A dental implant is a long-term option to replace missing teeth or dentures. It consists of a post that is embedded into the jaw bone, an abutment, and a custom-made crown. Implants restore your ability to eat and smile confidently and provide the same health benefits as natural teeth. Many patients who experience tooth loss choose dental implants and with proper oral hygiene, implants can last a lifetime.
Dr. Zarrinkelk and Dr. Siavash specialize in dental implant treatment and offer many types of implant-based options to help more patients achieve a healthy and complete smile. Whether you wish to replace one tooth or transform your entire smile, our team at Greater Ventura Oral & Facial Surgery Dental Implant Experts will create a custom treatment plan for you. Contact us in Ojai, CA, for a consultation and to explore your dental implant options.
There are many benefits of dental implants compared to removable tooth replacement options, such as:
If you are missing one or more teeth, you are not alone. The experienced oral surgeons at Greater Ventura Oral & Facial Surgery Dental Implant Experts perform the full scope of oral surgery treatments to restore your smile and your oral health. We encourage you to listen to our happy patients share their dental implant experience with you.
While removable dentures or dental bridges restore the appearance of missing teeth, dental implants restore appearance and functionality. Although removable oral appliances are cheaper upfront, the cost of replacing dentures or bridges can add up over time. Because these options do not preserve the jaw bone, the bone will weaken and may require costly or extensive bone repair treatment down the road.
Jaw bone atrophy causes facial features to sag, making you appear older than you actually are. To prevent facial sagging and protect the jaw bone, dental implants are inserted into the bone and become a fixed part of your smile. Unlike dentures, you will not need to replace implants as long as they are kept clean and cared for. When you choose dental implants to restore your smile, you are making an investment in your long-term oral health.
The cost of dental implants varies for every patient. During your consultation, we will provide you with a cost estimate for your dental implant treatment. Several factors determine the total cost, such as the number of implants you need, if you require bone grafting or extractions, your dental insurance, anesthesia or sedation, and the overall complexity of your procedure. To find out how much your dental implants will cost in Ojai, CA, contact Greater Ventura Oral & Facial Surgery Dental Implant Experts to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Zarrinkelk and Dr. Siavash stay at the forefront of dental implant techniques and offer a variety of implant-based treatments. By offering more options, we provide the personalized care you need to restore your smile.
The jaw bone must be strong and healthy to support a dental implant. For patients who have experienced upper jaw bone loss, zygomatic implants are a great way to replace missing teeth while providing the same appearance and function as traditional implants. Traditional implants are inserted into the jaw bone, while zygomatic dental implants are inserted into the zygomatic bone, or cheek bone. The zygomatic bone is very dense and serves as a solid foundation for implants in the upper arch. Although zygomatic implants have a different anchor point, they restore your ability to eat and speak just like traditional implants.
Greater Ventura Oral & Facial Surgery Dental Implant Experts was one of the first ZAGA Centers in the USA, and we provide patients with information on maxillary atrophy and access to zygomatic implant treatments. Certified ZAGA Centers specialize in treating bone loss in the maxillofacial region and have established protocols for achieving long-term results using the latest technology available. Dr. Zarrinkelk and Siavash serve as key opinion leaders in southern California and are responsible for delivering the exemplary Zygoma Anatomy-Guided Approach philosophy to patients. This philosophy trains medical professionals to empathize with patients and create an individualized treatment plan specific to a patient’s anatomy and unique needs.
Traditional dental implants are made of medical-grade titanium, which poses an issue for patients with metal allergies. Zirconia dental implants are made of a ceramic material and are ideal for patients who cannot receive metal implants. Zirconia implants are lightweight and fuse to the jawbone just as traditional implants do. Like traditional metal implants, zirconia implants can last for many years with proper oral care. Because ceramic is a naturally tooth-colored material, many patients find that zirconia implants look more realistic.
Mini dental implants are smaller than traditional implants but have the same structure. These smaller implants require less-invasive techniques and are ideal for patients who want implants but cannot undergo invasive surgery to have them placed. They are also a great option for patients who do not have enough jaw bone for full-sized implants. Mini implants consist of a one-piece screw with a ball-shaped end that will support the replacement tooth. Because the procedure is less involved, the healing process after mini dental implants is much shorter and requires only local anesthesia.
A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency that requires immediate attention. If one of your teeth gets knocked out, we may be able to replace it with a dental implant that same day if reattachment of the tooth is not possible. Contact our office as soon as possible if you lose a tooth and we will try to reinsert it into the tooth socket.
On your way to our office, place the tooth in a container of whole milk or saliva and do not handle the tooth by its roots. We will make every effort to save your natural tooth, but if we cannot reattach it, we can insert a dental implant if there is adequate jaw bone, so you don’t have to go without a tooth.
Dentures may restore the appearance of teeth, but they do not restore functionality. Many patients who wear dentures find them inconvenient and dislike having to remove them during meals and brushing. In addition to removing them throughout the day to eat, dentures require special rinses or products to stay clean, which can add to their cost. You should replace dentures every few years due to wear and tear and, if not professionally fitted, they may slip or cause sores.
Dental implants stay in your mouth at all times. Patients who switch from dentures to implants experience a surge in self-confidence and appreciate the convenience of fixed tooth replacement. While dentures leave you susceptible to jaw bone loss, dental implants keep the jaw bone healthy, contributing to better long-term oral health. If you wear dentures and are ready for a healthier option, contact us to learn about the All-on-4® treatment concept, which uses only a few implant posts to secure a fixed denture.
Greater Ventura Oral & Facial Surgery Dental Implant Experts is proud to offer oral surgery services in Ojai, CA. Contact us today to learn more about dental implants and how our oral surgery experts can restore your confidence and oral health.
Dental implant surgery is performed using anesthesia or sedation, so you can expect a comfortable surgical experience. As with any surgical procedure, some post-operative discomfort is normal. Any pain or swelling after surgery will quickly subside. Once healed, the dental implant will feel just like a natural tooth and will not cause any pain.
The implant post fuses with the jaw bone and is designed to last a lifetime. The crown can also last a lifetime, but can become damaged just like a natural tooth. If this happens, your dentist can simply replace the dental implant crown with a new one. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy will prolong the life of your implant.
Your oral surgeon can insert an implant post, which holds up to three replacement teeth that are attached to the implant. Traditional bridges rely on existing teeth for support, which can damage them. Implant-supported bridges, however, are self-supportive and restore your smile while preventing damage to adjacent teeth.
If there is sufficient jaw bone, your oral surgeon can place an implant immediately after extraction. These are called same-day implants or immediate implants and prevent you from having to go without a tooth.
If you can undergo a generic surgical procedure safely and have a healthy jaw bone to support the implant, you likely qualify for dental implants. We offer bone grafting treatment to rebuild the jaw bone or gum tissue, helping more patients become candidates for implants. Patients with periodontal disease or other health conditions may not qualify for implants.
Oral surgeons are the most qualified dental professionals to place dental implants. Some dentists undergo the necessary training to place implants, but oral surgeons are the only dental experts trained to administer all types of anesthesia and sedation. They specialize in performing surgery to the soft tissues and bones of the head, neck, mouth, and face. Dr. Zarrinkelk and Dr. Siavash have a complex understanding of the facial structures and perform the full scope of oral surgery procedures, including implant-based restorations, safely and confidently.
Contact our office if you have any questions and a member of our team will be happy to help.
