Dental implants are a permanent and natural-looking solution for replacing missing teeth. At California Dental Group, we specialize in providing high-quality dental implants that restore both the function and appearance of your smile. Whether you’ve lost a single tooth or multiple teeth, dental implants offer a long-lasting solution that improves your oral health and confidence.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone to act as a replacement for a missing tooth root. Once the implant has integrated with the bone, a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the implant, restoring the appearance and function of your tooth.
- Implant post: A titanium screw that is biocompatible and fuses with the jawbone.
- Abutment: A connector that attaches the implant to the replacement tooth.
- Prosthetic tooth: A crown, bridge, or denture that looks and functions like a natural tooth.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer several advantages over other tooth replacement options, such as dentures or bridges. These benefits include:
- Permanence: Dental implants are a long-term solution that can last a lifetime with proper care.
- Stability: Unlike dentures, implants are securely anchored in the jawbone, providing excellent stability for eating and speaking.
- Natural appearance: Implants look and feel like real teeth, allowing you to smile and speak with confidence.
- Preserving jawbone health: When a tooth is lost, the jawbone can begin to deteriorate. Implants stimulate the bone, helping to maintain its strength and structure.
The Dental Implant Process
The dental implant process involves multiple steps over the course of several months, ensuring a stable and durable result. Here’s an overview of what you can expect:
- Consultation: During your initial visit, your dentist will assess your oral health and determine if dental implants are the right solution for you. This may involve X-rays or 3D imaging to evaluate the condition of your jawbone.
- Implant placement: The titanium post is surgically placed into the jawbone. Over the next few months, the implant will fuse with the bone in a process called osseointegration.
- Abutment placement: Once the implant has fully integrated, the abutment is attached to the post.
- Prosthetic tooth placement: A custom-made crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the abutment, completing the restoration.
Caring for Your Dental Implants
Caring for dental implants is much like caring for your natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are essential to maintaining the health of your implants and the surrounding gum tissue. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation Today
If you’re missing one or more teeth, dental implants can restore your smile and improve your quality of life. Contact California Dental Group today at 800-407-0161 to schedule a consultation and learn more about our dental implant services.
Dental Implants FAQs
What are dental implants?
Answer: Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, usually made of titanium, that are surgically placed into the jawbone. They present a permanent base for fixed or removable replacement teeth like crowns, bridges, or dentures.
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
Answer: The optimal candidates have sufficient jawbone density. Healthy gums, and good health overall. It is possible for people with bone loss to still be candidates through grafting procedures.
How long does the dental implant process take?
Answer: Including consultation, surgery, healing (3-6 months for osseointegration), and the placement of the final crown or bridge, the entire process can take several months.
Are dental implants painful?
Answer: The procedure is executed under local anesthesia, minimizing pain. Post-surgery discomfort can be controlled with over-the-counter pain medications and typically reduces in a few days.
How long do dental implants last?
Answer: Dental implants can last a lifetime, with proper care. The crowns or prosthetics that are attached may need to be replaced after 10-15 years.
How should I care for my dental implants?
Answer: To maintain the health of the gums and surrounding tissues, it is essential to regularly brush, floss, and attend dental check-ups.
