When you’re missing a tooth, no matter where it is in your smile, it can profoundly affect your dental and overall well-being. Our experienced dentists at Blessed Smile Dentistry are dedicated to helping you achieve a healthy, confident, and complete smile with our dental implant services. Whether you need a single tooth replacement or a more extensive dental implant procedure, we provide comprehensive care tailored to your needs.

With locations in Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Diamond Bar, and Yorba Linda, we’re your convenient choice for implant dentistry. Our practice makes getting treated on your schedule easy, as we can see you at any of our offices. We’re excited to work with you and look forward to helping you complete your smile and return to good oral health. Contact us today to schedule your initial appointment and discover if dental implants are the right choice for you!

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are an excellent solution for addressing missing or severely damaged teeth. A dental implant consists of three main components: a small, body-safe metal implant post, an abutment, and a tooth-shaped restoration. These pieces work together to replace a tooth from root to crown, closely mimicking the look and function of natural teeth. With our dental implant offerings, you’ll regain the ability to comfortably chew and speak while safeguarding your overall oral health.

Our Dental Implant Pretreatment Options

At Blessed Smile Dentistry, we understand the importance of a strong foundation for your dental implants. In some cases, you may require additional treatments like bone grafts and sinus lifts to ensure the health, longevity, and stability of your dental implants. These pretreatment options are vital for achieving great results and ensuring your dental implants function well for years to come.

• Bone Grafts: Bone grafts are crucial for those with low jawbone density to improve the stability of dental implants. Our dental team performs bone grafts by transplanting material to the jawbone to promote new bone growth and create a solid foundation for the implant, leading to secure and durable results.
• Sinus Lifts: Sinus lifts or sinus augmentations are necessary when the upper jaw is too short for dental implant placement. Our team conducts sinus lifts by elevating the sinus membrane and adding bone graft material to the upper jaw, ensuring enough space and support for the implant while protecting sinus health.
• Extractions: We always try to repair your damaged and decayed teeth. However, we offer skilled tooth extraction services when teeth are beyond repair to make room for your dental implant.

Our Dental Implant Process

Our skilled implant dentists can assist in both dental implant placement and restoration. We will conduct a thorough oral examination to determine if dental implants suit you. During this assessment, we’ll consider aspects like your overall health, gum condition, jawbone density, and whether we can repair, rather than replace, your tooth. If necessary, we’ll use advanced diagnostic tools like CBCT scanners to get a precise picture of your complete dentition.

We’re prepared to help with procedures of any level of complexity and routinely collaborate with trusted specialists for implant placement and pre-implant procedures like complex extractions. While your smile heals and your implant bonds with your jawbone, your custom restoration will be designed. During the placement appointment, we’ll ensure a comfortable fit. After, we’ll continue to provide support and promote the longevity of your restoration with regular checkups at our office.

Comprehensive Restorative Options

We offer various restorative options to cater to your specific dental needs. Our dentists will always take the time to talk to you about the best options for your smile. Whether you’re worried about decay affecting one or several teeth or recently experienced dental trauma, our team is here to help you feel confident and give you a clear path to a revitalized smile. You’ll receive restorations that look and feel natural, and you can rest assured they’ll be crafted to last.

Some of our offerings include:

Crowns: Implant-supported crowns are ideal for replacing a single missing tooth. They can be placed throughout your smile, from front teeth to molars.
Bridges: Implant-supported bridges are an excellent choice if you have multiple missing teeth in a row. This reliable and durable restoration is anchored on either end by a dental implant post, providing exceptional stability and function while renewing your confidence in your smile.
Dentures: With implant dentures, we can replace entire arches of missing teeth. They offer exceptional functionality, durability, and stability. You can care for fixed dentures like natural teeth, simplifying your oral hygiene routine and allowing you to speak and eat confidently. Additionally, we offer immediate dentures to get you back to a functional bite as soon as possible while you wait for your definitive denture to be created.
All-on-4®: All-on-4 is a method for placing implant-supported dentures using only four implant posts. If you qualify for this procedure, you can enjoy the benefits of implant-supported dentures while minimizing the procedure time and the impact on your jawbone. Our dentist will thoroughly examine your smile to determine your eligibility for All-on-4.

Your Skilled Dental Implant Provider

At Blessed Smile Dentistry, we are passionate about revitalizing your smile and safeguarding your oral health. Our team is committed to providing high-quality dental care, taking the time to explain the necessary treatments. We proudly deliver comprehensive dental implant services at any of our convenient locations in Yorba Linda, Diamond Bar, Mission Viejo, and Lake Forest, and we look forward to meeting you. Contact us for your appointment today!

