implant surgery will ensure that adjacent teeth are not compromised

Tooth replacement with traditional tooth-supported bridges requires grinding down the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth/teeth, so that the bridge can be cemented onto them. This tooth structure can never be replaced and as a result, the long-term health of these teeth is compromised. Partial dentures have clasps that hook onto adjacent teeth, putting pressure on them as the partial rocks back and forth. Eventually these teeth can loosen and come out as a result of this pressure. Replacing missing teeth with dental implant supported crowns/bridges does not involve the adjacent natural teeth, so they are not compromised or damaged.

Dental implant procedures can improve hygiene

It is much easier to care for a dental implant supported crown, which can be cleaned like a natural tooth. In comparison, a tooth supported bridge requires the use of floss threader for proper tooth cleaning. It is also more convenient to clean dental implant supported replacement teeth than a denture.

Dental implant surgery can eliminate denture adhesives

Since dental implant supported teeth are securely attached to the tooth implants, there is no need for messy denture adhesives, which are often needed to keep dentures from falling out.

A dental implant procedure provides a great sense of security that teeth will not fall out when eating, laughing or sneezing

Three things that people who wear dentures often worry about. Since the bone bonds to a dental implant, replacement teeth have a stable foundation and are securely attached to the dental implants, so there is no fear that teeth will fall out.

Dental implant supported teeth can improve appearance

Since dental implants preserve bone, this helps prevent the deterioration of facial structures. Collapse of the lower one-third of the face caused by complete tooth loss can be visually corrected and the remaining bone preserved. The appearance of wrinkles around the mouth caused by posterior bite collapse, or complete facial structure collapse is virtually eliminated.

A dental implant can improve your smile

Your smile is improved when replacement teeth look more like natural teeth. Even when only one tooth is missing, long-term esthetics are usually much better with a dental implant supported replacement tooth than with a traditional tooth supported bridge. This is particularly important in the front of your mouth, where preventing a visible bone defect is critical for natural appearance.

Dental implant procedures can restore self-esteem and self-confidence

Many of the people who now enjoy the benefits of dental implant supported replacement teeth state that their self esteem and self confidence have been restored as a result of improved appearance, function, comfort, and health.

Dental implant surgery can improve your ability to taste foods

Wearing an upper denture can prevent someone from really tasting food, as the roof of the mouth is covered. With dental implant supported replacement teeth, it is not necessary to cover the roof of the mouth, so it is possible to enjoy the taste of foods.

ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS RIGHT FOR ME

Anyone who is missing a tooth or multiple teeth, or who is expecting to miss a tooth, should consider dental implants as an alternative to other available options. It is important to do a complete examination and evaluation to make sure you are medically healthy to undergo dental implant treatment.

Other factors that need to be carefully considered are the availability of the jaw bone, the health or your gums, and the relationship of your teeth to each other. All of these factors are part of a comprehensive a thorough examination that will be done at your initial consultation visit.

The periodontist examines the gums, checks to see if there is any gum line recession, assesses how the teeth fit together when biting, and checks the teeth to see if any are loose. The periodontist will also take a small measuring instrument called a probe and place it between the teeth and gums to determine the depth of those spaces, known as periodontal pockets; this helps the periodontist assess the health of the gums. X-rays may also be taken to observe the health of the bone below the gum line.

When teeth no longer fit together correctly, it can create discomfort and other dental problems. Missing teeth can also severely hamper your self-esteem, leaving you feeling self-conscious about your smile. Modern dental technology has made it so that today’s dental implants have zero effect at all on the health of your adjacent natural teeth. Other tooth-replacement treatments can’t make this claim. For example, bridgework uses natural teeth on both sides of gap caused by a missing tooth to provide support for dental bridges. This leads to stress on those adjacent teeth, potentially weakening them over time by making them loose, or more susceptible to decay. Dental implants require the same care your natural teeth do. Twice daily brushing, regular flossing, and routine dental exams is all your implants will require. You’ll never have to use creams, adhesives, or soak teeth overnight to clean them, like with traditional dentures. Good oral hygiene will ensure your dental implants last a lifetime. Dental implants can give you the improved self-confidence that comes with being comfortable with a natural, beautiful, healthy smile, and teeth that function exactly like natural teeth. Our dental implants can be used to stabilize dentures, and create a better-functioning bite. One of the most enjoyable life benefits is that dental implants allow you to eat any food you want, without worrying about damaging dentures. Dental implants are a restorative treatment that replace your missing teeth with new teeth that feel, look and perform like healthy, natural teeth. Dental implants are surgically inserted below the gums, fusing to the jawbone, and serve as a base for replacement teeth, or for inserting crowns or bridges. Your dental implant is fused to your natural bone, creating permanence and stability. By integrating your actual bone, dental implants not only feel natural, but visually, look exactly like real teeth. For over 30 years, Dr. Elisha has helped patients from near and far. His passion and vast knowledge for dentistry has given him the opportunity to educated not only his patients but his peers as well. Dr. Elisha takes great pride in perfecting the art of dentistry, as he is board certified. The award-winning Los Angeles dental implant surgeon, Dr. Jacob Elisha, is renowned for providing safe and comfortable dental implant surgery – helping patients restore their missing teeth and achieve a beautiful, natural-looking smile.

