Should I Consider Dental Implants?

Living with missing teeth can feel overwhelming and give your self-esteem a considerable hit. As isolating as it may feel, you’re not alone. More than 150 million Americans are missing at least one tooth — a reality that affects everything from daily confidence to the simple joy of eating favorite foods. 

In the last few decades, dental implants have transformed countless smiles, offering a permanent solution that looks and feels just like natural teeth. While traditional options like dentures and dental bridges have served patients well in the past, dental implants stand out with their remarkable 95% success rate, among many other benefits. 

Whether you're missing a single tooth or looking to replace several teeth, understanding your options is the first step toward a confident smile. Read on to learn everything you need to know about dental implants and where to find a restorative dentist who offers the best dental implants in San Francisco. 

What Are Dental Implants?

Before you decide to get dental implants, it’s important to fully understand what they are and what the process of getting them is like. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that serve as the foundation for replacement teeth. Primarily made from titanium, these small posts are surgically placed into your jawbone where teeth are missing. 

Then, through a natural healing process called osseointegration, the implant naturally fuses with your bone over several months, creating an incredibly stable base similar to a natural tooth root. This strong foundation then supports custom-made replacement teeth or bridges that are carefully designed to match your natural teeth in both appearance and function. 

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Dental implants transform lives by offering benefits that go far beyond just filling a gap in your smile: 

• Unlike traditional dentures or dental bridges, implants look and feel exactly like your natural teeth — in fact, most people won't even know you have them. 
• You'll also experience the highest level of comfort since implants become a permanent part of your mouth, eliminating the slipping and discomfort often associated with removable dentures. 
• Unlike traditional bridges, implants don't require grinding down neighboring healthy teeth for support. 

Perhaps best of all, dental implants are built to last — with proper care and regular dental check-ups, they can last for 10 to 15 years or longer, making them a smart long-term investment in your smile and confidence.

Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

A commonly asked question at our clinic is, “Are dental implants right for me?” To answer that question, you’ll need to reflect on a few aspects of your oral health and dental hygiene habits: 

• The best candidates for dental implants must have healthy gums and adequate jawbone density to anchor the implants securely. This will take getting a detailed dental exam and dental X-rays to assess your oral health. 
• Non-smokers typically experience better success with implants, as smoking can slow down healing and increase the risk of complications. If you do smoke, your dentist might recommend quitting before the procedure. 
• Those committed to maintaining excellent oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, also have better success with their dental implants.

Don't worry if you're not a perfect candidate right away. Quitting smoking or spending some time improving your dental hygiene can be done before getting your implants. Additionally, if you don’t have enough bone structure to support your implant, a bone graft can be done to help. 

What Does the Dental Implant Procedure Involve?

The dental implant journey starts with a thorough consultation, where a skilled restorative dentist examines your mouth and takes detailed dental images to create your personalized treatment plan. The procedure itself is broken down into two distinct steps: 

• First, your dentist surgically places the titanium implant into your jawbone. You’ll be fully numb during the procedure, and sedation dentistry can also be used if you’re feeling anxious. 
• After the healing phase, typically three to six months after the implant surgery, your dentist attaches a small connector piece called an abutment to the implant. Lastly, your custom-made dental crown — designed to blend seamlessly with your smile — is secured to the abutment. 

While this might sound like a long process, most patients find each step manageable and well worth the result of a permanent, natural-looking tooth.

What Are the Potential Risks and Complications?

While dental implants boast an impressive success rate, it's important to understand the potential risks, just as with any surgical procedure. 

• The most common concern is an infection at the implant site, which can usually be prevented through good oral hygiene and following your dentist's instructions. 
• In rare cases, the procedure might affect nearby teeth or blood vessels or cause nerve damage that could result in numbness or tingling in your gums, lips, or chin.
• Upper jaw implants have a slight chance of sinus complications if the implant extends into the sinus cavities. 

Don't let these possibilities alarm you — experienced dentists carefully plan each procedure using detailed imaging and precise techniques to minimize these risks. Plus, they'll monitor your healing closely to catch and address any issues early on.

How Do I Care for Dental Implants?

Caring for dental implants is surprisingly easy. In fact, you won’t have to detour much from your usual dental hygiene practices since you can treat your implants just like your natural teeth. Daily brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing remain your best option for keeping the implant and surrounding gums healthy. 

You should also keep to a regular schedule with your dental check-ups so your dentist can ensure everything's working perfectly and catch any potential issues early. While implants are quite strong, it's wise to avoid chomping on ice or using your teeth as tools to open packages. These habits can damage both natural teeth and implants alike. 

Finding the Best Dental Implants in San Francisco

Dr. Robert Soto is San Francisco's premier choice for dental implants — combining advanced technology with personalized care in his state-of-the-art facility. With a collaborative approach, Dr. Soto works with top specialists to ensure optimal implant placement. At the same time, his expertise in cosmetic dentistry allows him to create replacement teeth that blend seamlessly with your natural smile. 

At Dr. Soto’s modern, welcoming practice, you'll find the perfect balance of technical skill and attentive care, making your journey to a restored smile as comfortable and successful as possible. Ready to get a confident smile with the best dental implants in San Francisco?