Dental Implants in Santa Rosa, CA
Dental implants are increasingly the first choice for replacing missing teeth for Santa Rosa residents looking for a natural-looking, functional solution. Dental implants are considered the only permanent solution for missing teeth. They often last thirty years or more for our patients who take good care of their restorations.
- Why are dental implants superior to other methods of replacing teeth?
- What are dental implants?
- What are the benefits of dental implants?
- Am I a candidate for dental implants?
- How long does it take to heal after dental implant surgery?
- Before and After Dental Implants
- Why choose Fountaingrove Dentistry for dental implants?
Options for Replacing Missing Teeth
Even a single missing tooth can have a detrimental effect on your health. It can affect your bite, speech, and ability to eat comfortably. One or more missing teeth can lead to premature, uneven wear, loss, or damage to the remaining teeth. Headaches, jaw pain, and infection are also possible.
There are several options for replacing missing teeth, from temporary to permanent. Some are less invasive than others. Some, such as dental implants, require evaluation by one of our surgeons to determine eligibility based on health and other factors.
Fixed Bridge
This type of dental bridge is a set of replacement teeth connected and supported by being cemented on top of the teeth on either side of the missing teeth sockets. The supporting teeth are ground down to hold the supporting crowns. A fixed bridge lasts 10-15 years.
Flipper
A flipper is a temporary, inexpensive plastic tooth fastened to a plastic retainer. It is a delicate, cosmetic solution not meant for long-term tooth replacement.
Metal Partial Denture
This is a removable denture made of plastic and metal and held in place by clips. It is easily removable for the patient to clean. A metal partial denture is inexpensive for patients missing several teeth but tends to grow loose over time.
Denture
Dentures remain the most common form of tooth replacement because they are economical and noninvasive. Many people adjust well to dentures, although lower dentures are more difficult to get used to, and they often shift or pinch. Some individuals never adjust to dentures.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the only permanent way to replace missing teeth and are the most comfortable solution. They look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The implants provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth without damaging any remaining natural teeth and do not shift or pinch.
Why are Dental Implants Superior to Other Methods of Replacing Missing Teeth?
Although most tooth replacement options restore the appearance of your smile, not all are comfortable, and some do not give you the full bite force you had with your natural teeth. A bridge requires sacrificing the structure of surrounding good teeth to support the bridge. Dentures are often uncomfortable and can be embarrassing when they shift or click. Finally, only dental implants replace the tooth’s root, helping maintain jawbone strength and integrity.
Dental Implants Feel & Function Like Natural Teeth
Contact us today to take the first step in restoring your smile!
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are biocompatible screws or posts placed in the jawbone to replace the roots of missing teeth and support dental restorations such as a crown or implant denture. Most dental implants are made of titanium, the same material used for joint replacements. However, ceramic or zirconia implants are sometimes used.
The tooth implant is surgically placed in the jawbone, where it gradually fuses with the surrounding bone through osseointegration. Once the implant is fused and stable, an abutment (a slender pin or clasp) is used to attach it to a dental crown or restoration permanently.
Single Posterior Implant
Single Anterior Implant
Immediate Load Anterior Implant
Sinus Lift
What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
- An individual tooth implant and full mouth restorations are available.
- Dental implants are strong and durable, often lasting a lifetime.
- Implants preserve and support your natural facial contours.
- Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss.
- Dental implants are comfortable and convenient.
- You never have to remove dental implants for maintenance or repairs.
- There are no food restrictions with dental implants.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
If you have one or more missing teeth and are in good health, you may be a candidate for implant dentistry. However, the longer your teeth have been missing, the more likely you will need bone grafting to build up the jawbone ridge before implants are placed. Losing up to 25% of your jawbone mass in the first year after losing teeth is common.
Certain health conditions may rule you out as a candidate, including uncontrolled diabetes, heavy smoking, autoimmune diseases, and blood clotting disorders. If you are undergoing cancer treatment or have active periodontitis, you may not qualify for tooth implants.
Our surgeons can determine whether you are an implant candidate at your initial consultation.
What is the Dental Implant Process?
Placing a single dental implant takes 30 to 60 minutes, and for multiple implants, the process takes anywhere from one to three hours. Before surgery, we may prescribe antibiotics and oral conscious sedation or nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to relax you during implant surgery. The local area is numbed with an anesthetic. Your surgeon will discuss these options with you at your initial consultation.
The dentist makes a small incision in your gums, revealing the bone, and gently inserts the implant into the empty tooth socket. During healing, the top of the implant may be covered by gum tissue or exposed, depending on the surgeon’s judgment and the type of restoration that will be used.
1. Normal
2. Tooth Loss
3. Healed Bone
4. Implant Placed
5. Healing
6. Implant Restored
How Long Does It Take to Heal After Dental Implant Surgery?
Healing takes time. It varies depending on the quantity and quality of the bone, but most patients need a few days to recover at home after surgery. During this time, some swelling and mild to moderate discomfort can be controlled with ice packs and over-the-counter pain relievers. Following the post-op instructions we provide will ensure a smoother recovery.
Impressions are taken after the initial healing phase to create permanent restorations. Occasionally, a fixed temporary tooth is attached when the implant is placed. These cases are usually reserved for the front teeth and have the advantage of maintaining the shape of the gum tissue around the new implant. This treatment requires extra skill and planning. The team at Fountaingrove Dentistry is very experienced in providing this type of treatment in suitable cases.
It may be beneficial to perform a soft tissue graft to obtain stronger, more easily cleaned, and natural-appearing gum tissue in the area around the implant. This process involves moving a small amount of gum tissue from one part of your mouth to the area around the implant. Most often, it is a brief and relatively comfortable procedure.
When the dental implant crown or restoration is ready, it is attached to the dental implants to complete your restoration. Full osseointegration of the dental implant with the jawbone may take three to six months, but this should not interfere with daily living after the first week or two.
Before & After Dental Implants
View Our Implant Dentistry Gallery
“Our patient presented with a congenitally missing front tooth. After an implant was placed, Dr. Anderson placed a porcelain implant crown and veneer to enhance her smile.”
“All of Shirley’s upper teeth needed to be removed. She wanted natural-feeling teeth and nothing removable. Dr. Erlach was able to replace her teeth with a bridge supported by six implants in the upper arch to give an outstanding cosmetic and functional result.”
“Sonia broke her front tooth below the gum line and it needed to be removed. After extraction and a bone graft, Dr. Erlach placed an implant supported porcelain crown to restore her smile.”
“Sometimes the natural teeth have so many problems that they are not worth saving. 3D imaging and planing software can help us with difficult cases to make life-changing improvements in how a person looks and feels.”
Fountaingrove Dentists: Experts in Implant Dentistry
Our doctors have extensive experience placing and restoring dental implants. Dr. Anderson is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantology. Dr. Erlach is a Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantology, the highest level of achievement in that organization. He has earned a Surgical Mastership and Prosthetic Fellowship with the Misch International Implant Institute, where doctors undergo rigorous training and testing on the planning and placement of dental implants. Additionally, many of our team members have been through the Institute’s team training so that they can give you the finest treatment available and answer any questions you might have.