Whether you’re missing one arch of teeth or both, it’s crucial that you choose a tooth replacement option that meets your needs. At Blessed Smile Dentistry, we’re proud to provide All-on-4 dental implants to help your smile get back to looking and feeling its best.

Our comprehensive approach to dental implants means that you can trust our office for placement and implant-supported restorations. We also take the time to help you feel comfortable and at home during your appointments. Contact us today to schedule your next visit and get the All-on-4 dental implants in Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Diamond Bar, and Yorba Linda that you deserve!

What Are All-on-4 Dental Implants?

Traditional implant-supported dentures secure the restoration in place using up to 6-8 implant posts. All-on-4 dental implants, however, use a proprietary system that secures a denture in place with four implant posts. By using fewer implant posts than other options, All-on-4 reduces the overall impact on your smile as well as your time in the exam chair. If you’re unsure whether you’re an ideal candidate for All-on-4, some of the criteria include:

• You have very few or no natural teeth left
• You’re looking for an alternative to traditional dentures
• Your dentures have weak retention
• Your gums hurt when you bite or chew
• You have enough bone to retain dental implants

Our Comprehensive Approach to All-on-4

When you first visit our dental practice, our dentist will ask you various questions about your smile. How long have you had missing teeth? Do you want to replace one or both arches of teeth? From there, we’ll use various technology like CBCT scanners to conduct a comprehensive oral exam.

By looking at your remaining teeth, gums, and jawbones, our dentist will determine if All-on-4 is right for you and how we’ll approach your situation. We’ll outline our recommendations in your personalized treatment plan, which breaks down what you can expect during the process. Above all else, our dental team has the experience and skills to handle the placement of your dental implants and fitting your dentures.

3 Benefits of All-on-4

The versatile and adaptable nature of All-on-4 allows them to appeal to patients from all walks of life. As such, All-on-4 dental implants provide you with various benefits that can make them an ideal solution for you, depending on your needs. Some of the benefits of All-on-4 include:

1. Preventing Bone Degradation: When you have missing teeth, your jawbone can gradually deteriorate as it is no longer being stimulated by your tooth’s roots. The implant posts of All-on-4 are embedded in your jawbone and stimulate it as you bite and chew.
2. Restoring Speech: Whether you have one arch of missing teeth or two, it can prevent you from correctly pronouncing words and affect your ability to articulate yourself. All-on-4 replaces all your teeth for a natural feel that allows you to express yourself without limitations.
3. Improving Aesthetics: All-on-4 dental implants are popular for their natural and seamless appearance. It can create significant aesthetic improvements to your smile to help improve your self-confidence.

All-on-4 FAQs

At Blessed Smile Dentistry, we’re committed to helping you make informed and confident decisions about your oral health. That’s why we’re happy to answer any questions you may have about our All-on-4 dental implants. Some of the most frequently asked questions about All-on-4 include:

How long will my dental implants last?

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of bone loss in the oral cavity, though there are others such as ill-fitting dentures and facial trauma.  The bone grafting procedure is an excellent way to replace lost bone tissue and encourage natural bone growth.  Bone grafting is a versatile and predictable procedure which fulfills a wide variety of functions.

A bone graft may be required to create a stable base for dental implant placement, to halt the progression of gum disease, or to make the smile appear more aesthetically pleasing.

There are several types of dental bone grafts.  The following are the most common:

• Autogenous bone graft – In this type of graft the bone is removed from elsewhere in the body and implanted in the mouth.  Common donor sites for bone grafting include the iliac section of the pelvis, the chin and the posterior third molar areas of the jaw.  If large amounts of bone need to be harvested, the hip or the shin bone (tibia) is generally used.
• Allograft – Synthetic bone (manmade) can be created in the laboratory and used in the bone grafting procedure.  Bone can also be obtained from a bone bank (cadaver bone).
• Xenograft – This is the implantation of bovine (cow) bone. A xenograft is perfectly safe and has been used successfully; ample bone can be obtained, and a secondary donor site is not necessary.

Reasons for bone grafting

There are a wide variety of reasons why bone grafting may be the best option for restoring the jaw bone.

Dental implants – Implants are the preferred replacement method for missing teeth because they restore full functionality to the mouth; however, implants need to be firmly anchored to the jawbone to be effective.  If the jawbone lacks the necessary quality or quantity of bone, bone grafting can strengthen and thicken the implant site.