Dental implants are changing the way people live. They are designed to provide foundation for replacement teeth, which look, feel and function like natural teeth. The patient who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything, knowing that teeth appear natural and facial contours will be preserved. Patients with dental implants can smile with confidence.

Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. The implants are small titanium posts which are placed where teeth are missing. Your bone grows around the titanium, creating a strong foundation for replacement teeth. In addition, dental implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration which occurs when teeth are missing. We specialize in restoring smiles with affordable Dental Implants, designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Regain the ability to eat virtually anything and smile with confidence, knowing that your teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Implant supported teeth are the closest thing possible to natural teeth. They look, feel and function just like your natural teeth. Regain your confident smile and retain your active, youthful lifestyle with dental implants. A dental implant procedure is an intricate process that requires skill, expertise and a comprehensive understanding of the connection between the gum, teeth and underlying bone. Periodontists are dental experts who specialize in placing dental implants as well as periodontal disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment, to help patients achieve optimal oral health and function. If you’re looking for permanent dental implants in Los Angeles, choosing a periodontist to perform your dental implant procedure is the best course of action to ensure you receive expert care and treatment. The dental implant procedure is a multi step process, where your periodontist will create a treatment plan based on your specific needs. In addition to their many aesthetic advantages, dental implants offer a number of benefits for your oral health. Artificial teeth allow for the replacement of one or more teeth without affecting the bordering teeth. Additionally, implants can support a fixed bridge and eliminate the need for removable partial dentures. Because dental implants are easier to brush and keep clean than dentures or bridges, they may reduce your risk of developing gum disease in the future. Finally, implants can help preserve the integrity of your mouth and face by supporting gum and jawbone structure. Contrary to the common misconception, most patients are candidates for dental implants. The ideal candidate is a patient who experiences good overall health and oral health. The ideal patient should have healthy gums with no signs of periodontal disease, adequate bone density to support the implants and good overall health. However patients who experience chronic illnesses, systemic complications, periodontal disease or bone loss may still be candidates for dental implants.

Dental implants are changing the way people live! With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life. While dental implants require higher up-front costs than traditional restorations, they are long-lasting and durable, which reduces the potential for incurring future dental costs. Each set of dental implants is unique due to the needs of each patient. During your initial consultation, you and your doctor can discuss your options for treatment and how to best meet your oral health needs. While some factors—such as the type of materials used to create your prosthetic—may be your choice, others may be necessary to ensure the highest quality results. We highly encourage our patients to receive implant-supported restorations whenever possible. However, we also understand that this procedure is a significant financial undertaking since many insurance plans do not cover dental implants. Because of this, we have made several financing options available to our patients.

Once you learn about dental implants, you finally realize there is a way to improve your life. When you lose several teeth – whether it’s a new situation or something you have lived with for years – chances are you have never become fully accustomed to losing such a vital part of yourself. During the first stage of the procedure, our Los Angeles dental implant surgeon, Dr. Jacob Elisha, will place thin titanium posts along the jawline where the teeth are missing. These metal posts are the actual dental implants. Acting as root substitutes, they will bond to the bone to become a permanent part of the mouth—thus creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. For those patients who have allergies or autoimmune diseases can also have the option of zirconia dental implants. Placing the implants may take several sessions depending on how many are needed. During surgery you will be made comfortable through anesthesia which you and Dr. Jacob Elisha will have discussed during your pre-surgery consultation. Choosing the best anesthesia and possibly intravenous sedation if needed will make the surgery short and pleasant. During the healing period you will not be without teeth. Partial or full dentures will be made before removal of any existing teeth. These dentures will be worn over the implants while they heal so you can eat and socialize as usual. At our Los Angeles clinic, dental implants are not placed until Dr. Jacob Elisha is confident that they are fully healed. Wearing the dentures may be inconvenient but prematurely continuing to the second phase of restoration could lead to complications. After a period of approximately three to six months, the metal anchors will have successfully bonded to the bone and the second stage of dental implant surgery will begin. At this point, your restorative dentist will fit, create and place the artificial teeth, and your beautiful and functional new smile will be a reality. Choosing your implant surgeon is the most important decision you will make on your journey to restoring a full set of functioning teeth. While the teeth that will eventually crown your implants are the visible end of the process, it is the quality of the implants and the skill of the implant surgeon that will determine the success of the surgery.

Call Us at (310) 231-5100 and Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today!

Our office team will be more than happy to assist you.