Dental Implants

Dental implants are changing & improving the way people live!  Those who have lost teeth can now be restored the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life.  If you have any missing teeth a dental implant will help you  regain the ability to eat virtually anything and smile with confidence.  Your implants will appear natural and facial contours will be preserved.

 

What is a Dental Implant?

Dental implants provide the foundation for a crown, bridge or denture.  This then allows a replacement tooth to restore the feel and function of your natural tooth. The dental implants are small titanium (the most bio-compatable metal) posts which your dentist places into your jawbone in place of your missing tooth. Your jawbone bonds with the titanium implant, creating a strong foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture. Dental implants also serve an important role in preserving your facial structure.  A dental implant will prevent  jawbone recession which occurs when teeth are missing.  It is important to get your dental implant shortly after loosing a tooth to prevent permanent jawbone deterioration. Dental implants are not appropriate for everyone, yet good candidates who have dental implants can expect high success rates with the implant procedure.

 

Dental Implants For Dentures 

Before the development of dental implants, dentures were the only alternative to replacing a missing tooth or teeth. Implants are synthetic structures that are placed in the area of the tooth normally occupied by the root. Implants are anchored to the jawbone or metal framework on the bone and act as a foundation for an artificial tooth or permanent bridge.  In some cases implants can be used to attach dentures.
Not everyone is a candidate for a dental implant. For a successful implant to take hold, a candidate must have proper bone density and have a strong immune system.

 

How Many Visits Does A Dental Implant Take?

The dental implant procedure can take a few visits. During the first visit an implant is placed into your jaw and the site is allowed time to heal. This gives your gums and bone time to grow around and bond with the implant to more firmly hold it in place.

During a follow-up visit an artificial, natural-looking tooth is fitted over the implanted anchor.

 

Types of Dental Implants

Various types of implants include full upper and lower, anterior, posterior, and single-tooth implants.

Full upper replacements implants

The upper set of teeth is replaced with implants. Treatment steps include:

1. Your missing tooth roots are replaced with implants, which are covered under the gum line.
2. A healing period allows your implants to bond with the bone and tissue around it.
3. The dental implants are uncovered and attachments placed.
4. A set of replacement teeth are placed on the implants and attachment.

In some cases full upper implant dentures are removable.

Anterior (front teeth) replacement implants

Implants are used to replace the front teeth (also called anterior, cuspids, and incisors). Treatment steps include:

1. Your missing tooth roots are replaced with dental implants, which are covered under the gum line.
2. A healing period of up to six months allows implants to take.
3. The implants are uncovered and attachments placed to hold the replacement tooth.
4. Replacement teeth are placed to the implants and attachments.

Full lower replacement implants

The lower set of teeth (denture) is replaced with implants. A typical set of  lower denture implants only uses 4 – 6 dental implants.  These implants are used to anchor your lower denture.  Denture implants hold your denture firm in place allowing you to talk and eat more comfortably.  Having denture implants also removes the need for traditional denture adhesive.

Implants are used to replace the bicuspids and molars (the back teeth). Procedure steps include:

1. Several implants are placed in the bone and then covered under the gum line.
2. A healing period allows implants to bond with your bone and other tissue.
3. The implants are uncovered and attached inserted.
4. Your lower denture is placed on the implants and attachments connect it firmly in place.

Single tooth implant

The procedure for placing a single tooth traditional dental implant:

1. Your missing tooth & root is replaced with an implant, which stays covered under the gum line.
2. A healing period allows the dental implant to bond with the bone before attaching the replacement tooth.
3. Your dental implant is uncovered and an attachment is placed to hold the replacement tooth.
4. Replacement tooth is affixed to the implant and the attachment.

If your looking for a implant dentist in San Jose, CA or would like more information about dental implants please call Dr. Wes Yemoto, DDS at (408) 266-9957 today!