Implant Procedure
Fountain Valley, CA
 The entire procedure of placing your dental implant can vary based on the preparatory work needed, the number of implants you are having placed, and the restoration device you are using.
Many patients will require a bone graft in preparation for their dental implant procedure. When teeth are lost, there is an immediate reaction with your bone. As with any part of your body, lack of use leads to atrophy. Once the bone is no longer being stimulated by the pressure and motion of teeth, the bone pulls in its resources and that area of bone loses mass becoming smaller. Because it tends to be older patients who experience tooth loss, we tend to associate a sunken, smaller facial structure with old age, assuming that a person is older by the appearance of their face. By restoring your bone mass, and placing dental implants, we can give you a more youthful appearance.
Not all implant procedures require a bone graft. The All-on-4® Treatment Concept uses longer implants, designed to reach deeper, denser bone. This procedure is done when having a denture device permanently retained.
A bone graft sounds complicated but is quite simple. Dr. Bijan Modjtahedi will begin with a local anesthetic to ensure that the patient is comfortable. The tissue is then opened up to reveal the bone, and tiny bone fragments are placed. The bone fragments can come from multiple sources. It can be bone directly from the patient, it can be processed donated bone - either human or animal, or it can be synthetic bone material. Once placed, the area is sutured closed, and the patient is done for about three months. During that healing time, the bone will grow, increasing in mass, giving us the bulk needed to have sufficient bone to place the dental implant. Once Dr. Bijan Modjtahedi is happy with the amount of bone available, the procedure can continue.
The implant procedure takes about one hour. Our first goal is to ensure that the patient is comfortable. We will anesthetize based on your needs, both medical needs and using the appropriate anesthetic for the work that will be accomplished. Once the patient is comfortable, Dr. Bijan Modjtahedi will then open the tissue, revealing the bone. A specialized drill will be used to make the needed space in the bone to fit the implant rod. Once the implant is inserted, the area is then sutured closed. In some situations, we may place a membrane containing platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or platelet rich fibrin (PRF) to increase healing. The time of healing following the procedure is vital to the success of the implant.
Healing after Implant Placement
Healing from your implant procedure has not been noted to be painful, uncomfortable, or long. Most of our patients find that they can resume normal daily activities, including returning to work, within two days after placement. The important aspects of healing is to be aware of unnecessary bleeding, avoid infection, and time. We want the rod to heal with the bone, creating the important firm connection needed to be strong.
After a period of healing, usually three to six month, once Dr. Bijan Modjtahedi feels the bond is strong, then your dental appliance can be placed. For single tooth restorations, we will create a customized dental crown. Your crown is designed to match your dentition and coloring. It should be invisible in your mouth, giving you a perfect tooth. For multiple tooth restorations, we will also customize your bridge or partial denture with you in mind. Your appliance should fit comfortably, and as natural as your teeth. When having your denture retained, we can use the denture you already wear or create a new denture for you. The options are vast.
How long does a dental implant last?
Dental implants are a long-term, permanent restoration. For most patients, they will never have to have their implants removed or replaced. In fact, implants hold the highest retention rate and success rate over any other dental restoration. There is a greater than 98% rate of success for dental implants. If there is a problem, it is noted within months of placement and most frequently is due to a decreased ability to heal because of other health problems. Before placement, it is important to notify Dr. Bijan Modjtahedi of all medications and health ailments you are dealing with so that we can work with your physician to accommodate your needs. Visit our Implant Care page to learn how to care for dental implants.
If you are interested in having a dental implant procedure or if you have any questions about the process, contact Bijan Family Dental Practice at (714) 421-4494.
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