Dental Implants in Palo Alto

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants provide a permanent solution to replace missing teeth and look and feel like your natural teeth. Dental implants are made up of titanium or other materials safe for the human body. Implants are first anchored to your jawbone. Later, dental prosthesis, such as crowns or bridges are placed on top of these anchors to provide a natural looking and secure replacement teeth that do not shift or slip in your mouth. Schedule an appointment to talk to your dentist to see if implants are the right solution for you.

Are Dental Implants for Everyone?

While most patients who come to us for consultation are good candidates for dental implants, we look for certain conditions to qualify our patients. First, an implant patient must be in good health and cleared by their physicians for surgery. Second, they must have adequate jawbone to support the implant or should be able to have surgery to build the jawbone. Third, implants may not be recommended for patients with certain illnesses, such as diabetes and leukemia. Come in and talk with our dentist to see if you qualify for dental implants. 

Are Implants Better Than Dentures? 

Tooth loss is pretty common in the adult population, especially as we age. While dentures provide a less expensive solution to missing teeth, they usually require more maintenance and do not provide the permanence of implants. If dentures are not adhered properly, they shift or slip around or worse, may come loose. Implants, in contrast, provide a secure fit that makes artificial teeth feel more natural and more comfortable. Come in to discuss the right option for you and experience how our dental implants can change your life!

What Can I Expect During an Impant?

The first step of a dental implant involves a periodontist who will perform a surgery to place the titanium anchor in your jawbone. Your dentist will prescribe painkillers and/or food recommendations to help with the healing process. Next, we will wait for the healing to be complete, which may take up to a few months to be completed. This process is known as osseointegration where the jawbone grows around the anchor and the implants is completely integrated into the bone. The final phase is when your implant dentist will attach the prosthesis (custom made tooth, bridges, or dentures) to the implant post.

What Are The Different Types of Implants? 

If you are missing a single tooth, your dentist will perform a single-tooth implant procedure where an implant post replaces your missing tooth’s roots. A crown is then attached to the implant post. A single-tooth implant is a stand-alone unit. In contrast, if you are missing several teeth or all your teeth, your dentist may recommend implant-supported dental bridges or dentures. If you are missing some teeth, an implant will replace your natural teeth and some of your missing tooth’s roots. Unlike traditional bridges, implant supported bridges do not need to reply on adjacent teeth for support.  If you are missing all your teeth, implant supported dentures may be your best solution. Implant-supported dentures are more comfortable and longer lasting than traditional dentures. 

What Else Should I Be Aware Of?

The duration of your implant procedure can range from a single visit to multiple visits over several months. Schedule your implant dental appointment with us to get clear answers and a customized plan of treatment! After your dental implants are in place, your dentist will recommend an at-home dental care routine, which may involved brushing twice-a-day and flossing once-a-day to maintain your implant and natural teeth. We also recommend regular dental visits to keep your dental health in optimal condition. 

Even though implants require careful evaluation, may take longer, and may cost more than other restorative options, they can last an entire lifetime and provide a radiant new smile and a fully functioning and comfortable set of teeth.