Natural Looking And Acting Tooth Replacement Options
A dental implant is a replacement tooth anchored by a titanium post (the root) with a replacement tooth or teeth attached to it. Dental implants can be used to support a single crown, several teeth as in a dental bridge, or a full arch of teeth.
Experience and Knowledge You Can Trust
One of our main specializations as a periodontal practice is treatment with dental implants. Both Dr. Henriod and Dr. Hendry are very experienced in dental implants and have placed, between them, thousands of implants with a 98%+ success rate. They know what to look out for and how to handle anything that might arise during treatment.
Dr. Henriod and Dr. Hendry are highly sought-after teachers of implant dentistry, as well as being highly trained in it themselves. Dr. Henriod & Dr.Hendry have additionally achieved the certification of Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, a rigorous training and examination process that only about 10% of periodontists have completed.
Dental Implant Consultation
We offer a Dental Implant Consultation to assess what would work best for your situation, review treatment options, and answer any questions. We will present you with treatment plan options that take into account your budget and lifestyle.
Your first step is a consultation with Dr. Hendry or Dr. Henriod. You will be able to review options and get any questions answered. We offer a Dental Implant Consultation to see if implant treatment would be right for you.
BENEFITS AND ADVANTAGES OF DENTAL IMPLANTS
DENTAL IMPLANTS CAN LAST A LIFETIME
Dental implants use titanium, a non-corrosive, neutral and long-lasting metal. However, Implants can suffer the same periodontal issues as natural teeth. They require good oral care and regular cleanings at the dentist just like natural teeth.
DENTAL IMPLANTS BEHAVE LIKE NATURAL TEETH
Once their implant is placed, most patients can’t tell the difference between their natural teeth and the implant tooth. They can eat with it completely normally, with full chewing power, and they can brush and floss normally as well. Implants used to support restorations such as dental bridges and dentures are also very lifelike in look and function.
DENTAL IMPLANTS PREVENT BONE LOSS
Bone in the jaw atrophies where there is no tooth. This is because the bone requires the pressure of chewing to maintain its density. In the first year of losing a tooth, if no implant is placed, the bone where the tooth was can lose up to 70% of its previous volume.
Dentures can even accelerate bone loss as they rub against the bony ridge, gradually wearing it away.
Implants act as natural teeth and provide the stimulation needed to keep bone healthy. This is also true for implant-supported bridges or fixed implant-supported dentures (non-removable by the patient).
DENTAL IMPLANTS KEEP ADJACENT TEETH STABLE
The gap caused by a missing tooth can destabilize adjacent teeth, causing them to shift towards the gap. This pulls your teeth out of position and can affect your bite and your ability to chew. A poor bite can also lead to problems with your TMJ (temporomandibular joint).
DENTAL IMPLANTS CAN HELP KEEP YOU FREE OF GUM DISEASE
Gaps from missing teeth can act as traps for food and bacteria and can lead to gum disease.
DENTAL IMPLANTS CAN PREVENT FACIAL SAGGING AND PREMATURE AGING
As dental implants can prevent bone loss, they can also prevent facial sagging for people who have all or many of their teeth missing. Due to progressive bone loss caused by the missing teeth, the height between the tip of the nose and chin decreases, causing the lower third of the face to collapse.
Changes include excess wrinkles around the mouth, drooping jowls and sagging skin, thinning lips and a more pointed chin, making the person look a lot older than his or her true age.
Dental Implants Vs. Dentures
Dental implants provide a far superior experience compared to dentures because of dentures’ unstable nature. The most frustrating aspect of dentures, and the most unhealthy, is their poor chewing ability.
Below are some of the other drawbacks of dentures, which are handled by using dental implants:
- Dentures often have to be kept in the mouth by using a dental adhesive.
- Dentures have to be removed for cleaning. With the exception of a removable implant-retained denture, your implant-supported restoration can be cared for by brushing and flossing.