Sinus lift – A sinus lift entails elevating the sinus membrane and grafting bone onto the sinus floor so that implants can be securely placed.

Ridge augmentation – Ridges in the bone can occur due to trauma, injury, birth defects, or severe periodontal disease.  The bone graft is used to fill in the ridge and make the jawbone a uniform shape.

Nerve repositioning – If the inferior alveolar nerve requires movement to allow for the placement of implants, a bone grafting procedure may be required.  The inferior alveolar nerve allows feeling and sensation in the lower chin and lip.

What does bone grafting treatment involve?

Bone grafting is a fairly simple procedure that can be performed under local anesthetic; however, if large amounts of bone area need to be grafted, general anesthetic may be required.

Initially, the grafting material needs to either be harvested or prepared for insertion.  A small incision is made in the gum tissue and then gently separated from the bone.  The bone grafting material is then placed at the affected site.

The bone regeneration process may be aided by:

• Gum/bone tissue regeneration – A thin barrier (membrane) is placed below the gum line over the grafting material.  This barrier creates enough space for healthy tissue to grow and separates the faster growing gum tissue from the slower growing fibers.  This means that bone cells can migrate to the protected area and grow naturally.
• Tissue stimulating proteins – Enamel matrix proteins occur during natural tooth development.  Emdogain is a matrix protein product which is usually placed on the affected site before the gum is sutured.  It mediates the formation of accellular cementum on the tooth which provides a foundation to allow periodontal attachment to occur.  Tissue stimulating proteins help create lost support in areas affected by periodontal defects.
• Platelet-rich growth factors – A high platelet concentration liquid can be used to create a blood clot at the site of a wound.  It has recently been discovered that PRGF also stimulates bone growth – meaning a denser graft in a shorter time period.

The gum is sutured in place and a follow-up appointment will need to be made within 10 days to assess progress.  Bone grafting is a highly successful treatment and a good base for further periodontal restorations.

If you have any questions about bone grafting, please ask your dentist.

At Blessed Smile Dentistry, we’re passionate about revitalizing smiles with meticulously crafted dentures at our Lake Forest, Yorba Linda, Mission Viejo, and Diamond Bar locations. We offer tailored services to meet your needs, working hard to deliver a natural-looking smile that improves oral health and function. With options for traditional and implant-supported dentures, we’re committed to providing flexible treatments that fit your lifestyle while fulfilling your restorative requirements.

We’ll work closely with you to customize the look of your prosthetic, giving you a smile you’re excited to show off. Whether it’s your first time getting a denture or you’re looking to transition to an implant-supported option, we stand ready to assist. Should you qualify, we are excited to offer immediate or same-day dentures. Contact us today to schedule your appointment for complete or partial dentures and regain a beautiful, functional set of teeth.

Our Range of Denture Options

Dentures are versatile dental prosthetics designed to replace multiple missing teeth, giving you a complete smile. Our dentists take a personalized approach to your denture journey, ensuring your treatment plan aligns with your specific lifestyle and aesthetic preferences. We’re proud to offer a variety of denture options and work closely with you to find the restorative option that best suits you. Our choices for dentures include:

• Traditional Dentures: Built to replace an entire arch of missing teeth and crafted with precision to match the shape of your gumline, our traditional dentures take advantage of suction to provide stability while chewing and speaking. Should your gumline change over time, our team is equipped to provide relining services to maintain optimal comfort and function. Traditional dentures are removable and are easy to repair if damaged.
• Implant-Supported Dentures: If you’re looking for exceptional stability and a natural feel, implant-supported dentures are a great choice. Sometimes called fixed or permanent dentures, we seat them on dental implant posts surgically placed into your jawbone.
• Partial Dentures: If you still have some healthy teeth in your smile, partial dentures offer a seamless way to fill in the gaps in your smile. We provide both traditional and implant-supported options to suit your preferences and needs.
• Immediate Dentures: This option allows us to place dentures immediately after extractions and the placement of dental implant posts. Same-day dentures are desirable because you get a functional set of teeth right away. We’ll perform a thorough examination to qualify you for this procedure.

If you need any pretreatment services before we create and place your denture, we’re pleased to offer extensive options that maximize the longevity and effectiveness of your restoration. We offer extractions, bone grafts, and sinus lifts conveniently under one roof.

