Dental Implants
Dr. Carol Jin, D.D.S., a dental specialist in San Ramon, provides customized dental implants for individuals with gaps in their teeth caused by factors such as tooth damage, irreparable tooth extraction, or injury. While prioritizing the preservation of natural teeth, she also offers various replacement options when tooth loss is inevitable.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are metal posts surgically implanted into the jawbone, acting as artificial roots to support a dental restoration. The restoration can be a single crown, bridge, or denture, depending on the number of missing teeth. The implant is made of titanium or a titanium alloy, which is biocompatible and can fuse with the jawbone in an osseointegration process.
Are Dental Implants Right For You?
Dental implants might be the solution you’re looking for if you’re missing one or more teeth. They are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth, providing a natural-looking, long-lasting solution that can help restore your smile and confidence. We’ll cover everything you need to know about the treatment, from what they are and how they work.
Who’s A Candidate?
Not everyone is a candidate for implant treatment. To be a good candidate for implant dentistry, you must have the following:
- Adequate Bone Density – The jawbone must have enough bone density to support the implant.
- Good Oral Health – The gums and teeth must be healthy and free from periodontal disease.
- Good Overall Health – The patient must have good overall health, with no medical conditions affecting the procedure’s success.
Dental Implant Procedure
The first step of the procedure is implant placement, which involves surgically inserting the implant into the jawbone. After the implant has been placed, a healing period of several months is required to allow the implant to fuse with the bone.
Once the implant has fused with the jawbone, an abutment is placed on top of the implant, which acts as a connector between the implant and the dental restoration. Finally, the dental restoration is placed on the abutment, completing the implant treatment process.
Dental Implant Benefits
They offer several advantages over other types of tooth replacement options, including:
- Improved Appearance – They are designed to look and function like natural teeth, providing a more natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing solution.
- Improved Comfort – They are more comfortable than other tooth replacement options, such as dentures, which can slip or move around in the mouth.
- Improved Functionality – They allow you to eat and speak normally, restoring your ability to chew and speak confidently.
- Long-Lasting – They are a durable solution, with a success rate of over 95% and the potential to last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance.
- Improved Oral Health – They help maintain the jawbone’s integrity, preventing bone loss and oral health.
What You Should Know
While they offer many advantages, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider, including:
- Surgical Procedure – The implant placement procedure is a surgical procedure that may cause some discomfort and require a recovery period.
- Lengthy Treatment Time – The treatment process can take several months to complete, requiring multiple appointments and a significant investment of time.
What To Expect After Your Procedure
After the procedure, patients may experience some swelling, discomfort, and minor bleeding, which can be managed with pain medication and ice packs. Following your dentist’s post-operative instructions carefully ensures a smooth recovery.
Aftercare
Maintaining dental implants is crucial to their long-term success. Good oral hygiene practices, including brushing twice daily and flossing daily, can help prevent implant failure and other oral health issues. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are also essential to health and longevity.
The Right Dentist Can Minimize Your Risk
Treatment carries risks and potential complications like any surgical procedure. These can include infection, implant failure, nerve damage, and damage to surrounding teeth and tissues. However, these risks can be minimized by choosing a qualified and experienced implant dentist specialist and following proper aftercare instructions.
A Popular Treatment Solution
Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth, providing a natural-looking, long-lasting solution that can help restore your smile and confidence. While there are some potential risks, the many advantages make them a viable option for many patients.
Schedule Your Dental Implants Consultation
If you want to renew your smile with dental implants, Dr. Carol Jin, D.D.S. in San Ramon, and her experienced team are here to help. Schedule an appointment to learn more about how dental implants can work for you.