- Dentures cover the roof of the mouth. With implants, there’s nothing covering the roof of your mouth to interfere with your sense of taste or other normal activities. Implant-supported dentures can also be fabricated without a palate.
- Dentures don’t provide the stimulation needed to prevent bone loss. Jawbone needs to have the stimulation of high-pressure chewing to keep its volume. Implants ensure no jaw bone is lost.
- Dentures can slip out while eating or speaking. Implants and implant-supported dentures are securely anchored and won’t slip out.
- It’s hard to chew with dentures and you can’t eat a lot of the foods you like or need. Dentures can move while you chew, which is annoying, and also makes it difficult to chew! In fact, dentures generally have only 10% or less of full chewing power.
- Dentures can make noise while eating. With implants or implant-supported dentures, there’s no annoying clicking sound.
- Progressive bone loss as a result of wearing dentures can cause facial collapse. Over the years bone loss can cause the collapse of the lower third of your face, creating excessive wrinkles, sagging skin and jowls, thinning lips and a sunken-in look. This can considerably age a person’s appearance.
Dental Implants Vs. Dental Bridges
DENTAL IMPLANT
A Dental Implant is a more affordable and natural replacement than a dental bridge A bridge consists of false teeth supported by adjacent teeth that have been capped. It is used to replace one or two missing teeth.
DENTAL BRIDGES
A bridge requires two usually healthy teeth to be cut down, which is not an ideal way of replacing a missing tooth compared to a dental implant. Bridges tend to have short lives, five to ten years, compared to a dental implant which can last a lifetime. So while a bridge can sometimes be more economical initially, in the long run a dental implant can cost you less.
THE PROCEDURE
HIGH-TECH DIAGNOSTICS
This starts with our state-of-the-art cone beam CT scanner which takes 3D 360º images of your teeth, jaw and related structures. The 3D scanner uses X-rays focused into a cone beam onto the precise areas of treatment. It employs only a fraction of the radiation used by medical CT scanners.
SURGICAL GUIDES FOR PRECISION PLACEMENT
Using our 3D scan we create surgical guides to ensure precision implant insertion. The surgical guide is positioned over the gums during surgery to guide the implants into the most ideal position. This makes the surgery quick, safe and predictable and takes away the risk of nerve damage and sinus perforation
EXTRACTIONS
Where extractions are needed, we remove the tooth very carefully, usually in pieces, so as to preserve the shape of the socket and to minimize damage to the surrounding bone and gums.
We can often place the implant immediately after an extraction, which often minimizes healing time
IMPLANT HEALING
Implant healing (full integration with the bone) takes 2 to 4 months. In some situations a temporary implant tooth can be made immediately after placing an implant. An important factor determining speed of healing is how precisely the dental implant is placed, causing the least amount of impact on the surrounding tissues and bone. Our extensive planning and preparation, use of surgical guides, and controlled drilling ensures a very precise insertion.
IMPLANT ALTERNATIVES
Dental implants continue to evolve. One recent advance are dental implants made from Zirconia. Zirconia is a metal-like ceramic that is highly biocompatible. For patients with sensitivity to titanium, or who prefer a metal-less implant, we can place Zirconia implants.
IV SEDATION
We offer IV sedation for the more nervous or anxious patient to give them a more relaxing and comfortable experience.
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS?
In the past, patients with insufficient bone or who had certain health conditions or habits were not considered candidates due to difficulty in implant placement or the potential risk involved.
Developments in bone grafting and bone reconstruction as well as the minimally invasive nature of modern implant placement has made it so that most patients can receive implants. Additionally, there are now implant procedures that can even eliminate the need for bone grafting, making implant treatment faster and more affordable than ever.
People who smoke or who have conditions such as diabetes, can also be treated safely, although more precautions have to be taken.
Can I have implants if I have gum disease?
