IEOMFS Esthetic Zone

Most tooth loss happens to teeth closer to the back of your mouth, but what happens when you lose one or more of your front teeth? These teeth are in the “esthetic zone,” and while they can be replaced with implants, this is a particularly challenging and technical procedure. It is critical to work with an oral surgeon who has a proven track record of success in this area.

At Inland Empire Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, we are proud to have the cosmetic eye as well as the technical skills required to provide esthetic zone implants, restoring our patients to a full, healthy, and confident smile.

What Are Esthetic Zone Implants?

The term esthetic zone dental implants simply refers to the use of dental implants to replace missing teeth that are part of your visible smile, particularly the four front teeth. To put it in more technical terms, esthetic zone implants are used to replace the incisors or canines.

The theory behind esthetic zone implants is much the same as with any other dental implants:

  • The implant itself is a titanium rod, inserted into the jawbone where it functions as an artificial tooth root. This helps prevent the decay of your jawbone, and it also ensures a stable place to anchor prostheses.
  • Once the implant has fused with the jawbone, a connective piece called an abutment is added.
  • Your dental restoration is completed when your regular dentist places a custom-made replacement tooth onto the implant, leaving you with a seamless, fully functional, and natural-looking smile.

Compared with implants placed at the anterior of the smile, esthetic zone implants generally call for an acute level of planning, along with specialized surgical skill. This is because these teeth are highly visible and contribute significantly to your smile and facial appearance. Factors such as the size, shape, color, and alignment of the replacement teeth are paramount for achieving a natural and aesthetically pleasing result.

What Are the Benefits of Esthetic Zone Dental Implants?

When you seek specialized care to replace one of your front teeth, you can expect a number of noteworthy benefits. Some of these benefits include:

  • Improved aesthetics, with replacement teeth made to perfectly match your other natural teeth.
  • Durability, with most dental implants lasting a significantly long time (assuming basic upkeep and proper care).
  • Full functionality, including the ability to enjoy most of your favorite foods as normal.
  • The preservation of your jaw bone, and the avoidance of any unwanted changes to your facial appearance.
  • The preservation of adjacent teeth, which do not need to be extracted or shaved down to create room for your esthetic zone implants.
  • The prevention of any tooth shifting, allowing you to maintain healthy alignment and a beautiful, confident smile.

About the Esthetic Zone Implant Process

The process of getting dental implants in the esthetic zone involves multiple steps.

Consultation

During an initial consultation, your oral surgeon will confirm that you are a good candidate for a safe, successful procedure, and answer any questions you may have about dental implant placement.

Surgical Planning

Based on a physical examination as well as medical imaging, your oral surgeon will carefully plan your procedure, including placement depth and angulation. This step is critical for providing results that look as natural as possible.

Implant Placement

The actual dental implant surgery is performed with full anesthesia, promoting patient comfort throughout. Placement may take one to two hours and will also include the placement of a temporary prosthetic tooth.

Final Restoration

Your implant will need to heal for a few months, once osseointegration is achieved your final prostheses will be placed. 

Schedule an Esthetic Zone Implant Consultation

If you have lost a front tooth or expect to have one extracted, seek a board-certified oral surgeon who has a proven track record placing esthetic zone implants.

At Inland Empire Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, we have the cosmetic eye, surgical skill, and the best-in-class technology required for excellence in esthetic zone implant placement. Schedule a consultation by calling our practice today.