San Francisco Dental Implants
A dental implant serves as a synthetic tooth root, typically crafted from titanium, offering a foundation to reconstruct absent teeth for a seamless and robust smile.
As a preferred alternative to dentures or dental bridges, implant dentistry comes into play particularly when natural teeth are no longer present.
While the placement of does require surgical procedures, they boast a longevity of roughly 25 years, outlasting other forms of artificial teeth, and providing a long-term solution to enhance oral health and aesthetics.
No one should be embarrassed by their oral health or appearance. We can give you back the confident smile you deserve!
Give us a call at 415-854-9396 or schedule a consultation to get started!
Dental Implants San Francisco: Also On This Page
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What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a state-of-the-art medical device designed to replace missing teeth and restore oral functionality.
It consists of a titanium implant post, that mimics the root of a natural tooth, which is surgically placed into the jawbone beneath the gum line.
This post provides stable support for a custom-made crown — the visible part that looks like a real tooth and functions like natural teeth.
Dental Implants in San Francisco
Over time, the implant fuses with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration, providing a permanent base for replacement teeth.
Dental implants offer a durable and discreet solution for tooth loss, helping to improve speech, chewing ability, and overall dental health, while also maintaining the natural shape of the face and smile.
Our expertise in dental implants extends throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, ensuring accessibility and high-quality care for local patients.
Dental Implant Procedure
We will take a digital x-ray and have 3D images taken, along with models of the teeth so they can examine the teeth properly in preparation for the procedure.
Whether you need multiple teeth replaced or just one tooth, our dentist is here to help.
Your dentist will create a plan of your oral surgery dates, accommodated to your preferences.
Dental Implant Surgery
The actual procedure involves the drilling of a hole into the upper or lower jaw, in order to insert the implant.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons, with their extensive training in various surgical techniques, often collaborate with restorative dentists to ensure the success of the dental implant process.
If the jaw bone is not thick enough, a bone grafting procedure may be necessary, in order to create a strong base for the implant.
Once the dental implant is in place, several months will have to pass after dental implant surgery before the denture and abutment can be placed in, as the bone must grow around the dental implant to ensure the implant is properly attached.
In this way, the implant becomes a proper root for your artificial tooth.
Dental Implant Treatment
A temporary denture will be provided.
The abutment placement is a far more minor surgery and involves the reopening of the gums to place the abutment in.
The gums are then resealed around the abutment and an additional two weeks must pass to allow gum tissue around the gums to heal.
Replacement Teeth Options
More impressions will be made of your oral cavity for the construction of your artificial tooth.
One of our dentists can talk you through the different options available for your artificial tooth, as both removable and fixed permanent teeth are available.
Benefits of Dental Implant Placement
Dental implant patients often wonder what the benefit of implant dentistry is over other options.
As mentioned before, dental implants change the structure and feel of your mouth less than dentures do.
| • | Dental implants last longer than dental bridges or dentures by around 10 years. |
| • | The amount of plastic involved in a denture, and the way they feel in the mouth, is less like a normal mouth. |
| • | Dental implants feel as normal teeth in the mouth in comparison. |
| • | Dental implants improve appearance, as they will fill any gaps in the smile, and are less distinguishable compared to other tooth restorations. |
| • | Dental bridges can require the shaping and filing of neighboring teeth, whereas dental implants do not. |
Am I A Candidate for Dental Implants?
Ideal candidates for dental implants are individuals with healthy oral tissues, sufficient bone density to secure the implants, and no significant health conditions that may impair bone healing.
Replacing missing teeth with dental implants is crucial for restoring the root and functionality of natural teeth.
Good candidates typically have lost teeth due to injury or periodontal disease and are seeking a permanent solution.
However, those who smoke heavily, suffer from chronic disorders such as diabetes or heart disease, or have undergone radiation therapy in the head/neck area may need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, as these factors can affect the success of the implant.
For those lacking the requisite jawbone density, procedures such as bone grafting may be recommended to build up the bone.
A thorough evaluation by a dental professional is the best way to determine if an individual is a good candidate for this life-changing procedure.
Types Of Dental Implants
There are several different types of dental implants available, depending on how many missing teeth you have and would like to replace.
Implant Supported Dentures
Implant supported dentures have few of the drawbacks that conventional dentures do.
Because they are anchored to fixed dental implants it is almost impossible for them to slip and slide around in your mouth.
That means no more clicking, no more fear of chewing or biting down on tough foods, and no more awkward speech mishaps when loose dentures cause you to slur your words.
Implant supported dentures are also more comfortable and less likely to irritate patients who gag easily.
While implant supported dentures might seem like the more expensive option, their superior durability means that they do not wear out as often and do not erode your gums, necessitating further treatments down the line.
This means that in the long-term they are often more cost-effective.
The All-on-4® Treatment Concept
With traditional fixed dentures, you should expect to have more than four dental implants.
This means a more invasive oral surgery, and, potentially, a longer healing process since there will be more dental trauma.
All-On-4 is a specific type of dental implant treatment that is able to support a full set of fixed dentures on just four implants.
These take far less time to complete than regular fixed dentures.
These are also easier to maintain, feel more comfortable, and look better overall.
3 on 6 Dental Implants
While not as common as All-on-4 dental implants, there are also what are called 3 on 6 dental implants.
As the name suggests, there are three dental implants on the top row and six on the bottom row.
They are used to replace a missing tooth or teeth or to stabilize dentures.
Unlike traditional dental implants, which require two surgeries, these implants can be done in a single visit.
This makes them a popular choice for people looking for an affordable and convenient option.
The 3 on 6 dental implants are comparable to other dental implants in terms of longevity.
San Francisco Dental Implants
San Francisco Dental Arts offers a range of different methods to restore your smile.
Contact us at 415-854-9396 and ask us about the range of artificial teeth placements, or to discuss dental implants cost.
For more information on dental implants, check out our Dental Implant FAQ!
