Dental Implants
Davis CA
Your teeth are an important feature of your body. Not only do they serve functional purposes, such as chewing, they also serve an aesthetic one as well. When you lose teeth, all of these functions are affected. Missing teeth shouldn't be ignored, even if you're only missing one or two. At Davis Dental Practice, it is our goal to provide you with the highest level of
patient care possible. In order to achieve this goal, we provide you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions. And for tooth loss, the best option is often dental implants. We can provide all phases of the implant process in house, making the restoring your smile simpler than ever.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants can put an end to any changes that missing or
extracted teeth might bring about.
Implants are small, titanium rods that are surgically inserted into your jawbone that fuse to the bone while the surgical sites heal, providing a strong, stable support for your new teeth.
What are the Types of Dental Implants?
Implants are designed to fix any number of missing teeth, from one to all. For this reason, we offer different types of implants to fit your needs:
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Single Tooth Implants: This is exactly what it sounds like. A single implant supports a single tooth. Of course, it is possible to have several single tooth implants in your mouth if you are missing single teeth in different areas.
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Multiple Tooth Implants: This type of implant is designed to replace several teeth in a single area, instead of a traditional bridge or traditional denture. Two or more implants are used to support a section of false teeth and can support an implant bridge or other restoration. > Learn More about Multiple Tooth Dental Implants
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Implant Supported Dentures: This type of implant denture is used in place of a full denture to replace an entire bridge of missing teeth. The entire structure can be supported on 6 to 8 implants. |
The Dental Implant Procedure
Getting implants requires that you have sufficient bone mass remaining in your jaw. Minor bone loss won’t affect your ability to get implants, but if you have had significant loss, you may need a bone graft first.
After we have determined that you have sufficient bone mass for implants, placing the implant will require surgery. We will start with your initial consultation, and the best location for implants will be determined. The implants are then placed into the sites. You will need time to heal and will be provided with temporary teeth in the meantime. Once you have healed, we will schedule you to come back in to have you final fixed teeth securely placed.
What if I'm Only Missing a Single Tooth?
When you lose one tooth, it may not seem like a big deal, especially if the missing tooth is located out of view when you smile. The truth, however, is that even one missing tooth can have a serious impact on the health of your mouth, and your quality of life.
Even if your appearance remains unaltered, a missing tooth makes eating more difficult. Food can get stuck in the space, increasing the risk of tooth decay and
gum disease. Your speech may be affected. When you lose a tooth, you also begin to lose bone mass in the jaw, which weakens the bone and can shift your healthy teeth out of alignment. Replacing that missing tooth is essential for giving you back the functions of your mouth, and your life. Davis Dental Practice can help with single tooth implants.
A Dental Implant for one Missing Tooth
Traditionally, a single missing tooth has been replaced with a dental bridge. A bridge, typically made from ceramic or porcelain, consists of the replacement tooth between two dental
crowns. The crowns anchor the bridge into place on the teeth adjacent to the gap. We offer both complete and
partial crowns.
Today, a dental implant provides an alternative to a bridge. A dental implant consists of a small titanium post that is surgically implanted into the jawbone. During your recovery, your natural bone begins to fuse with the titanium, integrating it into the jaw in a process known as
osseointegration. When this process is complete, the post becomes a stable root that is then used to secure your replacement tooth, a ceramic crown, in place.
Benefits of a Single Dental Implant
A dental implant for replacing your missing tooth offers numerous benefits. Along with restoring the functions of your missing tooth, these benefits include:
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Greater comfort.
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More natural appearance.
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No need to remove enamel from perfectly healthy teeth to make room for the crowns.
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Preventing the bone loss that normally occurs after tooth loss, keeping your jaw strong and healthy.
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The implant mimics the root of your natural teeth, and can even stimulate the jawbone just like your natural teeth do. |
Placing a Single Dental Implant
The process for getting your dental implant is more involved than the process of getting a dental bridge. Implants require a surgical procedure, which is done under a local anesthetic and sedation. An incision is made in the gums, providing us with access to the bone. A small hole is drilled into the jaw, and the implant is placed. The gums are then sutured closed around the post, and a temporary tooth placed on top.
