Dental Implant Placement
Palo Alto, CA
Implants in Palo Alto provided by Dr. Sharma and Dr. Cheong at Palo Alto Oral Health
 Dental implants offer patients a permanent and fixed teeth replacement solution. A patient receives teeth that last decades, are able to chew and bite without problems, and are easier to maintain. At Palo Alto Oral Health, we place dental implants for patients who have lost one or several teeth. Our dental implant placement in Palo Alto, CA utilizes the best technologies including sedation dentistry and advanced imaging to ensure the treatment is mapped out properly and the procedure is smooth and painless.
What is Dental Implant Placement?
Dental implant placement is the insertion of dental implants into the jaw through a surgical procedure. Our dentist fastens titanium posts into the jaw, making the implant stable and permanently affixed. When the implant integrates with the bone, a prosthetic tooth, or several teeth, are mounted. It is a process that takes several months to accomplish.
How Dental Implant Placement Works
There are three parts to a dental implant. The first is the implant post which acts as the root for the replacement tooth. The abutment connector is the next piece, and it attaches over the implant post and connects with a crown. The crown is the visible part that acts as the tooth for chewing and biting. These components are mounted together to make the dental implant work just as well as your real teeth do.
Benefits of Dental Implant Placement
Having dental implants placed helps in various ways. It helps reinstate chewing and biting ability. It also allows you to keep your mouth clean. When you have gaps left in the mouth after losing teeth, you might risk developing cavities, gum disease, infection, and decay. Dental implants occupy and seal this space, thus eliminating the areas where biofilm and debris could lodge. Also, tooth implants combat bone resorption, or the receding of the jawbone.
Often, with missing teeth, your jawbone may deteriorate. The reason is that it lacks stimulation to grow and remain healthy. Bone resorption brings many complications like weakening or loosening of adjacent teeth. Additionally, dental implants are permanent and long-lasting. They improve your speaking and eating abilities.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implant Placement?
People with adequate bone mass can qualify for tooth implants. Without enough bone density, the implants would not anchor well and they could become loose or fail in the future. If not enough bone mass, our dentist rebuilds the bone using the bone grafting technique. Moreover, people with good overall health can receive dental implants. Those with conditions like heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes may be limited to receiving implants. However, these conditions can be managed first to allow the patient to proceed with the treatment. Healthy gums are also crucial for the treatment. If they are infected, they have to be treated before the surgery.
Dental Implant Placement Procedure
You will go through several steps in receiving your dental implants. Initially, a consultation is done. This is followed by the implant insertion surgery and the placement of a dental crown or another prosthetic tooth.
Initial Consultation
Initially, one of our experienced dentists will inspect your mouth and jawbone. X-rays can help see how much of the jawbone is available and if rebuilding it is necessary. The examination also helps see if there are dental problems that may impact the successful mounting of the implants such as existing gum disease, decay, or conditions bone loss in the jaw. The medical history of the patient is also obtained.
Treatment Planning
With all the details gathered from the consultation appointment and the x-ray images, our dentist will generate an appropriate treatment plan. Our dentist can tell you how long the treatment will last and if there are additional treatments needed beforehand, like tooth extractions.
Implant Placement Surgery
Our dentist does the implant surgery by drilling a hole in the jawbone. The implant fixture is inserted and fastened properly. It goes into the jawbone to provide support for the replacement tooth. A temporary crown may be placed.
Healing Period
Once the implant post is mounted, a period of three to six months is given for healing. The fusion of the bone with the metal post is called osseointegration.
Final Restoration
After proper healing of the implant site and fusing of the bone with the post, you will visit our dental office for the mounting of the crown, bridge, or denture. Here, we will remove any temporary restoration or crown you might have received and mount the permanent one.
Aftercare and Recovery
Dental implant surgery is an invasive surgery. When recovering from the surgery, refrain from things that would damage or cause complications. Issues like infection, dislodging of the clot, or excessive bleeding can delay the process. Therefore, maintain proper oral hygiene. Avoid the surgery site in the first days. Further, consume soft foods at first. Visit our dentist for checkups and ensure you keep up with your scheduled routine exams and cleanings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implant Placement
These frequently asked questions can help you further understand the dental implant placement process. They help you have a better idea of what you should expect from the procedure.
Is Dental Implant Placement Painful?
It is not painful to receive dental implants. Dentists provide the appropriate sedation to prevent pain and promote comfort during the treatment.
How Long Does the Dental Implant Placement Procedure Take?
The surgery takes around one to two hours. However, the entire treatment can last up to nine months or so. Each case is different; our dentist can give you an idea of your projected timelines.
What Type of Anesthesia is Used During the Procedure?
Novocaine and Lidocaine are two common local anesthetic drugs used for dental implants. Our dentist can suggest other types depending on what type of dental implants you are receiving. A local anesthetic may be sufficient for treatment.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
On average, dental implants last 10 to 30 years. Even so, proper care is required for them to last longer. The crown or prosthetic teeth may, however, need replacement but the implant posts can last forever.
Schedule a Consultation at Palo Alto Oral Health
Talk to us at Palo Alto Oral Health to discuss about dental implants and whether they are appropriate for you. Call us at (650) 321-9693 to request an appointment. |
