At Legaspi Family Dental in Alhambra, CA, we believe no one should have to live with missing teeth. Dental implants are a long-lasting, natural-looking solution that can restore your smile and your confidence. Whether you’re missing one tooth or many, implants are designed to feel like they’ve always been part of your smile. Schedule your consultation today to explore your options.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small biocompatible posts that are placed into your jawbone to act as artificial roots. Once healed, they hold a custom crown, bridge, or denture securely in place, giving you a smile that looks and functions like the real thing. They’re designed to blend in beautifully.
- Permanent foundation: Fuses with your jawbone for secure support by integrating securely with the jaw over time.
- Natural appearance: Looks and feels like your real teeth for a seamless blend with your natural teeth.
- No movement or slipping: Functions like a natural part of your mouth, so you can smile and eat confidently.
Comparing Dental Implants To Other Tooth Replacement Options
Most tooth replacement options only restore the surface. Dental implants go deeper by replacing the root itself. They offer better function, greater comfort, and a more natural appearance over time.
- No adhesives needed: Stay secure without pastes or creams, which simplifies your daily routine.
- Preserves healthy teeth: Avoids grinding down nearby teeth for support, preserving their strength and alignment.
- Better for your bite: Makes eating feel more like it used to, so you can enjoy a broader range of foods.
The Dangers Of Resorption After Tooth Loss
When a tooth is lost, the bone underneath it no longer gets the stimulation it needs to stay strong. Over time, that bone begins to shrink. Dental implants are the only solution that actively prevents this bone loss by replacing the missing root.
- Shrinking jawbone: Leads to facial collapse and visible aging.
- Changes in facial shape: Can cause sunken cheeks or a shorter appearance.
- Poor fit for future restorations: Dentures or bridges may not fit securely later.
The Implant Process
Getting dental implants is a step-by-step process that starts with a personalized consultation and 3D imaging. After the implant is placed in your jaw, you’ll need time to heal so the bone can fuse to it. Once that’s complete, your permanent tooth or teeth are added.
- Personalized planning: Every detail is tailored to your needs based on your goals and oral health.
- Surgical placement: Implant is secured into the jawbone using advanced technology for precision.
- Healing and integration: Bone fuses to the implant post over time to create a durable and stable connection.
Types Of Dental Implants
There’s more than one way to use implants, depending on how many teeth you’re replacing. Whether you need a single crown or a full arch restoration, your dental care provider will help you find the right solution. Each type is designed for strength, stability, and a confident smile.
If you're only missing one tooth, a dental implant is often the best way to replace it. The post holds a crown that’s designed to match your natural teeth in both color and shape. It’s a strong, low-maintenance option that blends right in.
- Restores full function: Lets you bite, chew, and speak just like you would with a natural tooth.
- Preserves healthy teeth: Keeps neighboring teeth untouched and avoids the need for bridges.
- Looks completely natural: Custom-matched to the color, shape, and size of your surrounding teeth.
When you're missing a few teeth in a row, an implant-supported bridge can fill the space without relying on surrounding teeth. It attaches to dental implants instead of natural ones, which helps protect your bite and jaw. You’ll be able to chew and speak more comfortably again.
- Fills larger gaps: Replaces two or more missing teeth with one seamless solution.
- Secured with implants: Avoids wearing down healthy adjacent teeth like traditional bridges.
- Restores oral function: Supports normal chewing and speech while maintaining alignment.
Implant-supported dentures offer a more stable and comfortable upgrade from traditional removable dentures. They snap onto dental implants, staying securely in place throughout your day. This makes talking, smiling, and eating much more enjoyable.
- Better stability: Locks in place to prevent slipping or clicking while you eat or speak.
- Improves quality of life: Lets you enjoy more foods and socialize with greater confidence.
- Supports facial features: Helps retain natural contours and reduce facial sagging.
Full-arch dental implants are ideal when you need to replace an entire upper or lower row of teeth. A few implants are placed strategically to support a full set of custom replacement teeth. It’s a reliable and long-lasting option for a complete smile transformation.
- Fewer implants required: Uses as few as four to six implants to support a full arch.
- Immediate transformation: Temporary teeth may be placed the same day as surgery.
- Natural function: Brings back the ability to chew, speak, and smile with ease.
Full-Arch Dental Implants
Full-arch dental implants are ideal when you need to replace an entire upper or lower row of teeth. A few implants are placed strategically to support a full set of custom replacement teeth. It’s a reliable and long-lasting option for a complete smile transformation.
- Fewer implants required: Uses as few as four to six implants to support a full arch.
- Immediate transformation: Temporary teeth may be placed the same day as surgery.
- Natural function: Brings back the ability to chew, speak, and smile with ease.
What To Expect During Recovery
Most people find that recovery after implant placement is easier than expected. You might experience some swelling or discomfort for a few days, but your dental care provider will walk you through everything. With good care, healing typically goes smoothly.
- Stick to soft foods: Helps prevent irritation and support healing, like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies.
- Follow all care instructions: Promotes faster and safer recovery, including brushing, rinsing, and follow-up visits.
- Attend follow-up visits: Monitors implant progress and health, where your provider checks healing and stability.
Strength You Can Smile About
Dental implants aren’t just about filling gaps in your smile. They’re about restoring the confidence to eat what you love, speak clearly, and smile without hesitation. If you’re exploring your options in Alhambra, CA, Legaspi Family Dental is here to guide you with experience, technology, and genuine care. Call today to schedule your implant consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident you.
