Dental implants are advanced tooth replacement solutions that demonstrate unparalleled stability, functionality, and aesthetics. Composed of titanium posts surgically implanted into the jawbone, dental implants are sturdy foundations for custom-made artificial teeth, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures. Through osseointegration, the implants are fused with the surrounding bone, providing a secure anchor for prosthetic teeth that look, feel, and function like natural ones.
Unlike traditional dentures or bridges, dental implants preserve jawbone density, prevent bone loss, and promote long-term oral health. With their ability to restore chewing function, speech clarity, and facial aesthetics, dental implants can provide patients with renewed confidence, improved quality of life, and lasting smiles.
What Are the Benefits Provided by Dental Implants?
- Dental implants are a permanent solution for individuals who have lost one or more teeth due to decay, trauma, or other oral health issues.
- Dental implants stimulate the jawbone and prevent bone loss by providing the necessary stimulation that occurs naturally with tooth roots.
- Dental implants help preserve facial structure and prevent the sunken appearance often associated with missing teeth by preventing bone loss and maintaining jawbone density.
- Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth, providing a seamless and aesthetically pleasing solution for tooth replacement.
- With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last for many years, often a lifetime, being a durable and reliable tooth replacement option.
- Dental implants prevent neighboring teeth from shifting into the space left by missing teeth, maintaining proper tooth alignment and bite function.
- Dental implants restore a natural-looking smile and improve self-confidence, enabling individuals to socialize, work, and engage in activities without feeling self-conscious about their teeth.
- Dental implants can support single crowns, bridges, or complete arch dentures, providing versatile solutions for individuals with different degrees of tooth loss.
- By restoring oral function and aesthetics, dental implants contribute to overall health and well-being, improving nutrition, digestion, and quality of life for individuals with missing teeth.
Types of Dental Implants
Endosteal Implants
Endosteal implants are the most common type of dental implant and are typically used for patients with sufficient jawbone density. These implants consist of titanium posts surgically placed directly into the jawbone. Once integrated with the bone, endosteal implants provide a stable and durable foundation for attaching crowns, bridges, or implant-supported dentures. Contact us today!
Subperiosteal Implants
Subperiosteal implants are an alternative option for individuals with inadequate bone volume in the jaw or those who are unable to undergo bone augmentation procedures. Unlike endosteal implants placed within the jawbone, subperiosteal implants are positioned on top of the jawbone, just beneath the gum tissue. These implants are custom made to fit the contours of the jawbone and are secured in place with metal framework screws. Subperiosteal implants are suitable for supporting dental prostheses in patients with limited bone density.
The Dental Implant Procedure
Initial Consultation and Treatment Planning
The journey begins with an initial consultation with a dental implant specialist, during which the patient's oral health is assessed and treatment options are discussed. X-rays, CT scans, or 3D imaging may be taken to evaluate the bone structure and determine the feasibility of dental implant placement. A comprehensive treatment plan is then tailored to the patient's needs, considering factors such as missing teeth, bone density, and oral health.
Implant Placement Surgery
The next step involves the surgical placement of the dental implant into the jawbone. This procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort. The oral surgeon or periodontist makes an incision in the gum tissue to expose the underlying bone and then drills a small hole into the jawbone. The titanium implant post is carefully placed into the hole and secured. Over the following weeks to months, the implant integrates with the surrounding bone through osseointegration, providing a stable foundation for the eventual attachment of the artificial tooth.
Healing and Osseointegration
After implant placement surgery, a healing period is necessary to allow the implant to fuse with the surrounding bone. During this period, osseointegration occurs as the bone tissue grows and integrates with the implant's surface, anchoring it securely. The duration of this healing process varies depending on factors such as bone quality and implant location. While the implant heals, a temporary restoration may be placed to maintain aesthetics and function.
Attachment of the Permanent Restoration
Once osseointegration is complete and the implant is fully integrated with the bone, the final restoration can be attached. This typically involves attaching an abutment, a small connector piece that connects the implant to the artificial tooth. Impressions of the mouth are taken to fabricate a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture that will be attached to the implant. The final restoration is then secured onto the implant abutment, providing a lifelike and functional replacement for the missing tooth or teeth.
With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last for many years, offering patients a durable and natural-looking solution for tooth replacement.
Dental implants are a transformative solution for individuals with missing teeth, proving to be a permanent, functional, and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional tooth replacement options. If you're ready to reclaim the beauty, function, and confidence of a complete smile, Visit Blue Turtle Dental at one of our convenient locations at 2290 Birch St, Ste A, Palo Alto, CA 94306; 81 Birch Street, Redwood City, CA 94062; or 1394 Franklin St., Santa Clara, CA 95050 to explore your options for dental implants and take the first step toward a lifetime of healthy, natural-looking smiles. You can schedule an appointment online or call us at (650) 503-6777, (650) 345-5300, or (408) 246-6030.