Losing a tooth can affect how you chew, speak and feel about your smile. A dental implant may provide a stable, natural-looking replacement, but successful treatment begins long before the implant is placed.
At All About The Smile in Torrance, Dr. Tiffany Lee uses in-office CBCT imaging, individualized digital planning and a custom-made surgical guide for implant cases. Just as importantly, she carefully determines whether implant treatment is appropriate for each patient.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small post placed in the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. After the surrounding bone has healed around it—a process called osseointegration—a custom crown is attached to restore the visible part of the tooth.
Implants may replace one tooth, several teeth or support certain implant-retained bridges and dentures. However, they are not automatically the best solution for every person or every missing tooth.
Why Patient Selection Is So Important
Technology provides valuable information, but it cannot make every patient an ideal implant candidate. Careful patient selection is one of the most important parts of responsible implant dentistry.
Before recommending treatment, Dr. Lee evaluates:
- Medical and dental history
- Gum health and oral hygiene
- Available bone
- Nearby teeth and anatomical structures
- Bite and space for the final crown
- Tobacco or nicotine use
- Conditions or medications that may affect healing
- Ability to attend maintenance visits
Age alone does not determine whether someone can receive an implant. Overall health, oral health and healing ability are usually more important.
Sometimes the safest answer is “not yet.” Gum disease, infection or another dental concern may need treatment first. Some patients may require bone grafting or evaluation by a specialist. For others, a bridge or removable appliance may be more appropriate.
Dr. Lee would rather recommend the right treatment than rush someone into implant surgery.
How In-Office CBCT Imaging Helps
Traditional dental X-rays provide two-dimensional images. Cone-beam computed tomography, commonly called CBCT, provides three-dimensional information that may be helpful for implant planning.
Our Torrance dental office has CBCT imaging available in-house. When clinically appropriate, the scan allows Dr. Lee to evaluate the implant area from multiple angles and assess:
- The height and width of available bone
- The shape of the jaw
- Nearby tooth roots
- Important nerve pathways
- The sinus position in the upper jaw
- Potential anatomical limitations
Having CBCT technology in the office can make planning more convenient. Because CBCT uses X-rays, it is recommended only when the additional information is necessary for diagnosis or treatment planning.
Why We Use a Custom Surgical Guide
After the examination and imaging are complete, Dr. Lee plans the intended implant position with the final crown in mind. For implant cases she accepts, a custom surgical guide is made specifically for the patient.
During the procedure, the guide helps transfer the digital plan to the mouth and control the intended location, angle and depth of preparation.
A surgical guide does not replace clinical judgment or eliminate every risk. It is one part of a careful process combining three-dimensional imaging, restorative planning, patient-specific design, precise surgical technique and appropriate follow-up.
What to Expect
- Consultation and examination: Dr. Lee reviews your medical history, oral health, concerns and goals.
- Imaging and planning: Necessary X-rays are reviewed. When indicated, an in-office CBCT scan provides three-dimensional information.
- Patient-specific treatment plan: Dr. Lee determines whether an implant is appropriate and whether other treatment is needed first.
- Custom surgical guide: A guide is created for the planned implant position.
- Implant placement and healing: The implant is placed and allowed to integrate with the surrounding bone.
- Final restoration: Once the implant is ready, a custom crown or other planned restoration is attached.
The complete process may take several months. Healing time depends on the implant location, bone condition, procedure and individual patient.
Caring for a Dental Implant
An implant cannot develop a cavity, but the gum and bone around it still require excellent care. Long-term maintenance includes thorough daily brushing and cleaning between teeth, regular examinations and professional cleanings, avoiding tobacco and nicotine, wearing a nightguard if recommended and promptly reporting discomfort, bleeding, swelling or looseness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I too old for a dental implant?
There is no single upper age limit. General health, oral health, bone condition and healing ability are more important than age alone.
Does everyone need a bone graft?
No. A clinical examination and CBCT scan help determine whether adequate bone is present. Some patients need grafting, while others do not.
Does a surgical guide guarantee success?
No. A guide helps transfer the planned position to the mouth, but it cannot remove every risk. Healing, health, anatomy, hygiene and maintenance all affect the outcome.
How long does treatment take?
Treatment often takes several months, but every case is different. Healing needs, bone condition, implant location and additional procedures can affect the timeline.
The first step is a careful conversation and examination.
Dr. Tiffany Lee will evaluate your oral health, explain your options and determine whether implant treatment makes sense for you. When appropriate, our in-office CBCT technology and custom surgical-guide process support a detailed, individualized plan.
Individual results and treatment needs vary. An examination and appropriate diagnostic imaging are required before treatment recommendations can be made.