Dental Implants in North Highlands, CA
Tooth loss can happen as a sudden accident or due to gradual damage to a tooth. Either way, it leaves a gap in your smile. However, that gap does not need to be a permanent change. At WattAntelope Family Dentistry, we provide dental implants in North Highlands, CA, that rebuild your smile and restore comfort and confidence in it.
Dental Implants: At a Glance
Procedure Type: Oral surgery / restorative dentistry
Anesthesia: Local numbing or sedation
Procedure Time: About 60 minutes per visit
Downtime: 1 to 3 days in most cases
Recovery Time: Initial healing typically takes 1 to 2 weeks; osseointegration usually takes 3 to 6 months
Discomfort Level: Mild to moderate soreness
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant itself is a metal post placed directly into the gum. Over time, it will naturally fuse to the jawbone (osseointegration), becoming a stable support structure for a tooth replacement. Most commonly, patients have each individual implant support a single artificial tooth (crown), which is custom-made to match your natural teeth. The central benefit of dental implants is their durability, with many cases lasting for 25+ years.
Implant-Supported Dentures
For patients missing multiple teeth, dental implants can support larger restorations, including partial or full dentures. In these cases, you will receive multiple implants that will then be the anchor point for specialized dentures. These can be either all-on-4 dentures or removable dentures.
- All-On-4 Dentures: Your custom dentures will be permanently attached tothe implants.
- Implant Dentures: Your custom dentures can snap on and off of theimplants, allowing for easy removal for cleaning.
Getting Dental Implants: The Process
Getting dental implants involves a few steps spread out over 3 to 9 months. While the timeline is longer than other restorations, the core advantage is longevity.
Consultation and Evaluation
We start with seeing if dental implants are a good option for you. We look at your oral health, jawbone density, and individual preferences. Based on the consultation, we can provide recommendations for treatment details.
Pre-Implant Procedures (If Needed)
Not all patients will need preparatory treatments if they qualify immediately for implants. However, some patients may first need either extraction or bone grafting.
- Extraction: Removes a damaged or failing tooth. In some cases, theimplant may be placed the same day.
- Bone Grafting: Needed if you do not have enough healthy jawbone tosupport an implant.
Dental Implant Placement
We surgically place the titanium implant into the gum near the jawbone. Over a few months, the implant will integrate with the bone, improving stability.
Abutment Placement
The abutment is a connector that stands between the implant and the replacement tooth. Once placed, we let the gums heal around it.
Custom Crown or Restoration
We take impressions or digital scans of your teeth and gums to custom-make a crown. Each crown is individually made to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth.
Final Placement and Follow-Up
Once your crown is ready, the final step is securing it to the implant. We regularly see patients for follow-up visits to ensure proper bite, healing, and long-term implant health.
Start With a Consultation
If you want to see if dental implants are right for you, you can call 916-331-1211 to set up an appointment. Alternatively, you can use our online form to schedule your visit for dental implants in North Highlands, CA.
Dental Implants FAQs
How long do dental implants last?
It all comes down to care, health, and maintenance. Attention to these factors can help the implant itself last 25+ years. The crown can last upwards of 15 years. Though crowns eventually wear out, replacing them is straightforward and you will not need to replace the implant. Simply come in for a new crown, and we replace it with the new one.
Is getting dental implants painful?
Dental implant surgery is rather mild and often only requires local anesthesia. You will be awake, but the entire treatment area will be numb. In some cases, you may receive sedation (e.g., complex cases, dental anxiety). After surgery, some soreness and swelling are normal but are generally mild and often resolve within several days.
How long does the dental implant process take?
The typical timeframe is 3 to 9 months. The main factors are healing time and any additional treatments you need. For example, bone grafting will require a few extra months (typically minimum of 3 months) before the next step in the process.
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
Many adults with missing teeth are candidates, with features like:
- Healthy gums
- Adequate jawbone
- Good overall oral health
Note: Patients with bone loss may still qualify after bone grafting.
Can I get a dental implant immediately after a tooth extraction?
It depends. In cases of simple extractions with no active infection, you may be able to. We evaluate each case and only proceed with same-day dental implant placement when deemed safe and appropriate.
Do dental implants look and feel like natural teeth?
The final restoration (crown, dentures, or bridge) will be custom-made to seamlessly blend in with your smile. At first, it may feel a little odd, especially if you have not had a tooth there for a while. Over time, you naturally adjust to it and it begins to feel natural in your mouth. Of note, the tooth replacement will not have nerves, so it will not have sensation itself.
Do dental implants require special care?
For the most part, you care for your dental implants like your natural teeth. Brush, floss, and attend routine cleanings and checkups. You may need to make some minor adjustments to your oral health routine.
Can dental implants replace more than one missing tooth?
Implants can support a single crown, an implant-supported bridge, or a full-arch restoration. The right solution will depend on preference, oral health, and number of missing teeth.
Contact us today to see how we can help you restore your smile.
Contact our team today for a complimentary consultation.
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