Skip to main content

A Complete Guide For Smile Makeovers

What to Do About Missing Tooth

📍4725 Lankershim Blvd. Toluca Lake, CA 91602

What to Do About My Missing Tooth: Understanding Your Options

Losing a tooth can be distressing, but knowing your options for tooth replacement can restore both your confidence and oral health. At Toluca Advanced Dentistry in North Hollywood, we understand that each patient’s situation is unique, which is why we offer comprehensive solutions for missing tooth replacement. Whether you’ve lost one tooth or multiple teeth, modern dentistry provides several effective options to restore your smile’s function and beauty.

The first step in addressing a missing tooth is understanding why replacement is crucial for your overall oral health. Missing teeth can lead to bone loss, shifting of adjacent teeth, and changes in your facial structure over time. Additionally, gaps in your smile can affect your ability to chew properly and may impact your speech, making tooth replacement not just a cosmetic concern but a health necessity.

The Dental Implant Process: A Step-by-Step Journey

Understanding the dental implant process helps patients feel more confident about their treatment decision. The journey begins with a comprehensive consultation where we assess your oral health, bone density, and discuss your treatment goals. During this initial visit, we’ll take detailed X-rays and potentially a CT scan to determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants and create your personalized treatment plan.

The actual implant placement involves surgically inserting a titanium post into your jawbone, which will serve as the artificial tooth root. This procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, and most patients report minimal discomfort during the process. Following implant placement, a healing period of 3-6 months allows the implant to integrate with your natural bone through a process called osseointegration, creating a strong, stable foundation for your new tooth.

Once healing is complete, we’ll attach an abutment to the implant and then place your custom-designed crown. This final step completes your dental implant process, giving you a natural-looking and fully functional replacement tooth that can last a lifetime with proper care.

The Dental Implant Process

Consultation and Planning

The process begins with a full exam and 3D scan. Your provider will evaluate your bone density, discuss health history, and create a custom plan—whether for one tooth or a full arch dental implant guideline.

Custom Treatment Plan

A titanium post is surgically placed into your jawbone. Healing (called osseointegration) usually takes a few months. A temporary crown or denture is provided while the implant heals—so you never go without a tooth.

Final Crown or Impant Supported Denture Placed

Once healed, the final tooth (or teeth) is attached. It looks and feels like a natural part of your smile.

Tooth Replacement Guideline: Making the Right Choice

Our comprehensive tooth replacement guideline helps patients navigate the decision-making process by considering factors like oral health status, lifestyle, budget, and personal preferences. The best replacement option varies from patient to patient, which is why we take time to understand your specific situation and goals. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each option, helping you make an informed decision about your oral health.

Timeline considerations are an important part of any tooth replacement guideline. Some options, like removable dentures, can be provided relatively quickly, while dental implants require a longer treatment timeline but offer superior long-term results. We’ll work with you to develop a treatment schedule that fits your needs and ensures optimal healing and results.

Cost considerations are also addressed in our tooth replacement guideline, with transparent pricing and financing options available. We believe that financial concerns shouldn’t prevent you from getting the dental care you need, which is why we offer various payment plans and work with most dental insurance providers to maximize your benefits.

Understanding Your Tooth Replacement Options

Not all tooth replacements are created equal. Depending on your needs, budget, and long-term goals, here are the most common choices:

Dental Bridges

  • Best for: Replacing a single missing tooth when adjacent teeth are healthy.

  • Pros: Faster than implants, usually less expensive upfront.

  • Cons: Requires reshaping healthy teeth, doesn’t prevent bone loss.

Implant Dentures (Partial or Full)

  • Best for: Patients missing several or all of their teeth.

  • Pros: Cost-effective, removable, non-surgical.

  • Cons: May slip, can feel bulky, doesn’t stop bone loss over time.

Single Dental Implants

  • Best for: Long-term tooth replacement.

  • Pros: Permanent, stable, natural-looking, maintains jawbone health.

  • Cons: Higher initial cost, longer healing time.

We Are Offering A Limited Time Promotion On Dental Implants

Limited Time Offer! Dental Implants Starting at $999*

Smile confidently again with our limited-time dental implant offer. The implant post starts at just $999, but please note: full treatment requires the abutment and crown placement to be completed with us, for a total cost of $3,500. This includes everything you need for a secure, natural-feeling replacement that looks and functions like a real tooth.

Finding the Best Implant Dentist: Why Choose Toluca Advanced Dentistry

When searching for the best implant dentist, experience and continuing education are crucial factors to consider. At Toluca Advanced Dentistry, our team has extensive training in implant dentistry and stays current with the latest techniques and technologies. We’ve successfully placed thousands of implants, giving us the expertise to handle even complex cases with confidence.

Advanced technology sets the best implant dentist apart from the rest. Our practice utilizes 3D imaging, computer-guided surgery, and digital impressions to ensure precise implant placement and optimal results. This technology not only improves outcomes but also reduces treatment time and enhances patient comfort throughout the process.

