Key Takeaways
- Dental implants act like real teeth: A metal post is placed in the jawbone and topped with a crown, creating a strong, natural-looking replacement.
- Process takes a while but gives good results: It can take months for the implants to heal and attach to the bone. Once they are ready, they act just like real teeth.
- Other options exist: Bridges and dentures can replace missing teeth. However, they may affect nearby teeth, feel less stable, or need to be replaced more often.
Losing a tooth feels like more than just a dental problem. It changes how you chew, how you speak, and how you smile. The good news is you have options. Dentures, bridges, and implants all replace missing teeth, but they’re not created equal. If you’ve been wondering whether dental implants in Sherman Oaks are the right move, let’s walk through the process in plain language.
At Clove Dental Sherman Oaks, we see this question all the time: “Are implants worth it?” For many people, yes. The decision is based on your health, budget, and long-term goals.
What’s a dental implant, really?
Think of an implant as a new root for your tooth. A small metal post goes into the jawbone. Later, a crown is attached on top. Once it heals, it works just like a real tooth. You can bite into a sandwich or laugh with friends without giving it a second thought.
How the process usually goes
Getting an implant isn’t instant.
- First, the dentist checks bone and gum health.
- Then, the post is placed into the jaw. This part needs time, your body fuses the bone around it.
- Once healed, the crown (the tooth you see) is added.
It can take months, but the payoff is a tooth that feels natural and steady.
Other options: bridges and dentures
Let’s be real. Implants aren’t the only option.
- Dentures: These are removable. They can replace several teeth at once, and they’re usually the cheapest. Downsides? They may slip or feel bulky.
- Bridges: A bridge fills a gap by using the teeth next to it as anchors. It looks natural, but healthy teeth have to be filed down, which some people don’t love.
- Dental implants: They stand on their own, don’t affect nearby teeth, and help stop jawbone shrinkage. They last longer, too.
If cost weren’t a factor, most patients would pick implants. But budget matters, so it’s worth weighing the pros and cons.
Talking cost
Here’s the tricky part: implants cost more up front. Dentures and bridges seem easier on the wallet. You might need new dentures every few years. Bridges can break if the teeth holding them are not healthy.
Implants are usually a one-time investment. Many people looking at dental implants in Sherman Oaks see the bigger picture: spend more now, avoid repeated fixes later.
What recovery feels like
People often imagine implant surgery as scary. The truth? Most patients say it’s easier than a tooth extraction. There’s swelling for a few days and some soreness, but over-the-counter medicine usually helps.
The longer part is the healing. The post needs time to bond with bone, often three to six months. During that time, a temporary crown or denture can cover the space. Once healed, you get the final crown, and it looks like the tooth was never missing.
Who’s a good fit?
Not everyone can jump straight to implants. You need:
- Healthy gums
- Enough bone in the jaw (or a bone graft first)
- No untreated gum disease
Smokers and people with certain health issues may need extra care before starting. That’s why an exam comes first.
Why patients like implants
Here’s what we hear from people after they’ve chosen dental implants in Sherman Oaks:
- “I forgot it’s not my real tooth.”
- “I can eat things I avoided for years.”
- “I’m not embarrassed to smile anymore.”
That everyday comfort is what makes implants stand out compared to dentures or bridges.
Our view at Clove Dental Sherman Oaks
We believe implants are one of the best long-term fixes for missing teeth. But they’re not always the right call for every patient. Sometimes a bridge or denture makes more sense. What matters is matching the solution to your mouth, budget, and goals.
Quick takeaway
If you’re missing a tooth, you don’t have to live with the gap. Implants, bridges, and dentures can all help. Of those, implants often feel most natural and last the longest.
Thinking about dental implants in Sherman Oaks? Come talk with us at Clove Dental Sherman Oaks. We will explain your options in simple terms. We’ll help you choose what works best for your smile.
