Implant Dentistry
Walnut Creek, CA
Millions of Americans suffer tooth loss as a result of injury, tooth decay, and gum disease. If your smile looks incomplete as a result of missing teeth, dental implants may be the solution you’re looking for.
Dental implants in Walnut Creek, CA are surgical components that fuse with the bone in a patient’s jaw to act as an anchor or to support a dental prosthesis. The materials can’t decay like your natural teeth and won’t move around in your mouth or cause damage to the bone.
Implants may be right for people whose jawbone has reached full growth, have healthy oral tissue, don’t have any health conditions that can impact bone healing, can’t or don’t want to wear dentures, and don’t smoke tobacco.
PLACE & RESTORE
Once a dental implant has had time to fuse with the bone in your jaw to form a sturdy foundation, the next step is to begin the restoration process. The protective cap over the implant will be removed so a connecting element called an abutment can be placed. Once this process is completed, it will take an additional time to heal completely. You will then return to the dentist’s office to have the dental crown, dentures, or bridge affixed to the implant.
IMPLANT-RETAINED DENTURES
For many patients in need of the replacement of multiple teeth, conventional dentures are often considered to be uncomfortable and unsatisfactory for their needs. By using dental implants as a means of retaining or supporting dentures that don’t fit properly, implant-retained dentures can provide improved bite function and stability. These dental prosthetics can replace multiple teeth or even a whole arch of teeth.
Multiple surgical-grade titanium posts are inserted directly into the jawbone in order to restore the root structure of the lost teeth. These are then attached to abutments, and a partial or full denture is placed on top.
ALL-ON-4® DENTURES
Through the use of just four dental implants, All-on-4 implant-retained dentures can be used to replace teeth that are badly broken down, decayed, or compromised as a result of gum disease. The four dental implants support a fixed prosthesis with anywhere from 10 to 14 teeth that are generally placed within 24 hours post-surgery. Benefits of All-on-4 implants include:
- They look like your natural teeth
- They improve oral function by providing support and stability
- Treatment can be completed with a single procedure allowing you to heal faster
- The base of the dental implant which acts as a tooth root provides stimulation to the jaw bone to avoid atrophy
LONG-TERM BENEFITS
Dental implants offer numerous long-term benefits that make them a preferred option for tooth replacement. Unlike dentures or bridges, implants provide a permanent solution that can last a lifetime with proper care. They help preserve the jawbone and prevent bone loss, maintaining the structure of your face and jaw. Moreover, implants allow you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence without the worry of slipping or shifting teeth, contributing significantly to improved oral health and overall quality of life.
AFTERCARE & MAINTENANCE
Post-implant surgery, proper aftercare is crucial for healing and the long-term success of dental implants. Patients are advised to follow a soft food diet initially and gradually reintroduce harder foods as healing progresses. Regular dental check-ups, proper brushing, and flossing are vital to prevent infection around the implant sites. Periodic follow-up visits allow your dentist to monitor the implants and ensure that they are integrating well with your jawbone and that your oral health remains optimal.
