Dental Implant Services Specialist

Dr. Rathee has advanced training in both dental implant procedures. She offers state-of-the-art care to patients in and around West Hills, California and can assist them with replacing missing teeth using prosthetics, which look, feel, and work just like a natural tooth.

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Dental Implants
by Anita Rathee, DDS

What are Dental Implants?

The term dental implant refers to the strong post, which is used to support an artificial tooth or crown. In recent years, implants have emerged as a very popular alternative to replace missing teeth because they are designed to feel and function just like a natural tooth. Implants can also be used to anchor dentures to help avoid slippage and ensure the most secure fit. The implants are designed to last as long as a natural tooth and can be applied in about three visits.

What is the Post Made of?

Implant posts are made of titanium, a very strong and biocompatible metal, which has been used for many years in dental and surgical applications, including artificial joint replacements. Titanium is highly biocompatible, which means it fuses well with natural bone. The post is designed to replace the root of a tooth and is not visible after a crown is placed and the procedure has been completed.

What Does the Implant Procedure Entail?

In most cases, patients will be able to complete the implant procedure in three appointments. During the first office visit, the post will be placed under the gums in the bone. Several months will pass before the second visit, during which time the post will naturally fuse with the bone to form a secure attachment. At the next visit, a piece called an abutment will be attached to the post. The abutment serves as an attachment between the post and the crown. An impression will also be made during this appointment and sent to the lab where the crown will be made. At the third appointment, the crown will be attached to the post via the abutment and gently fitted so it looks and feels great. The end result is a natural-looking, comfortable replacement for a missing tooth.

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Dental Implants & Restorative Dentistry

At Anita Rathee, DDS in West Hills, CA, Dr. Anita Rathee provides the latest in dental implants and restorative dentistry technology. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that serve as anchors for replacement teeth. When a patient is missing one or more teeth, dental implants are the most permanent (and often the most comfortable) solution. Visit our smile gallery to view some before-and-after photos of the results enjoyed by dental implant patients.

Steps for Dental Implants

The first step in the dental implants process for our West Hills dental patients is a consultation with Dr. Rathee, during which all possible tooth replacement options will be discussed. To be a good candidate for dental implants, the dental patient must have sufficient bone in his or her jaw to support the implants. Once it is determined that the patient is a good candidate for dental implants, Dr. Rathee will surgically implant the titanium screws that serve as anchors into the patient's jaw. The next step in the dental implants process will occur three to six months later, after the titanium tooth roots have completely fused to the patient's jaw bone. Once this has occurred, the patient can return to our West Hills restorative dentistry office where Dr. Rathee will fit the custom-crafted replacement teeth onto the patient's artificial tooth roots.

Dental Implants Preferred Over Dentures

Many of Dr. Rathee's West Hills area dental implant patients prefer permanent dental implants over traditional removable dentures for several reasons. Dental implants are nearly indistinguishable from a patient's natural teeth, unlike dentures which look artificial. While traditional dentures need to be removed nightly for cleaning, dental implants are a permanent tooth loss solution that require no additional maintenance outside of a good oral hygiene routine. Dental implants also allow patients to feel more comfortable while speaking and eating because dental implants are permanently affixed to the patient's jaw and won't shift or slip as with traditional dentures.

Get Started Today

If you are interested in learning more about your tooth replacement options, especially dental implants, contact our West Hills office at (818) 348-8898 to schedule your restorative dentistry consultation with Dr. Anita Rathee today.