Dental Implants

If you have lost teeth, dental implants from the Rancho Santa Margarita practice of Dr. Scott Karafin offer superior support for tooth replacement. Made from bio-compatible titanium, dental implants are tiny posts surgically implanted in the jaw to simulate lost tooth roots. Dental implants can be restored with a denture, bridge, or crown. Implant-supported dental restorations are unparalleled in their strength and durability, allowing you to eat, speak, and laugh with confidence. With a fully customized restoration from Dr. Karafin, your smile can look and feel as good as new. To learn more about dental implants, schedule a consultation today.

Tooth loss—whether due to trauma, dental disease, or decay—is quite common. When it occurs, it is important to replace the tooth in order to avoid potential problems with eating, speaking, and oral health. Missing teeth can cause the remaining teeth to shift, which can lead to further tooth loss. In the past, a patient’s only choices to replace missing teeth were full dentures or a partial denture (also called a bridge). Implants are a huge advance in dental care because they effectively replace the whole tooth, from root to crown. They are the only dental prosthetic that has this capacity, and it lends them a wealth of benefits.

When the titanium posts are implanted in the jaw tissue, they fuse with the jaw bone in a process called osseointegration. This essentially locks the implant in place, giving it permanence and stability. The replacement tooth or teeth they support are sturdy enough to do everything that natural teeth do, including eating foods like steak or corn on the cob.

Importantly, dental implants help to retain bone mass in the jaw. The posts stimulate the jaw when you bite and chew, which tells the body to continue sending nutrients to the area. If these signals are absent, the jawbone will shrink and deteriorate, leading to destabilization of the remaining teeth as well as a sunken facial appearance.

Dental implant treatment is generally accomplished in two steps. First, Dr. Karafin will surgically implant the small titanium post or posts in your jaw tissue. Healing time after surgery is approximately three to four months. During this time, the implant will remain under the gum tissue to protect it from force. When osseointegration is complete, you will return for your second appointment. Dr. Karafin will uncover the top of the implant, place an abutment, and restore the implant by affixing it with your new dental prosthetic.

In some cases, a bone graft or sinus lift may need to be performed prior to your implant placement. A bone graft replaces lost jaw bone mass, while a sinus lift adds bone to the upper jaw to prevent implants from interfering with the sinus cavities. Dr. Karafin will explain the entire process, as well as any preparatory procedures needed, when he determines your individual treatment plan.

If you are in good general health, dental implant treatment may be an option for you. Dr. Karafin will perform a thorough full-mouth evaluation, checking the health of your teeth, gums, and bite, prior to your implant surgery. If you suffer from gum disease, it will first need to be addressed. You will also need to be able to maintain good oral hygiene and commit to routine dental visits post-surgery. If you use tobacco, you must be able to give it up, especially during the osseointegration process since it can slow healing.