Dental Implants
Did you know that by the time Americans reach 35 years old, 69% have lost at least one permanent tooth? Missing teeth can cause numerous oral health problems, such as shifting teeth and bone loss. But with dental implants at Bay Area OSM, our team of dental surgeons can replace your tooth and stop bone loss. Call one of our offices today or make an appointment online to see how dental implant surgery can help you.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are a revolutionary procedure that places a titanium artificial tooth root in the place of your missing tooth.
After a healing period where your jawbone fuses around the implant, a dental crown is installed and looks just like the rest of your natural teeth.
In some cases, dentures can be installed on dental implants to prevent shifting and movement while talking and eating.
Comprehensive Dental Implant Process at Bay Area OSM
The journey to your new smile begins with a thorough consultation at one of our Bay Area locations, where our surgeons utilize cutting-edge CBCT scans and X-rays to evaluate your needs. Should your jawbone require strengthening, we offer bone grafting and sinus lifting to ensure a solid foundation for your implants. Following implant placement, a healing period is observed, culminating in the attachment of your new, permanent teeth.
The oral surgeons at Bay Area OSM highly recommend implant surgery over conventional replacements or not replacing the tooth at all.
Unparalleled Benefits of Choosing Dental Implants
Opting for dental implants at Bay Area OSM offers numerous advantages:
- Improved Appearance: Designed to look and feel like natural teeth, implants are a permanent solution that integrates with your bone structure.
- Enhanced Comfort and Functionality: Say goodbye to the discomfort and limitations of removable dentures.
- Boosted Self-Esteem: A full, healthy smile can significantly improve your confidence.
- Dental Health Benefits: Implants do not require altering adjacent teeth, promoting better oral health and hygiene.
- Durability and Convenience: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime without the need for adhesives or removal for cleaning.
What is the Dental Implant process like?
At the first visit, your surgeon will take X-rays and scans of your mouth and make sure you have enough jawbone density to hold the implant. If not, a bone graft procedure can be performed before you receive a dental implant.
This is common when the implant is to be placed in the maxilla (upper jaw) towards the back of the mouth. This is due to the location of the maxillary sinus (air-filled space found in the bones of the face).
A surgical procedure called a sinus lift can fix this by lifting the sinus floor and grafting bone into the sinus.
When the bone is strong enough, a titanium rod is implanted into your jawbone in an outpatient procedure. Anesthetics, and in some cases sedatives, can be used to minimize any pain or discomfort.
At this point, you need to wait until the implant fully fuses with your jawbone. This takes anywhere from three to six months.
At your last visit, your oral surgery specialist uncovers your implant and prepares the implant for the crown that your referring general surgeon will install.
Since your implant works just like a natural tooth root, your dental prosthesis won’t move or shift. With proper care, a dental implant will last your entire life.
Can anyone get dental implants?
If your oral surgeon feels you are healthy enough to undergo a routine dental extraction or any other oral surgery, then it’s likely that you can go through with the dental implants procedure.
You must have healthy gums and the bone density of your jaw bone should be strong enough to hold the implant.
It is expected that you will maintain good oral hygiene after the surgery and schedule regular dental visits to follow up.
Tobacco users or those that suffer from uncontrolled chronic disorders, such as diabetes or heart disease, or have had radiation therapy to the head/neck area, will need to be evaluated on an individual basis.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS MADE OUT OF?
Dental implants are made of three individual components. The two principal parts are the screws that attach to the jawbone and the crown that makes up the visible part of the tooth.
The screw that fixes to the jaw is made of titanium or a titanium alloy. It has been discovered that titanium has the properties needed to bond with the bone in a process called osseointegration.
The crown is commonly made of porcelain or another tooth-colored material.
