Missing teeth affect more than just your smile—they impact your ability to chew, speak, and feel confident. Dental implants are considered the gold standard in tooth replacement because they restore both function and appearance with results that can last a lifetime. At California Dental Group, we specialize in providing high-quality implants designed to look, feel, and perform like natural teeth.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone. It acts as a replacement tooth root, providing a strong foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture. Once the implant integrates with the bone—a process called osseointegration—it becomes a secure anchor for your restoration.
Implants typically include three parts:
- Implant post: Surgically placed in the jawbone.
- Abutment: A connector that attaches the implant to the prosthetic tooth.
- Restoration: The crown, bridge, or denture that replaces the visible part of the tooth.
Why Choose Implants Over Other Options?
Dental implants offer several advantages compared to bridges or removable dentures:
- Permanence: With proper care, implants can last decades or even a lifetime.
- Jawbone preservation: Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss that often follows tooth loss.
- Stability: They don’t slip or move like dentures, making it easier to eat and speak naturally.
- Aesthetic results: Implants are custom-designed to match your natural teeth.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Most healthy adults with missing teeth are candidates for dental implants, but a few factors are considered:
- Adequate jawbone density to support the implant
- Healthy gums free of untreated gum disease
- Commitment to good oral hygiene and regular dental visits
Even if bone loss has occurred, procedures like bone grafting may make implants possible.
The Dental Implant Process
Getting implants is a multi-step treatment that takes place over several months but provides long-lasting results:
- Consultation and planning: X-rays or 3D imaging are used to evaluate bone health and design your treatment.
- Implant placement: The titanium post is surgically inserted into the jawbone. Healing and osseointegration occur over several months.
- Abutment placement: Once healed, a connector piece is attached to the implant.
- Restoration: A custom crown, bridge, or denture is secured to the abutment for a complete, natural-looking smile.
Caring for Dental Implants
Caring for implants is just like caring for natural teeth:
- Brush and floss daily to prevent gum disease
- Visit California Dental Group regularly for check-ups and cleanings
- Avoid smoking, which can interfere with healing and long-term success
With good oral care, dental implants can provide lifelong function and beauty.
Restoring Confidence and Oral Health
Tooth loss doesn’t have to define your smile. Dental implants are a reliable and lasting solution that restores confidence, oral health, and quality of life. At California Dental Group, our team provides personalized implant care to ensure the best results for every patient.
Ready to replace missing teeth with a solution that looks and feels natural? Call California Dental Group today at 800-407-0161 to schedule your dental implant consultation.
