Are dental implants necessary?
Short answer: sometimes.
Dental implants are the best long-term solution for replacing one or more missing teeth, providing a stable and natural-feeling result. This post explains when dental implants are recommended, what they are, their benefits, costs, risks, and how to determine if dental implants are necessary for your smile in Pasadena, CA.
Are Dental Implants Necessary?
Dental implants are necessary in cases where tooth loss affects chewing, speech, or causes nearby teeth to shift. They are often the best option for preserving jawbone and providing lasting function. For cosmetic gaps or minor issues, less invasive options may suffice.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a titanium post placed in the jaw to act like a tooth root. An abutment connects the implant to a crown, bridge, or denture. Unlike bridges, implants don’t rely on neighboring teeth. Unlike removable dentures, they’re fixed and help preserve bone.
When Are Dental Implants Necessary?
Replacing a single missing tooth
For one lost tooth, an implant restores chewing and prevents adjacent teeth from drifting. Implants avoid grinding down healthy neighboring teeth, which a bridge may require.
Multiple missing teeth or full-arch replacement
When several teeth are gone, implants can support bridges or an All-on-4 style full-arch restoration. These options offer a stronger bite force and improved stability compared to removable dentures.
When implants may not be necessary
If tooth loss is minimal, costs are a concern, or medical issues make surgery risky, removable dentures or conservative restorations may be a reasonable option. Some patients opt for less invasive care when the short-term benefits outweigh the long-term consequences.
What Factors Determine If Implants Are Right For You
Good candidates have sufficient bone density, healthy gums, and overall good health. Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, or poor oral hygiene can reduce success. Your dentist will review medical history, bone volume, and commitment to long-term care.
Key Benefits of Dental Implants
Implants restore chewing and speech, appear natural, and preserve jawbone health. They are durable—often lasting decades with proper care—and easier to maintain than many dentures. They also protect nearby teeth from shifting.
Costs & What Affects Price
The price depends on the number of implants required, whether bone grafts or sinus lifts are necessary, the type of final restoration (single crown, bridge, or full-arch), and whether imaging or guided surgery is needed. The brand of the implant and lab work also affects the cost.
Risks, Recovery, and What to Expect
Typical recovery includes mild swelling and discomfort for a few days, with bone healing taking several months. Complications are uncommon but can include infection, implant failure, or nerve issues. Follow post-op instructions and maintain good oral hygiene to speed healing.
How to Decide: Questions to Ask Your Dentist
Ask about the dentist’s implant experience, success rates, use of CBCT or 3D-guided planning, treatment timeline, alternatives, and financing. Knowing who will place and restore the implant, as well as the technology they use, helps you choose confidently.
Why Consider Signature Smiles Dental Group for Implant Care
Signature Smiles Dental Group offers concierge-style implant care led by Dr. David Shirinian, a fellowship-trained implant dentist. Their use of CBCT, iTero digital scanning, and in-house 3D printing enhances planning and precision, leading to better outcomes.
Next Steps & Call to Action
If you’re asking, “Are dental implants necessary in Pasadena, CA?” for your smile, schedule a consultation to review options and a treatment plan. Contact Signature Smiles to discuss your needs, view before-and-after photos, and receive a personalized estimate.
