Missing teeth can affect how comfortably you chew, how clearly you speak, and how confident you feel about your smile. If you’re considering dental implants in Sherman Oaks, John Matchett DDS can help you understand your restorative options and what to expect throughout treatment.
Dr. John Matchett focuses on the restorative phase of dental implant treatment, including planning how the final implant-supported tooth or teeth will look, fit, and function. When surgical implant placement or other procedures are needed, he coordinates care with local specialists while continuing to manage the restorative portion of treatment.
From your initial evaluation through the placement of your final restoration, our goal is to make each stage of care clear and manageable.
What Is Implant Dentistry?
Dental implant treatment replaces one or more missing teeth using an implant placed in the jawbone and a restoration that replaces the visible portion of the tooth.
The implant acts as an artificial tooth root and provides a stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or other implant-supported restoration. Because these restorations are fixed in place, they can provide a more natural feel and function than removable tooth replacement options.
Treatment varies based on your oral health, the number of teeth being replaced, and whether additional procedures are needed before the final restoration can be placed.
Dental Implant Restorations in Sherman Oaks
Dental implant treatment often includes both a surgical phase and a restorative phase.
Dr. Matchett leads restorative dentistry planning, which may include selecting the appropriate implant-supported restoration, evaluating your bite, and determining the shape, size, and appearance of the final tooth or teeth.
When surgical implant placement or other procedures are required, our office can coordinate with local specialists while continuing to oversee the restorative portion of treatment.
Digital dental scans and impressions may also be used to capture detailed information about your teeth and bite. These records can help with the planning and fabrication of implant crowns and other restorations to ensure a precise fit.
Throughout treatment, we review your options, expected timing, and follow-up needs so you understand what comes next.
Five Benefits of Dental Implant Restorations
Dental implants can offer several advantages for patients replacing one or more missing teeth:
- Improved chewing function: A stable implant-supported restoration can make biting and chewing more comfortable.
- Support for neighboring teeth: Unlike a traditional dental bridge, a single-tooth implant generally does not require adjacent healthy teeth to support the replacement tooth.
- Natural appearance: Implant crowns can be designed to complement the color, shape, and proportions of the surrounding teeth.
- Support for the jawbone: The implant itself can help stimulate the jawbone in the area where a natural tooth root is missing.
- Long-term tooth replacement: With good oral hygiene, routine dental care, and appropriate maintenance, implant-supported restorations can provide many years of function.
What to Expect During Dental Implant Treatment
Your first visit includes an evaluation and a conversation about your goals, oral health, and available treatment options.
Depending on your needs, the process may include:
- An examination and X-rays to evaluate your teeth, gums, and supporting bone.
- A discussion of whether an implant-supported crown, bridge, or another restorative option may be appropriate.
- Coordination with a specialist if surgical implant placement or other procedures are needed.
- Digital impressions or scans for planning and fabrication of the final restoration.
- Follow-up visits to evaluate fit, comfort, function, and home care.
Our team also explains aftercare and maintenance so you know how to care for your restoration between dental visits.
Common Questions About Dental Implant Restorations
How long does the dental implant process take?
Dental implant treatment often takes several months, but the exact timeline varies from person to person. Healing time, oral health, and any additional procedures needed before the final restoration can all affect how long treatment takes.
Is dental implant treatment painful?
Comfort varies depending on the procedure and the individual patient. Local anesthesia may be used during treatment, and your dental or surgical provider will explain what to expect afterward and how to manage temporary soreness or sensitivity.
Will an implant crown look natural?
Yes, an implant crown can be designed to complement the color, shape, and size of the surrounding teeth. Restorative planning considers both proper function and a natural-looking result.
Who makes the implant crown?
Implant crowns are created by skilled dental laboratories using specifications provided during treatment planning. Digital scans can help provide detailed information about your teeth, bite, and restoration.
How long can an implant restoration last?
The lifespan of an implant-supported restoration varies based on oral hygiene, bite forces, overall oral health, and routine dental care. Regular checkups allow your dentist to monitor the restoration and surrounding tissues over time.
What is the difference between a dental implant and an implant crown?
A dental implant is the portion placed in the jawbone that serves as an artificial tooth root. The implant crown is the visible restoration attached to the implant to replace the missing tooth.
Do I need to see a specialist for dental implant surgery?
Some patients may need to see a specialist for surgical implant placement or related procedures. Dr. Matchett can coordinate with local specialists when surgical care is needed while continuing to manage the restorative portion of your treatment.
Who may be a candidate for dental implants?
Dental implant candidacy depends on several factors, including your oral health, supporting bone, overall health, and individual treatment needs. An evaluation is necessary to determine whether an implant-supported restoration may be appropriate for you.
Dental Implant vs. Dental Bridge
The main difference between a dental implant and a traditional bridge is how the replacement tooth is supported.
A dental bridge relies on neighboring teeth for support. Those teeth are typically prepared so the bridge can fit over them.
A single-tooth dental implant, by comparison, replaces the missing tooth independently and generally does not require adjacent healthy teeth to support the restoration.
The right choice depends on your oral health, the condition of the surrounding teeth, your treatment goals, and other clinical factors. Dr. Matchett can review the restorative options available to you and explain the advantages and considerations of each.
Why Choose an Implant Restoration Dentist in Sherman Oaks?
Choosing a dentist for implant restoration means choosing the provider who will help determine how your final tooth looks, fits, and functions.
At John Matchett DDS, Dr. Matchett leads restorative treatment planning and reviews your options before treatment begins. This includes considering your bite, the design of your restoration, and how the final tooth or teeth will work with the rest of your smile.
When additional surgical care is needed, our office coordinates with local specialists while continuing to manage the restorative phase of treatment. This approach helps keep the treatment plan organized from the initial evaluation through placement and follow-up of the final restoration.
We also consider both function and appearance when planning your restoration. If cosmetic concerns are part of your treatment goals, cosmetic dentistry options can be discussed alongside your restorative care.
Patients can also read patient testimonials to learn more about experiences with our office and our approach to dental care.
Schedule an Implant Restoration Evaluation in Sherman Oaks
If you’re considering replacing a missing tooth, John Matchett DDS can help you explore your dental implant restoration options in Sherman Oaks.
During your evaluation, we’ll review your oral health, discuss possible restorative approaches, and explain the next steps based on your individual needs.
Contact our office to schedule a visit. Dr. John Matchett and our team provide restorative dental care at our Sherman Oaks dental office, where we can help you determine whether an implant-supported restoration is right for you.