SUNNYVALE DENTAL IMPLANTS DENTIST
Serving San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Saratoga, Los Altos, & Campbell, California
Missing teeth are an unnecessary inconvenience in a world where alternatives exist. Dental implants provide a natural-looking replacement and a long-lasting solution to a gappy smile. Implants are very much like the teeth they replace in that they include the root and the crown. The result is teeth that not only look like your own, but also work in the same way. And they should last for decades.
When a Sunnyvale dentist replaces one or more missing teeth with dental implants, you won’t know the difference between your own teeth and the implanted replacements. Except, of course, the gaps will be gone, and you’ll have a full set of teeth again.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are the little posts that replace the root of your missing tooth. Usually made from titanium, a prosthodontist will place the posts into your jawbone to support the crown or bridge when it is fitted. Crown fitment happens only after the posts have settled and become an integral part of your jawbone.
A dental implant has three components:
- The implant post, or artificial tooth root.
- The abutment connecting the implant to the replacement tooth.
- The crown or restoration, which is the visible part, which looks and functions like a natural tooth.
Because your jaw anchors it, the implant is a lot more stable than a removable replacement.
Still, not all dental patients are implant candidates, and your Sunnyvale dentist will have to assess your teeth, gums and jaw to establish whether dental implants are the best option for you or whether you should take a different dental path.
Roots Hold Crowns
The crowns of your natural teeth are held in place by roots. Roots not only secure your crowns, but they also help keep your jaw healthy by stimulating the growth of new bone. This provides good support for your teeth.
Implants Hold a Prosthesis
The prosthesis (artificial tooth) is held in place by an implant, usually made from titanium. Titanium implants rarely cause reactions because the body accepts this metal. Like the roots of natural teeth, implants also stimulate new bone growth in your jaw, preventing bone loss.
Types of Dental Implants
There is no one-type-fits-all when it comes to dental implants. Dental implants are made to fit your needs, and the process is the same regardless of how many teeth you replace. If it’s a complete set of teeth you’re replacing, however, you may have the option of using a removable or fixed prosthesis.
Types of Prosthesis
A prosthesis can replace one or several teeth. The number of implants you’ll need depends on whether you’re getting a single, partial, or complete prosthesis. The more teeth, the more implants your prosthesis will need.
Single Prosthesis
This type of prosthesis replaces one or two missing teeth. Each prosthetic tooth attaches to its implant abutment.
Partial Prosthesis
This type of prosthesis replaces two or more teeth. It is the implant procedure most commonly performed and may require two or three implants.
A Complete Prosthesis
A complete prosthesis replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of implants varies, depending on the prosthesis you choose.
Choosing a Complete Prosthesis
A prosthesis replaces a complete set of teeth. You can choose removable or fixed prostheses. Some people prefer removable prosthesis because it’s easier to clean the teeth. If you choose a fixed prosthesis, only an implant dentist can remove the dental implants. A fixed prosthesis often provides more stability for easier chewing. You can discuss the pros and cons of each with Dr. Hong.
All-on-4 Dental Implants
If you’re tired of battling with conventional dentures, you may opt for all-on-4 dental implants. This procedure restores a complete set of teeth in one or both jaws. Here’s how it works:
Implant Placement
Instead of replacing each missing tooth with a new tooth, the All-on-4 technique involves placing just four dental implants per arch (either upper or lower jaw). The prosthodontist places the implants into areas of highest bone density to provide more solid support.
Bridge Attachment
The implant dentist will attach a customized dental bridge to the implants once they are in place. The bridge will closely resemble natural teeth in appearance and function.
The Advantages of All-in-4 Dental Implants
Where there is insufficient bone density to support implants, a bone graft is sometimes required. The All-on-4 technique is designed to avoid the need for extensive bone grafts. They are, therefore, more efficient and cost-effective than other implant options.
The All-on-4 dental implant technique offers a convenient and effective solution for people who have lost most or all of their teeth. The process provides a natural-looking and fully functional smile that can significantly improve their quality of life.
One-Day “Mini” Dental Implants
Some dentists will offer you the option of one-day dental implants, also known as “mini” dental implants. These implants are smaller and size and can be fitted in a single day, eliminating the long wait following dental implant surgery.
Dr Hong does not recommend mini dental implants because there is a significantly higher risk of failure, especially for patients with diabetes, vascular disease, bone disease, periodontitis, smokers, limited oral hygiene, reduced jaw bone density, or those taking certain medications. Patients also risk natural bone loss which can cause mini dental implants to loosen or fail.
Why choose dental implants?
Anyone who has lost one or more teeth knows the downside of that nasty gap. Missing teeth can make it difficult to eat, and dental gaps can affect your speech. More often than not, the neighboring teeth move into the spot where you once had a healthy tooth, causing gaps and misalignments. A less-than-perfect smile may affect your self-confidence, a side effect you probably didn’t consider when the tooth came out.
Dental implants are the answer, offering so many benefits, including:
- A natural look: Sunnyvale dental implants are designed to match your teeth. The replacements will look exactly like teeth you’ve lost. There’s no difference in color, shape, or size, so no one, except you and your cosmetic dentist, will know that you have implants in your mouth.
- Eat and speak as you’ve always wanted to: You won’t have to worry about a loose denture. Implants fasten securely into your jaw, in the same way as natural teeth.
- Replacement teeth that last: Dental implants should last for decades with regular care and good hygiene.
- Support your jaw: Your jawbone relies on your teeth for good health. Without them, you lose bone density. The implant replaces the tooth root and reduces bone loss.
- No change to neighboring teeth: Unlike some bridges, there is usually no need to make changes to adjacent teeth when you receive a tooth implant.
What do dental implants cost?
Costs vary between patients because no single treatment is the same. Every dental implant is tailored to your needs. Pricing will depend on the number of teeth replaced, the type of restoration and the condition of your gums, teeth and jaw.
You may need preparatory procedures before the implant insertion. These treatments may include gum disease recovery, bone grafts, or tooth extraction. Your Sunnyvale dentist will assess your cosmetic and dental needs and treatment options and discuss how they fit in with your goals and budget.
With your personal needs in hand, they can give you a personalized cost schedule so that you know exactly what you’re paying for before you give your dentist the go-ahead.
Do dental implants work for everyone?
The short answer to this question is no. Dental implants work for many adults, but they may not be the right choice for you.
Before they can proceed, the dentist must ensure that your gums are healthy and that you have enough bone in your jaw to accommodate implants. They will ask questions about your medical conditions and lifestyle factors. The purpose of this in-depth evaluation is to give you the best chance of a swift recovery and implants that look and work as they should.
If you have lost bone density, you may require a bone graft to ensure that you have enough bone to support the implant. Only your dentist can answer these questions and provide you with healthy and cost-effective alternatives.
Preparing for dental implant surgery
Because implant surgery is a personalized process, preparations may differ. Your dentist will offer you advice and instructions on how best to prepare for the procedure. These may include:
- An in-depth examination with dental imaging
- A discussion about your medical history and any current medications you may be taking
- Treatment programs for existing gum disease or any other dental problems
- Eating and drinking before the procedure
The dental implant procedure
Dental implant treatment does not happen in one visit. It takes place in stages because the implant needs time to blend with the jawbone. You can expect the following stages:
The initial consultation
The consultation forms the basis of the personalized treatment plan. Your dentist will do a full mouth assessment and may use X-rays or 3D imaging to assess the condition of your teeth and bone. They will discuss these with you along with what you want to achieve from the treatment.
