Hiding your smile because of missing teeth? Exposed gums lead to a host of oral health problems from tooth misalignment to bone loss. A dental implant may be your best choice!
Dental implants can fill in the gaps left by missing teeth and stimulate the jawbone to prevent deterioration, keeping your face structure intact. Dental implants are one of the most popular solutions to tooth loss, as it is a natural looking and durable alternative to bridges and traditional dentures.
Board Certified Oral Surgeons
At South Valley Oral and Facial Surgery, each type of dental implant is tailored to meet individual needs, ensuring improved functionality and aesthetics for a wide range of patients in the San Jose area.
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What Are Dental Implants?
Made of biocompatible materials, typically titanium, a dental implant acts as an artificial tooth root and is surgically implanted into the jawbone. These implants serve as a base for attaching artificial teeth, such as dentures, bridges and crowns.
Types Of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer a versatile solution for replacing missing teeth, catering to a variety of dental needs and preferences. There are several types of dental implants available, each designed to address specific conditions and provide optimal results.
| • | Full mouth dental implants are ideal for those seeking a complete restoration of all their teeth, offering a stable and durable alternative to traditional dentures. |
| • | Zygomatic implants, anchored in the cheekbone, provide a solution for patients with insufficient bone in the upper jaw. |
| • | The innovative All-on-4 and All-on-6 techniques support a full arch restoration on just four or six implants, respectively, offering a less invasive and more cost-effective approach to achieving a full, natural-looking smile. |
Benefits of Dental Implant Placement
Dental implants offer numerous benefits, enhancing both oral health and quality of life. A permanent solution for missing teeth, they fuse with the jawbone, providing a stable foundation for replacement teeth.
Jawbone Structure Preservation
When you lose a tooth, the jawbone in that area will deteriorate over time because of lack of stimulation. Implants mimic the root structure of natural teeth, stimulates bone growth, and stops bone loss. This preserves the facial structure and keeps you looking young.
Aesthetics and Natural Feel
A common cosmetic dentistry procedure, dental implants look and feel like natural teeth. The crown which is the visible part of the implant is customized to match the size, color and shape of your existing teeth.
Better Speech
Dental implants restore proper articulation and pronunciation so you can speak confidently and clearly. Unlike removable dentures which can sometimes slip and cause speech difficulties, implants stay in place.
Long-Term Solution
Dental implants are designed to be a long-term solution, with a higher success rate than other tooth replacement options. With proper care and maintenance, implants last a lifetime.
Prevents Shifting Teeth
When a tooth is missing, the adjacent teeth may shift and one or more teeth may tilt into the space and get misaligned. Dental implants fill the gap and prevent adjacent teeth from moving, maintaining the overall alignment of your teeth.
No Decay
Unlike natural teeth, dental implants are not prone to cavities. The materials used in implants, titanium, are decay resistant.
Dental Implant Placement
Placing dental implants involves an outpatient surgery done in stages. It’s important to give the gums and bones time to heal so the patient doesn’t feel pain during the second stage. The process involves multiple steps which are as follows:
| • | Removing the damaged tooth |
| • | Bone Grafting (preparing the jaw) |
| • | Placing the dental implant |
| • | Giving the bone time to heal and grow |
| • | Placing the abutment |
| • | Inserting the artificial tooth |
Consultation
The implant process starts with a consultation and comprehensive exam with our qualified oral surgeons. During this appointment, our oral surgeons will evaluate your oral health, take x-rays and discuss your medical history to see if you are a candidate for dental implants.
Treatment Planning
After the initial consultation and approval, a customized treatment plan is developed. This plan takes into account the number of missing teeth, the condition of the jawbone and the overall oral health of the patient. It also outlines the type of implant restoration that will be used, whether it’s a single crown, a bridge or a complete set of dentures.
Surgical Implantation
The next step is the surgical placement of the dental implants. This is done under local anesthesia and in some cases iv sedation is used for added comfort. The oral surgeon makes an incision in the gum to expose the jawbone and then drills precise holes for the implant post. The implants are then placed into the holes and the gum is stitched back into place.
Osseointegration
After implant placement, a critical process called osseointegration takes place. Osseointegration is the process where the bone fuses with the implant post to create a stable foundation for the artificial tooth. This phase can take several weeks to a few months and during this time the patient may be given a temporary restoration.
Abutment Placement
Once osseointegration is complete, a small connector called an abutment is attached to the top of the implant. The abutment is a link between the implant and the final dental restoration. The dentist will then take impressions of the abutment and surrounding teeth to create a precise model for the fabrication of the final restoration.
Placement of the Final Restoration
The custom made implants are attached to the abutment. The dentist will make sure it’s comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.
Dental Implants in San Jose CA
Our South Valley Oral and Facial Surgery oral surgeons are experts in dealing with complex dental issues. Having gone through extensive education and training beyond that of a general dentist, they know how to do execute oral surgeries with precision and excellent care.
Call us at 408-479-9449 or visit our website to schedule an appointment at one of our locations near you. Your new smile awaits!