A very good question is whether somebody is a candidate for dental implants, if they’ve had gum disease. As we know, implants are very successful. Approximately 98% success rate. One of the main risks to a lifelong implant is active gum infection, and so as we treat somebody with dental implants replacing missing teeth, we need to make sure that there is no active periodontal disease, that there’s no active gum infection, and that can be treated at the time of implant placement or before over many years if there is active gum infection. That is a risk factor for implants having problems. However, like many of our patients, a history of gum disease does not mean that you are not a candidate for implants. We have placed thousands of dental implants in our patients with gum disease, and they’re successful and happy as they chew and smile throughout their lives.
Do I Need Bone Grafting before a Dental Implant?
One frequently asked question is whether a bone graft is needed before having a dental implant. The way we know whether this applies to you or not is when we take your 3D X-ray, we will be able to see what is the amount or volume of bone present. If there’s enough bone, we can place the implant. If there’s not, we can add bone, and that’s done in different ways, different techniques to add bone, called bone grafting.
DENTAL IMPLANT OPTIONS
CROWNS
This option is best for single tooth replacement. A single implant is fused to your jaw bone, and then a tooth-like crown, typically made from porcelain or ceramic, is fastened to the implant. Crowns allow for the proper amount of support needed to bite and chew as you might with your natural teeth.
Dental implants also prevent bone loss in the jaw. Your teeth are actually what stimulate bone growth in your jaw, so when they’re missing, you are at risk of losing bone mass in that area.
This loss of mass can result in unwanted changes in facial structure, facial collapse, and issues with your remaining teeth. With a dental implant fused to your jaw bone, bone growth continues to be stimulated, and these issues can be avoided.
FULL MOUTH IMPLANTS
In instances where the damage, decay, or tooth loss is so significant that you’re in need of a full mouth replacement, single tooth crown replacements would be both too extensive and too expensive. Instead of replacing each tooth individually, Drs. Henriod and Hendry can provide you with full mouth implants.Full mouth implants avoid the need for individual implants on every tooth by inserting between 4 and 8 strategically placed implants throughout the mouth that can then support a full arch implant bridge. This procedure goes by “All-on-4” although many times we place more than 4 implants. The approach is transformative for patients with a whole mouthful of teeth that are beyond repair.
BRIDGES
When multiple consecutive teeth are in need of replacement, it’s a lot easier to provide you with a dental implant bridge than it would be to replace each tooth individually with a full crown.
Implant-supported bridges can replace an entire arch of teeth without the need for an implant where each tooth was. Instead, you’ll receive a few implants that can provide support to a crown that is not connected to an abutment at all.
The bridge looks totally natural and provides you with 99% of the full chewing power of a natural tooth. The only difference is that you’ll need less surgery than with individual crowns.
DENTAL IMPLANTS TO AID DENTURES OR PARTIALS
Partial dentures can work miracles for those who receive them, but they do have their shortcomings. They rely on healthy teeth to anchor to with wires or metal frames, and can weaken those teeth over time. Full dentures rely on surface area contact to grip and suction the gum tissue and jawbone. Over time, bone atrophies under the pressure from dentures, causing changes in fit and comfort. Dental implants can be used to help anchor both partial dentures or full dentures. Implant assisted dentures and partials fit better, don’t have to grip natural teeth as much, and maintain bone volume over time.
Dental implants are titanium roots, that are replaced with in the jawbone to resemble a tooth or group of teeth. A screw is inserted through the gums and into the jawbone. A porcelain crown is then attached to the screw to become the new tooth or teeth. They can be used to support dental prosthesis including crowns, dentures, and bridges. Today’s treatments are so natural looking, no one will know you had surgery. There’s approximately a 95% success rate for all implants. With modern advances in dentistry, some implants can be restored immediately with life like all porcelain crowns. For more details ask your dentist.
Dental Implant FAQs – Pasadena Periodontics
How long does a dental implant procedure take from start to finish?