The best implant dentist also prioritizes patient education and comfort. We take time to thoroughly explain your treatment options, answer all your questions, and ensure you feel confident and comfortable throughout your treatment journey. Our North Hollywood location provides a welcoming, state-of-the-art environment where you’ll receive personalized care from our experienced team.

Conclusion: Your Journey to a Complete, Beautiful Smile

Missing teeth don’t have to compromise your quality of life or confidence. With today’s advanced dental technologies and treatment options, anyone can achieve a complete, beautiful, and functional smile. At Toluca Advanced Dentistry in North Hollywood, we’re committed to helping you explore all your options for missing tooth replacement and creating a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs and goals.

Whether you’re interested in single tooth replacement, a complete smile makeover, or full arch dental implants, our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the process. We invite you to schedule a consultation to discuss your specific situation and learn more about how we can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.

Don’t let missing teeth hold you back any longer. Contact Toluca Advanced Dentistry today to begin your journey toward a healthier, more beautiful smile that will boost your confidence and improve your quality of life for years to come.


Book Your Free Consultation Today

Ready to take the first step? Call or message Toluca Advanced Dentistry to schedule your complimentary consultation. Ask about our dental implant promotion and schedule a free consultation to see how we can be the right dental implant provider to restore your smile.

Toluca Advanced Dentistry
North Hollywood, CA
North Hollywood / Toluca Lake’s Top Dental Implant Provider 

F.A.Q.

Regarding Dental Implants

Dental implants are designed to be a permanent solution for missing tooth replacement and can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. The titanium implant post integrates with your jawbone and becomes a permanent part of your oral structure, while the crown may need replacement after 15-20 years due to normal wear. Regular dental checkups, good oral hygiene, and avoiding habits like teeth grinding help ensure your implants last as long as possible.

The dental implant process has an impressive success rate of over 95% when performed by experienced professionals like our team at Toluca Advanced Dentistry. Success depends on factors such as your overall health, bone density, oral hygiene habits, and following post-operative care instructions. Our advanced technology and expertise in implant placement help ensure optimal outcomes for our North Hollywood patients.

The cost of different types of dental implants varies based on the complexity of your case and the number of teeth being replaced. Single tooth implants typically range from $3,000-$5,000, while full arch dental implants can range from $15,000-$30,000 per arch. We offer financing options and work with most insurance providers to help make your tooth replacement more affordable, and we’ll provide a detailed cost breakdown during your consultation.

Recovery from the dental implant process is typically manageable with most patients returning to normal activities within 1-3 days. You may experience mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort for the first few days, which can be managed with prescribed medications and ice packs. Following our post-operative instructions, maintaining a soft food diet initially, and attending follow-up appointments are crucial for proper healing and successful integration of your implants.

Most adults in good general health are candidates for dental implants, but we’ll evaluate several factors during your free consultation including bone density, gum health, and medical history. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, heavy smoking, or certain medications may affect implant success, but many of these issues can be managed with proper treatment planning. We’ll perform a comprehensive examination and discuss your medical history to determine if implants are the right tooth replacement option for you.

Full arch dental implants are permanently fixed to your jawbone and function like natural teeth, allowing you to eat all your favorite foods without worry about slipping or discomfort. Traditional dentures rest on your gums and may require adhesives, can limit food choices, and may cause sore spots or speech difficulties. Full arch implants also help preserve jawbone structure and provide superior comfort, stability, and confidence compared to removable dentures.

 

A complete smile makeover timeline varies depending on the treatments involved, but typically takes 3-6 months from start to finish. Simple cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening can be completed in one visit, while dental implants require healing time between placement and final restoration. We’ll create a detailed treatment timeline during your consultation, coordinating multiple procedures efficiently to minimize the total treatment time while ensuring optimal results.

If dental implants aren’t within your current budget, we primarily recommend fixed bridges as an excellent alternative for tooth replacement, as they provide stability and comfort similar to natural teeth. Fixed bridges are anchored to your existing healthy teeth and offer superior function compared to removable options, allowing you to eat and speak with confidence. We also offer comprehensive financing plans and payment options to help make dental implants more accessible, as they often provide better long-term value and the most comfortable, permanent solution for missing teeth.

The dental implant process is performed under local anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the actual procedure. Most patients report that the discomfort is less than they expected, often comparing it to having a tooth extracted. We also offer sedation options for patients who experience dental anxiety, ensuring your comfort throughout the entire treatment. Any post-operative discomfort is typically mild and easily managed with over-the-counter or prescribed pain medications.

Caring for dental implants is similar to caring for natural teeth, requiring regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings. We’ll provide specific instructions for cleaning around your implants, which may include special brushes or floss designed for implant care. Regular checkups at Toluca Advanced Dentistry allow us to monitor your implants and ensure they remain healthy for years to come. Avoiding hard foods, not using teeth as tools, and wearing a night guard if you grind your teeth will help protect your investment.

Dr. Shahrad Shawn Shahrooz, DDS