Replacement of Missing Teeth with Dental Implants

In this case study, we’ll explore the journey of a patient who faced a challenging dental issue—a large tumor in the lower jaw that resulted in the loss of many teeth during surgical removal. Our expert prosthodontist stepped in to address this problem by using dental implants to restore both function and aesthetics.

We’ll also discuss the success rates and quality-of-life improvements associated with such reconstructions, highlighting how they compare to traditional removable dentures.

The Procedure

This patient presented to our practice after surgical removal of a tumor in the left side of his lower jaw. Because of the large size of the tumor, many teeth were sacrificed during the surgery. After reconstruction of the left side of the lower jaw and bone grafting , 3 dental implants were placed. A permanent, 4-tooth dental implant bridge was designed to replace the missing teeth which allowed the patient to chew and properly function again.

Dental implants placed into grafted bone are a very successful treatment for missing teeth. Research shows success rates above 90%, even 10 years after placement of the implants.

Studies also show that there is a significant increase in quality-of-life with dental implant reconstructions. Patients’ can more effectively chew, taste and feel the foods that they enjoy when compared to the limited function of removable dentures.

The bridge shown above is fixed in-place to the implants below the gum tissue. This implant bridge cannot be removed by the patient. A Prosthodontist with expertise in designing these types of restorations can remove the bridge. Since this bridge is different from natural teeth, the patient was instructed on how to properly clean underneath the bridge and around the implants. Routine, 6-month exams and cleanings are recommended to evaluate the implants and the implant bridge. Overall, a very good prognosis is predicted for this treatment.

Conclusion

The patient’s experience, as showcased in this study, underscores the effectiveness of dental implant reconstruction in restoring normal dental function and improving the quality of life. It highlights a practical, effective solution for those facing similar challenges, illustrating the positive impact of dental implants and expert care.

With success rates exceeding 90% even a decade after implant placement, the longevity and benefits of this procedure are evident. The fixed implant bridge, while different from natural teeth, provides durability and convenience for the patient with proper care and maintenance.

In summary, the prognosis for this treatment is highly favorable. It reflects the expertise of our prosthodontist and the potential for patients to regain their oral health and well-being.

Understanding the process of a smile makeover with dental implants, and knowing how to maintain your enhanced smile can help you make an informed decision about this transformative work that will enhance your life and help you feel confident for years.

If you’re wondering whether it’s time to consider dental implants, the advanced knowledge and specialized expertise of our prosthodontic team at Geach Dental,located in Downtown Los Angeles and Laguna Niguel, Orange County, are here to help ensure you get the attractive and confident look you deserve.

We ensure that every one of our patients receives the treatment they need in a comfortable environment. We’ll go the extra mile to make sure you understand your upcoming procedure as well as all of its risks and rewards. And we’ll spend as much time as you need talking to you to make sure we’re both on the same page and you are 100% comfortable with the plan we agree on.

To take the first step towards a radiant smile, simply call us today at (213) 622-3339 or click here to schedule a consultation. Your dental wellness is our top priority and your journey towards a healthier smile starts here!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Meet Dr. Adam Geach, distinguished prosthodontics specialist and owner of Geach Dental. His dental education includes Harvard School of Dental Medicine and the University of Connecticut, where he earned a D.M.D. and an M.D.Sc. in Prosthodontics, respectively. Dr. Geach holds Diplomate status with the American Board of Prosthodontics, underscoring his exceptional expertise in dental care.

At his clinics in Los Angeles and Laguna Niguel, Dr. Geach offers a wide range of services, from cosmetic treatments to full-mouth reconstructions, all delivered with a focus on personalized patient care.Take the first step toward your ideal smile and improved oral health by clicking here.

Search for Blog Articles

Meet Dr. Adam Geach, distinguished prosthodontics specialist and owner of Geach Dental.

His dental education includes Harvard School of Dental Medicine and the University of Connecticut, where he earned a D.M.D. and an M.D.Sc. in Prosthodontics, respectively. Dr. Geach holds Diplomate status with the American Board of Prosthodontics, underscoring his exceptional expertise in dental care. At his clinics in Los Angeles and Laguna Niguel, Dr. Geach offers a wide range of services, from cosmetic treatments to full-mouth reconstructions, all delivered with a focus on personalized patient care.Take the first step toward your ideal smile and improved oral health by clicking here.

