Dental implants: The new standard in tooth replacement option for San Francisco residents
Missing teeth compromise your smile, and your ability to eat and speak clearly. Roots of teeth also keep bone strong and healthy, for a fuller facial appearance. Dental implants replace the roots of missing teeth, restoring appearance and function, potentially for life. West Portal Family Dentistry offers placement and restoration of dental implants at their offices in San Francisco.
Implant basics
A dental implant is a small cylinder made of lightweight, yet extremely strong titanium. It is placed into the jawbone, replicating the root of a missing tooth. The body readily accepts this biocompatible material.
The basic steps in the procedure are:
- Consultation and evaluation – Treatment doesn’t start until you and the dentist are comfortable with this treatment option.
- Careful planning –CT imaging provides a clear, three-dimensional view of your mouth. With that information, the dentist plans exact placement of the implant, and anticipates the need for bone grafting.
- Implant placement – A small incision is made in the gum, and a small hole is created in the jawbone. The implant is placed into this opening.
- Temporary tooth – – In many cases, the patient doesn’t leave our office without a tooth! We place a temporary restoration at the implant site.
- Healing – Over several months, bone fuses solidly with the implant.
- Restoration – When the timing is appropriate, the temporary crown is removed and impressions are taken. A final crown is fabricated.
- Finishing touches! – You return in about ten working days to have the final crown cemented in place, and polished to lustrous perfection.
Dental Implants FAQs
What are dental implants? How do they work?
Dental implants are considered a long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. These very tiny titanium screws act as artificial tooth roots. They are inserted into your jawbone, where they bond naturally over time through a process called osseointegration. Once healed, a crown, bridge, or denture is then attached to the implant, giving you a sturdy, natural-looking replacement tooth that functions just like the real thing!
Are dental implants painful?
Since the procedure is done under local anesthesia, you do not feel any pain during the surgery. Mild soreness or even swelling afterwards is normal, but it is often manageable using over-the-counter pain medications and usually subsides in a few days. Most of our patients agree that it is far less painful than they expected.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are specifically designed to last for decades, and many last a lifetime with proper care. Their durability makes them a fantastic investment compared to other tooth-replacement options like dentures or bridges, which may need to be replaced several times. To keep your implants in top shape, maintaining excellent oral hygiene and visiting your dental team at West Portal Family Dentistry regularly are essential.
Can anyone get dental implants?
Most of our adult patients are good candidates for quality dental implants, but there are a few factors your dentist considers when making this decision. You need to have healthy gums and enough jawbone to support the implant. If you have experienced any bone loss, you might need a bone graft treatment before the procedure. Additionally, certain medical conditions, including uncontrolled diabetes or heavy smoking, might affect healing.
How do I take care of my dental implants?
Taking proper care of dental implants is just like caring for natural teeth! Brush twice a day, floss daily, and do not skip those routine evaluations and professional cleanings at the dentist’s office. While your implants themselves cannot get cavities, the surrounding gums and neighboring teeth might be affected by plaque and bacteria. A solid oral hygiene routine ensures that your implants will stay both healthy and functional for many years to come!
Are dental implants worth the cost?
Absolutely! While dental implants do have a higher upfront cost than other solutions, their durability, functionality, and natural appearance make them a worthwhile long-term investment for most of our patients. Unlike dentures, you do not have to worry about slipping or discomfort. Plus, because dental implants preserve bone density in your jaw, they contribute to your overall oral health in ways that other options simply can’t.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Dental implants are an incredible innovation in dentistry, offering a reliable, effective, and confidence-boosting solution for missing teeth. If you are wondering if they are right for you, call (415) 604-9292 to request an upcoming appointment at our clinic.
Dental implants look, feel, and function so much like a natural tooth that most patients forget which one is the implant! With good oral hygiene – brushing after meals, flossing twice a day, and maintaining regular checkups and cleaning – dental implants can potentially last a lifetime. In San Francisco, call (415) 604-9292 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Terri Nguyen.