Offering Refinements & Repairs

Keeping your denture in top shape is vital to ensuring it’s functioning as intended. That’s why we’re committed to being your resource for refining and repairing your prosthetic. Over time, changes in your gum line can affect the fit of your dentures. Our refinement services address these changes, ensuring your dentures remain snug, comfortable, and stable while speaking and chewing.

Additionally, we’re here for you when accidents happen. Should your denture become damaged, don’t hesitate to call us right away. Our team, in partnership with a trusted dental laboratory, offers skilled denture repairs. We can often work with the lab to provide same-day repairs when we receive your denture early enough. Whether your dentures need a minor adjustment or a major repair, we always strive to provide prompt and reliable service to restore your smile to full function.

Dentures FAQs

When considering dentures as a tooth replacement option, it’s natural to have questions. Our dental team is here to support you throughout the process. We emphasize providing prompt answers to your inquiries and always want to help you feel confident in your restorative dental decisions. Some of the commonly asked questions we receive include:

How often do I need to sanitize my traditional dentures?

Keeping your dentures clean is vital to maintaining good oral health. In addition to daily brushing with a special denture toothbrush, you should soak them in a sanitizing solution each night while you sleep.

How long does it take to get implant-supported dentures?

The timeframe for receiving implant dentures can vary depending on your needs and treatment plan. However, you can often expect the process to take multiple months, from initial consultation to the placement of your final prosthetic.

Will I be able to eat normally with traditional dentures?

With time, you should be able to quickly resume normal eating habits with your dentures. However, we recommend you limit consumption of overly sticky and hard foods. If you experience any difficulties, we’re here to provide guidance and support.

Your Practice for Traditional & Permanent Dentures

Rediscovering the comfort and confidence of a full, beautiful smile starts with having the right team by your side. At Blessed Smile Dentistry, we’re pleased to offer denture services that improve oral health and enhance your quality of life. If you’re considering dentures as teeth replacements, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. With locations in Mission Viejo, Diamond Bar, Yorba Linda, and Lake Forest, we aim to make getting dentures that much more convenient. Contact us today to schedule your appointment for traditional or implant-supported dentures and experience the difference a beautiful new smile can make.

A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) appliance and is an excellent way to replace missing teeth.

There are several types of bridges.  You and your dentist will discuss the best options for your particular case.  The “traditional bridge” is the most popular type and is usually made of porcelain fused to metal.  This type of bridge consists of two crowns that go over two anchoring teeth (abutment teeth) and are attached to pontics (artificial teeth), filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth. 

Dental bridges are highly durable and will last many years; however, they may need replacement or need to be re-cemented due to normal wear.

Reasons for a fixed bridge:

• Fill space of missing teeth.
• Maintain facial shape.
• Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position.
• Restore chewing and speaking ability.
• Restore your smile.
• Upgrade from a removable partial denture to a permanent dental appliance.

What does getting a fixed bridge involve?

Getting a bridge usually requires two or more visits.  While the teeth are numb, the two anchoring teeth are prepared by removing a portion of enamel to allow for a crown.  Next, a highly accurate impression (mold) is made which will be sent to a dental laboratory where the bridge will be fabricated.  In addition, a temporary bridge will be made and worn for several weeks until your next appointment.

At the second visit, your permanent bridge will be carefully checked, adjusted, and cemented to achieve a proper fit.  Occasionally your dentist may only temporarily cement the bridge, allowing your teeth and tissue time to get used to the new bridge.  The new bridge will be permanently cemented at a later time.

You will receive care instructions at the conclusion of the procedure.  Proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new, permanent bridge.

Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection.  In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed and the resulting space is filled with special, medicated, dental materials, which restore the tooth to its full function.

Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed.  Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realized is that extracting (pulling) a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth.

Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although on occasion, a tooth will have to be retreated due to new infections.

Signs and symptoms for possible root canal therapy:

• An abscess (or pimple) on the gums.
• Sensitivity to hot and cold.
• Severe toothache pain.
• Sometimes no symptoms are present.
• Swelling and/or tenderness.

Reasons for root canal therapy:

• Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth).
• Infection or abscess have developed inside the tooth or at the root tip.
• Injury or trauma to the tooth.

What does root canal therapy involve?

A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist (a root canal specialist).

While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva.  An access opening is made on top of the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening, one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria.  If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed with special dental instruments.

Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it will be sealed with either a permanent filling or, if additional appointments are needed, a temporary filling will be placed.

At the next appointment, usually a week later, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials.  A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth.  In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed.  This will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking, and restore it to its full function.

After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed.

You will be given care instructions after each appointment.  Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal treatment.