Healing from implant surgery can take several weeks. During this time, the bone gradually fuses to the post. We closely monitor your healing to make sure that everything goes smoothly. Once you have completely healed, and the post is fully integrated, the process for getting your final crown can start. The temporary tooth is removed, and an impression is taken. This impression is sent to the
dental lab, where your final crown is made. Once it is complete, the tooth is screwed securely into place and you are left with a permanent solution to your missing tooth.
Why Tooth Loss is Significant
Your teeth play many important roles. They give you the ability to bite and chew your food, providing you with nutrition. They are crucial to being able to speak properly. And, they're one of the first things that people notice about you. When you lose your teeth, no matter how many, things begin to change. The first change is in the way you look. You may also start to notice that things that were once easy, eating and speaking, have become more difficult.
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Challenges of Eating: Your teeth are essential for biting and chewing, making it possible for you to enjoy a wide variety of different foods. When you lose your teeth, it becomes more difficult to do these things, limiting the types of foods you can eat. You may even find that you can no longer enjoy many of your favorite foods. The act of chewing also breaks down your food, initiating the digestive process. This action makes essential nutrients easier for the body to absorb later. If you cannot chew properly, you do not fully release these nutrients, and your body cannot access them. Even if you eat a well-balanced diet, you can suffer malnutrition.
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Difficulty Communicating: Your teeth play an important role in your ability to speak. When you speak, the teeth control the flow of air, which makes saying a variety of words and sounds possible. In the event of tooth loss, the air is allowed to flow freely. This can result in a lisp. The more teeth you lose, the more difficult it becomes to speak, which makes proper communication more difficult.
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Gap in Your Smile: The teeth are often the first thing that people notice about you when you smile. A mouth full of beautiful teeth can leave a powerful first impression. When you lose teeth, however, your beautiful smile suddenly has gaps in, which can severely affect its quality. Not only that, but the impact on your smile can also affect your confidence. Where you once used to smile wide without a second thought, you now find yourself hiding your mouth at every opportunity. You smile behind your hand, grin with your lips pressed tightly together, or hide behind any object you can get your hands on. While these actions may not seem like much to you, they can say a lot to those around you, and send the message that you are not a confident, or even friendly, person.
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Bone Resorption: Another change happens, too, that you won’t be able to see right away. Without your teeth planted in your jaw, you will experience bone resorption. This weakens your jaw and causes it to change shape. You might start to notice a lack of definition in your chin. You may also find that your remaining teeth no longer fit together properly. Your changing jaw has shifted the alignment of your healthy teeth. This can lead to uneven wear and other oral health dilemmas.
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Jawbone Deterioration: The teeth are a critical part of maintaining the health of your jawbone. Every time you chew, the roots of your teeth stimulate the bone. This triggers your body to send the nutrients that are essential for keeping your jaw, and surrounding areas, strong and healthy. Missing teeth leads to less stimulation. In turn, this leads to fewer nutrients. Gradually, your jaw begins to grow weak. It can also eventually change shape. This can lead to several other issues, including a shift in your bite, bruxism, uneven tooth wear, and severe jaw pain. |
Take Care of Dental Implants Like Real Teeth
Your teeth perform numerous essential functions every single day, and dental implants act just like your natural teeth. To ensure that both dental implants and your teeth can perform these functions effectively, it is essential that you take care of them. This oral care involves daily brushing and flossing, as well as regular
dental cleanings and exams. If you are lax in any part of your oral care routine, you increase your risk for oral health issues, which can ultimately lead to tooth loss if those issues go untreated.
Schedule your Dental Implant Consultation Today
If you are missing teeth, Davis Dental Practice can help. Dental implants are the best solution possible for dealing with tooth loss and restoring your smile to its original beauty. Call us today at (530) 756-5300 to find out if dental implants are right for you.