When Does a Smile Makeover Become a Full-Mouth Reconstruction?

What Is a Smile Makeover? A smile makeover focuses primarily on improving the appearance of your teeth and smile. Treatment is typically elective and may include: For most esthetically driven patients in LA and OC, the goal is symmetry, brightness, ideal tooth proportions, and facial harmony. Smile makeovers are ideal when: In these cases, veneers or whitening alone may achieve dramatic results. What Is a Full-Mouth Reconstruction? A full-mouth reconstruction (also called full-mouth rehabilitation) goes far beyond cosmetics. It addresses: Rather than simply enhancing appearance, a full-mouth reconstruction restores health, function, and esthetics simultaneously. This type of treatment often involves: For many patients in Los Angeles full-mouth reconstruction cases, what appears to be a cosmetic issue is actually a functional one. When Does a Smile Makeover Become a Full-Mouth Reconstruction? Here’s where the distinction becomes critical. 1. When Bite Collapse Is Present If teeth are worn down from grinding or acid erosion, simply placing veneers can fail long-term. The vertical dimension (height between upper and lower jaws) may need opening and restoration. 2. When Multiple Teeth Are Failing If large fillings, cracked teeth, or missing teeth are involved, cosmetic veneers alone are not enough. The foundation must be stabilized first. 3. When Jaw Pain or TMJ Symptoms Exist Esthetic dentistry without correcting occlusion can worsen painful symptoms. Comprehensive prosthodontic evaluation becomes necessary. 4. When There Is Severe Wear or Erosion In high-functioning professionals throughout LA and OC, stress-related bruxism is common. If teeth are shortened significantly, reconstruction—not just a smile makeover—is required. 5. When Implants Are Needed Replacing missing teeth with implants changes the treatment category from cosmetic to reconstructive. The case below shows how implants were used to reconstruct entire sets of teeth in both the upper and lower jaws. Why a Prosthodontist Matters The American Dental Association recognizes prosthodontists as specialists trained in complex restorative and implant dentistry. A prosthodontist completes: For patients seeking prosthodontist smile makeover Los Angeles or full-mouth reconstruction Orange County, specialty-level planning ensures your results are not only beautiful — but durable and functionally sound. The Los Angeles & Orange County Perspective In highly esthetic markets like Beverly Hills, Newport Beach, and Downtown LA, patients often want perfection. However, chasing cosmetic improvements without addressing structural issues can lead to: A true smile transformation must balance: For many professionals and executives in LA and OC, investing in comprehensive reconstruction upfront prevents costly revisions later. How We Evaluate at Geach Dental At Geach Dental, smile design begins with: If your teeth are structurally sound, a Los Angeles porcelain veneers approach may be appropriate. If we detect structural compromise, bite collapse, or failing restorations, we design a phased full-mouth reconstruction plan in Orange County or Los Angeles. The difference is not cosmetic ambition — it’s functional necessity to protect the esthetics The Key Difference A smile makeover enhances what is healthy.A full-mouth reconstruction rebuilds what is compromised. Who Is a Candidate for Each? Smile Makeover Candidates: Full-Mouth Reconstruction Candidates: Final Thoughts for Esthetically Driven Patients in LA & OC If you are considering a smile makeover in Los Angeles or exploring full-mouth reconstruction in Orange County, the most important step is accurate diagnosis. In competitive, high-performance environments like Southern California, your smile is an asset. But it must be built on a stable foundation. Choosing a prosthodontist ensures your transformation is not only visually exceptional — but structurally designed for long-term function. Written by Adam Geach, DDS, MDSc – Prosthodontist at Geach Dental in Downtown Los Angeles and Orange County ABOUT THE AUTHOR Meet Dr. Adam Geach, distinguished prosthodontic specialist and owner of Geach Dental. His education includes Harvard School of Dental Medicine and The University of Connecticut, where he earned a DMD and MDSc in Prosthodontics, respectively. Dr. Geach holds Diplomate status with the American Board of Prosthodontics, underscoring his exceptional expertise in dental care.

