Cosmetic Dental Implants in San Francisco
Procedures like porcelain veneers and composite bonding are valuable tools that can help transform your smile. For patients who are missing teeth or have teeth that cannot be saved, we work with top specialists who place dental implants. Highly esthetic crowns can be placed on the dental implants. A combination of dental implants and veneers can help people achieve their dream smile. Dental implant surgery offers high-quality and durable restorations for missing teeth, providing you with a healthy, natural, and safe option to restore your quality of life.
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What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants replace your entire tooth, including the root. They involve surgery, which is why we work with the top oral surgeons and periodontists in the San Francisco area. Dental implant posts are usually made of titanium for the root replacement. The post is connected to an aesthetic crown by a connector known as an abutment. A highly esthetic crown is attached to the implant and abutment.
The dental implant process involves 3 steps: tooth removal, implant placement and placement of an implant abutment and crown. The entire process usually will take 3-6 months.
The original non-restorable tooth must be removed unless it is already missing. An oral surgeon or specially trained dentist will surgically place the implant into the jawbone. If there is not enough bone to hold the implant the surgeon may add bone around the implant. This is called a bone graft.
Next, the bone around the implant heals in a process called osseointegration. What makes an implant so strong is that the bone actually grows around it and holds it in place. Osseointegration means “combines with the bone.” This process usually takes 3-4 months but may take longer. In some cases patients can have the implants and replacement teeth placed all in one visit.
Once the implant is set in the bone and is fully healed, an implant abutment will be attached to the implant. An implant crown is then attached to the abutment. The crown will be designed to blend in with your other teeth. If you are replacing more than a single tooth, custom-made bridges or dentures will be made to fit your mouth and your implants. A temporary tooth, bridge or denture is often made to help you eat and speak normally until the permanent replacement is ready.
Our network of surgeons provides dental implants, while Dr. Soto designs and places the crown, which replaces the visible part of your tooth.
Dental Implant Benefits
There are many advantages to dental implants! For starters, dental implants are the only restoration procedures that help prevent bone loss by mimicking your natural tooth roots and stimulating your bone growth.
Dental implants can also help prevent your teeth from shifting — affecting your ability to chew, your appearance, and bite. Dental implants help preserve the stability of your adjacent teeth.
Dental implants can help you restore both your natural facial structure and the quality of your smile. Dental implants allow for improved speech and comfort and easier eating.
Dental implants are incredibly durable. In most cases, they last 20 or more years as long as you avoid tobacco and practice proper oral hygiene.
Dental implant surgery is proven to be one of the most predictable and safest dental procedures when performed by experienced, trained professionals.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
You may be a candidate for dental implants if:
You are missing one or more of your teeth
You do not want to deal with partials or bridges
You want an alternative to dentures
In general, candidates for dental implants have to have good gum health and good bone density.
What Is the Procedure Like?
How we perform your dental implant surgery will depend on the type of implant done and the condition of your jawbone.
In some cases, we may have to perform several procedures. The process typically takes 3-6 months, however, in some cases, up to a year, since your bone takes time to heal around the implant.
In general, dental implant surgery is an outpatient surgery with several steps to allow healing time. The process generally includes the following steps:
Removing a damaged tooth or teeth
In some cases, preparing the jawbone (grafting)
Placing the dental implant
Allowing the bone time to grow and heal
Placing the abutment
Placing the crown (artificial tooth)
We can combine these steps to minimize the number of overall procedures needed in some cases.
Aftercare
After receiving your dental implants, stay disciplined with a good oral hygiene routine. You should also receive regular dental check-ups about every four to six months.
Cosmetic Dental Implants in San Francisco
Dr. Soto and our network of oral surgeons and periodontists have decades of combined experience in dental implants. We only work with the best San Francisco has to offer, so you can trust that you will receive high-quality oral healthcare and results.
