Dental Implants in San Francisco, CA

We know that living with missing teeth can not only make it challenging to chew and speak properly but can also hamper your ability to smile with confidence. That’s why dental implants offer patients a life-changing opportunity to improve not only dental health and functioning but self-confidence too. We are proud to offer our patients dental implants in San Francisco, CA, as part of our commitment to restorative care. Dental implants are permanent, artificial tooth replacements for patients who are missing one or more teeth that are designed to look and feel just like natural teeth and improve your bite, appearance, oral health, and overall well-being.

If you live in the Bay Area and are missing one or more teeth, please call the DENTAL STUDIO SF today at 415-465-1393 to schedule an appointment with our experienced San Francisco dentist.

What Are Dental Implants?

An illustration showing the structure of a dental implant placed by our dentist in San FranciscoDental implants are designed to look, feel, and work just like your natural teeth. A dental implant is a titanium post that supports a dental restoration such as a porcelain dental crown or dental bridge. Dental implants provide a stable, secure foundation that can function just like your existing teeth while the restorations themselves mimic natural teeth.

A dental implant usually consists of three components:

What Are the Benefits?

Dental implants offer a number of important benefits to the health of your smile compared to other solutions such as dentures or dental bridges, including:

Who Is A Good Candidate?

A patient discussing getting dental implants in San Francisco at Dental Studio SFDental implants typically present the most effective tooth replacement option for almost everyone. Generally speaking, you may be a good candidate for dental implants if:

During your initial consultation, Dr. David Ma, our implant dentist, will examine your teeth, jaws, bite, gums, and overall oral and general health to determine if dental implants are an appropriate solution for your dental needs.

If you suffer from other issues, such as gum disease, we will treat your condition first to ensure a successful dental implant procedure.

Types of Dental Implants

Depending on the number of teeth that need to be replaced, dental implants are available in a number of different forms, including the following:

Single-Tooth Implants

An illustration of a single tooth dental implant in San Francisco, CA

As even one missing tooth can significantly impede your ability to chew and speak, high-quality single tooth implants can effectively restore function to the bite and enhance smile aesthetics. A single implant will be placed in the jawbone and topped with either a crown or bridge once healed.

Multiple-Teeth Implants

An illustration of a dental bridge attached to implants

Several dental implants can be placed for a corresponding number of missing teeth. Multiple dental implants can also be useful to create an “implant bridge,” which can serve as a strong support foundation for replacing a few missing teeth in a specific area. Multiple-teeth dental implants can often be a more economical alternative to multiple individual implants in cases where there is an isolated area of missing teeth that is surrounded by natural teeth.

Implant Dentures

Our dentist holding up full mouth dental implants in San Francisco

In recent years, implant dentures have become a popular option for full-arch tooth replacement. Unlike removable dentures, full mouth dental implants are anchored into the jawbone to help create a secure fit that feels natural. In addition to being considered by many as a more comfortable alternative to their removable counterparts, implant dentures – like our other implant options – are custom-crafted to enhance the appearance of your smile.

What Is The Procedure?

The dental implant placement procedure involves a few steps, beginning with a thorough examination of your oral health. Once you are determined to be a suitable candidate for dental implants, our implant dentist in San Francisco will utilize advanced digital scanning technology to create an impression of your oral structures. This is part of a detailed implant mapping plan designed to provide a precise blueprint for the placement of the implants, allowing for the most accurate and natural-fitting results possible.

Dr. Ma will prepare your mouth for dental implant surgery which may require extractions or eradicating any active gum disease. On the day of your surgery, we’ll get you comfortable and use local anaesthesia to numb the area. If you have anxiety around dental procedures, you can discuss sedation options with our team. Dr. Ma will then carefully make incisions deep in the gum and strategically place the implants in the jawbone.

Once the titanium posts are surgically placed into the selected areas, they will fuse to the jawbone over the next several months in a process called osseointegration. In many cases, temporary restorations can be placed on the implant posts during this time to keep your smile looking beautiful while you heal up.

After osseointegration is complete, you will return to our dental office to have the permanent custom crowns, bridge or denture placed. Our dentist will then perform any final touch-ups necessary to ensure your new implants are comfortable and flatter your smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Will My Tooth Implants Last?

Dental implants are designed to be permanent restorations. With that in mind, they require the same amount of excellent care that are required for natural teeth. To reap the full benefits of your implants, make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes or more, floss regularly, and attend dental check-ups as recommended by our San Francisco dentist – for most individuals, a minimum of two per year is advised.

How Do I Care for My New Smile?

You should treat your dental implants and restorations the same as you would normal teeth. Brush twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to keep your gums and remaining teeth healthy. You should also continue to floss around the implant post and under the restoration to avoid trapping food and bacteria than can lead to gum disease. You can use specially formulated dental floss for implants, interdental brushes or a water flosser to get the job done.

Will Anyone Be Able To Tell I have Prosthetic Teeth?

No! Your crowns, bridges and dentures will look indistinguishable from natural teeth. Our cosmetic dentist will ensure restorations match the shape, size and color of your other teeth for a seamless and natural result.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

Each smile is different, and each dental implant procedure at our practice is customized to meet individual dental health needs and aesthetic goals. As such, the cost of dental implants will vary based on a number of factors, including:

Once your customized treatment plan is developed, a member of our team can produce a cost estimate and answer your questions about payment options. We accept a variety of payment methods, including third-party dental financing plans available for qualified applicants that can provide a way to pay for dental implant treatment over time.

Transform Your Smile With DENTAL STUDIO SF

Missing teeth can affect more than just your bite and appearance. Don’t delay the treatment you need. To discuss getting dental implants in San Francisco and all of your tooth replacement options, contact the DENTAL STUDIO SF today by calling 415-465-1393 or completing the form on this page. We proudly help patients from San Francisco and the entire Bay Area.