Read Up

Why a Prosthodontist Should Do Your Veneers

Porcelain veneers have become one of the most sought-after cosmetic dental treatments in Southern California — especially in Los Angeles and Orange County, where esthetics, confidence, and image matter both personally and professionally. But not all veneer providers are created equal. For patients and referring dentists alike, selecting a prosthodontist — a specialist in esthetic and restorative dentistry — can make the difference between good results and truly exceptional ones. What Makes Veneers So Transformative? Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin shells of ceramic bonded to the front surfaces of teeth. They can correct a range of cosmetic concerns including discoloration, wear, gaps, misalignment, and irregular shape. Modern dental porcelain mimics the light-reflective qualities of natural enamel for the most lifelike result possible. But achieving a beautifully balanced smile is as much about art and precision as it is about materials. The Prosthodontic Advantage 1. Advanced Specialized Training A prosthodontist, like Dr. Adam Geach at Geach Dental, completes three additional years of specialized residency beyond dental school focused on esthetic, reconstructive and implant dentistry. This training includes advanced principles of occlusion, smile design, functional dynamics, and material science that general dentists may not receive in depth. For veneers, this means: 2. Personalized Smile Design and Digital Planning At Geach Dental, every veneer case begins with a comprehensive esthetic evaluation paired with advanced digital imaging. This allows the clinician and patient to preview proposed changes in shape, length, and proportion before any enamel is altered. This collaborative process ensures: 3. In-House Laboratory and Master Ceramist Collaboration One factor that sets Geach Dental apart is its in-house dental laboratory — meaning the ceramist who crafts veneers works directly with the prosthodontist every day. This team-based approach results in: The tight integration of design and fabrication allows for consistent, lifelike results that rival custom cosmetic work found in high-end esthetic markets. 4. Respect for Tooth Structure and Longevity While veneers can be minimally invasive, improper preparation by inexperienced providers can remove more enamel than necessary, compromising longevity. A prosthodontist’s expertise in conservative tooth preparation aims to preserve as much natural structure as possible while optimizing the bond strength and function of the restoration. This attention to detail is crucial in high-demand patients who expect durability in both function and appearance. 5. Functional Integration, Not Just Esthetics The greatest veneer cases are those that look beautiful and function seamlessly. Prosthodontists are trained to evaluate the entire masticatory system — including bite forces and jaw dynamics — so that veneers not only enhance appearance but perform predictably in daily use. What This Means for Los Angeles & Orange County Patients Whether you’re a professional seeking a refined smile for your career, an individual pursuing a personal esthetic goal, or a referring dentist seeking reliable cosmetic outcomes, opting for a prosthodontist for veneers offers advantages worth considering. In the Southern California context — a region known for its esthetic emphasis — achieving a smile that is both natural and enduring requires: Choosing the Right Provider Cosmetic dentistry is about more than “prettifying” teeth; it’s about creating balance between esthetics, health, function, and longevity. A Board Certified Prosthodontist like Dr. Geach combines the clinical expertise, artistic judgment, and advanced technology necessary to deliver world-class veneer results. If you’re considering veneers for a smile transformation, consulting a prosthodontist ensures a tailored approach anchored in experience and precision — especially in esthetically discerning communities like Los Angeles and Orange County. At Geach Dental in Downtown Los Angeles and Laguna Niguel, Orange County our team has extensive experience in cosmetic dentistry and veneers. If you are interested in enhancing your smile, we encourage you to contact Geach Dental at (213) 622-3339, or click to schedule a consultation. You deserve the best care. Written by Adam Geach, DDS, MDSc – Prosthodontist at Geach Dental in Downtown Los Angeles and Orange County ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Meet Dr. Adam Geach, distinguished prosthodontic specialist and owner of Geach Dental. His education includes Harvard School of Dental Medicine and The University of Connecticut, where he earned a DMD and MDSc in Prosthodontics, respectively. Dr. Geach holds Diplomate status with the American Board of Prosthodontics, underscoring his exceptional expertise in dental care.

Read Up

About Us

Experience the Geach Dental difference with our comprehensive checkups and cleanings.