We know that living with missing teeth can not only make it challenging to chew and speak properly but can also interfere with your ability to smile with confidence. Our dental implants in San Francisco offer patients a life-changing opportunity to improve not only their dental health and functioning but also their self-confidence. If you live in the Bay Area and are missing one or more teeth, please call the DENTAL STUDIO SF today to schedule an appointment with our experienced San Francisco dentist.
Understanding Implants
Dental implants are a restorative treatment that’s designed to look, feel, and work just like your natural teeth. They’re titanium posts that support your restorations, such as porcelain crowns or bridges. Implants provide a stable, secure foundation that functions just like your existing teeth, while the restorations themselves mimic natural teeth.
The Benefits
- Implants are permanent restorations that can be easily cared for, just like your normal teeth.
- By maintaining a healthy oral hygiene routine, a tooth implant can last the rest of your life.
- Missing teeth can negatively affect your jaw. Teeth implants can prevent your jawbone from deteriorating, preserving more of your natural bone structure.
- You can rely on the strength of a tooth implant to allow you to eat all of your favorite foods without concern.
- Your dental implants will blend seamlessly with your natural teeth to provide you with a more confident, winning smile.
- Removable dentures aren’t always comfortable. Dental implants are fused with your jawbone, giving you a tooth restoration option designed to feel as good as it looks.
Am I a Good Candidate for This Restoration?
Dental implants are typically the most effective tooth replacement option for our patients. Generally speaking, you may be a good candidate for dental implants if:
- Your jawbone is strong enough to support a surgically implanted dental post.
- You have no active gum disease or any decayed teeth or cavities.
- You are in good overall health with no uncontrolled chronic conditions
- Your jaw is fully developed (this tends to happen between the ages of 16 and 18)
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 appropriate 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
Single-Tooth Implants
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
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 also be more economical in cases where there is an isolated area of missing teeth that is surrounded by natural teeth.
Implant Dentures
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 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 To Expect During 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 the eradication of any active gum disease. On the day of your surgery, we’ll get you comfortable and use local anesthesia to numb the area. If you have anxiety about 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 is 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 implant 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 way 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 that 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:
- The number of teeth being replaced
- The specific type of materials utilized
- The extent and complexity of the treatment
- Any additional techniques, such as enhanced sedation measures or other treatments, performed during the procedure
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. We proudly help patients from San Francisco and the entire Bay Area.