Treatment time varies depending on your needs and healing process. For most patients, the entire process, from initial consultation to final restoration, takes 3 – 6 months. This includes time for the implant to fully integrate with the bone and for your custom crown or bridge to be fabricated. In some cases, same-day or immediate-load implants may reduce the overall timeline.
Is dental implant surgery painful?
Most patients report that implant placement is far more comfortable than they expected. Local anesthesia and sedation options, such as IV sedation, ensure a relaxed, pain-free experience. Mild soreness or swelling afterward is common but easily managed with over-the-counter medication. Drs. Henriod and Hendry take extra care to minimize tissue disruption, resulting in a smoother and quicker recovery.
How much do dental implants cost in Pasadena, CA?
This depends on how many teeth are being replaced, whether bone grafting or extractions are needed, and the type of restoration used. While implants have a higher initial cost than dentures or bridges, their durability and health benefits make them a smart long-term investment. Pasadena Periodontics provides a detailed treatment estimate at your consultation and discusses all available payment options.
Are dental implants covered by dental insurance?
Coverage varies widely between insurance plans. Some may cover the surgical placement or the crown attached to the implant, while others may categorize implants as elective. Our financial coordinators will verify your benefits and help maximize coverage. We also offer financing options and phased treatment plans to make care accessible and affordable.
What happens if I don’t replace a missing tooth right away?
Delaying replacement can lead to jawbone loss, shifting of neighboring teeth, and bite imbalance. Over time, these changes may complicate future implant placement or affect facial appearance. Replacing missing teeth promptly helps preserve bones, protect surrounding teeth, and maintain proper oral function.
How do dental implants improve oral and overall health?
Implants restore natural chewing ability, allowing you to enjoy a wider variety of healthy foods. They also help maintain jawbone structure and prevent strain on adjacent teeth. By supporting long-term oral stability, implants can contribute to better digestion, improved nutrition, and increased self-confidence, benefits that extend beyond just your smile.
How can I find a trusted dental implant specialist near me in Pasadena?
If you’re searching for a qualified implant dentist in Pasadena, look no further than Pasadena Periodontics. Drs. Henriod and Hendry are board-certified periodontists and Diplomates of the American Board of Periodontology with decades of combined implant experience. Patients throughout the San Gabriel Valley choose our practice for precision, safety, and beautiful results.
Can dental implants fail? How can I prevent that?
Dental implant failure is rare, with success rates above 98% in properly maintained cases. The most common causes of failure include poor oral hygiene, smoking, or uncontrolled medical conditions such as diabetes. Maintaining good home care habits and attending regular periodontal maintenance visits greatly reduces the risk of complications and ensures long-term stability.
How do I care for my implants at home?
Implants should be brushed and flossed just like natural teeth. Specialized cleaning tools, such as interdental brushes or water flossers, can help reach areas around the implant. Regular professional cleanings and checkups are also essential to monitor bone and gum health. Our team will provide a customized home-care plan tailored to your implant type and restoration.
Do you offer dental implant consultations for new patients?
Yes. Pasadena Periodontics welcomes new patients seeking expert implant care. During your consultation, Dr. Henriod or Dr. Hendry will review your oral health, discuss goals and options, and create a personalized treatment plan. You’ll also receive a detailed cost estimate and timeline so you can make an informed decision about restoring your smile with confidence.
ENSURING LIFELONG DENTAL IMPLANTS
When properly prepared, placed and looked after, dental implants can last your lifetime. Key to their endurance is the foundation in which they are placed. We make sure that your implants are embedded in healthy bone and gum tissue.
Using our 3D Cone Beam scanner, we capture 360º views of the jaw, teeth, gums, nerves and adjacent structures. This allows us to see the exact condition of your bone and gums. We precisely plan where to place your implants for best bone volume and density, as well as any other treatment that might need to be done to ensure your implant surgery’s success.
We guarantee our dental implants. We have a very high success rate and feel confident that your implant will last, given proper after care. If something does happen, we will always work to provide the best solution.
