Dental Implants – Petaluma, CA
The Gold Standard to Tooth Replacement
Dental implants are titanium roots to replace natural ones that are missing. The implant post is placed in the jaw where a tooth once existed, with one or more replacement teeth attached. The surgery to place the implant in the jawbone is typically a simple procedure, and recovery is relatively quick, with minor discomfort for a day or so.
Tooth loss can make life pretty difficult; being able to eat and speak with ease are things that are easy to take for granted when you have a full set of pearly whites. Fortunately, those who’ve suffered moderate to extensive tooth loss can turn toward dental implants to rebuild their smiles and restore their quality of life. If you’re ready to put your tooth loss behind you for good, contact us today to learn more about this incredible tooth replacement solution!
Why Choose Bob Koenitzer DDS For Dental Implants?
- High-Quality Restorations Built to Last
- Friendly and Experience Dentist and Team
- Comfortable Office with Modern Amenities
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are placed directly into the jawbone; since they’re made from biocompatible materials, they’re capable of healthily fusing with the bone matter and functioning just like real tooth roots. This post is then used to support a crown, bridge, or denture above the gumline; the process essentially allows the entire structure of missing teeth to be replaced in terms of look, feel, and functionality.
The 4 Step Dental Implant Process
Unlike dentures and dental bridges, getting dental implants requires a unique, multi-step process that spans several months. While this may seem like a long time, the long-term benefits are well worth the time and effort! At Our Dental Practice, we’re proud to complete the entire dental implant treatment in our office instead of referring you to an outside specialist. Dr. Dentist has 30 years of experience rebuilding smiles with dental implants and is an active member of the prestigious International Association of Implantologists. While every patient’s treatment will look slightly different, there are four main steps you can expect: consultation, surgery, osseointegration, and delivery of final restoration.
Initial Dental Implant Consultation
Dr. Dentist will review your oral health and medical history to see if you’re a good candidate. If needed, will work with you to complete preliminary procedures such as gum disease therapy, tooth extractions, or bone grafting. Then, we can move on to planning the rest of your dental implant treatment/ we’ll walk you through what you can expect step-by-step including timeline and cost.
Dental Implant Surgery
Spend first part explaining if they place in-house or via local specialists and the benefits of doing it this way. Then, review procedure (numb the area (potentially use sedation), make incision in the gums, place implant posts in jawbone, close gums, and place protective cap over posts).
Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment Placement
Explain what osseointegration is, why it’s important, and how long it will take. Then, mention that they need another small surgery to place abutments on top of the post. As you heal for the next several weeks, your final restoration will be crafted from impressions taken of your mouth.
Delivery of Dental Implant Restorations
Lastly, you’ll return to our office to have your restoration placed (which could be a crown, bridge, or denture depending on how many teeth you’re missing.) We’ll check to make sure your bite is comfortable and then you’ll be ready to enjoy your newly rebuilt smile.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
When you receive dental implants, you also receive numerous life-changing benefits along with your beautifully rebuilt smile. Below we outline just a few of the advantages of these breakthrough dental prosthetics, separated into snapshots of what your life would look like once they’re settled in place. If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch with our friendly team and let us know. But in the meantime, take a look at how dental implants could change your quality of life for the better!
Day-to-Day Benefits
Made from quality, tooth-colored materials, dental implants look remarkably like natural teeth. Onlookers won’t be able to tell your pearly whites are artificial, and they’ll fit seamlessly into your dental lineup. Patients appreciate the superior aesthetics and often report that it significantly boosts their confidence. Imagine being able to smile wide enough to show your teeth in photos!
You’ll notice improvements in your day-to-day oral function, too. Because dental implants are fused to your jawbone instead of suctioned to your gums (as is the case with dentures), they’re able to provide more stability and strength. You’ll be able to eat all your favorite foods with ease and will have no trouble speaking smoothly and easily with your loved ones.
Health Benefits
The fact that dental implants are fused with your jawbone also accounts for their unique oral health benefits. Most tooth replacements will prevent remaining teeth from shifting and maintain the youthful lift to your facial features, but only dental implants can truly preserve your jawbone against deterioration. Thanks to their titanium implant posts, they offer the same level of healthy stimulation that natural dental roots do, which helps the jawbone receive essential nutrients and keeps it intact.
Long-Term Benefits
You can expect dental implants (and their benefits) to last for a long time. With proper care, they’ll hold up for 30 years or more. They also have an impeccable track record for reliability; dental implants have a success rate of 98%, which continues to stay constant even after 10 years from initial placement.
Overall, this means fewer trips to our office for replacements, repairs, or adjustments. You’ll feel the difference in your wallet for sure!
Who Dental Implants Can Help
Ideal implant candidates have good oral and overall health. Additionally, adequate bone structure is needed to place the implants. In these cases, implant placement is fairly straightforward. When insufficient bone quality is present, modern grafting procedures can enhance bone mass in preparation for dental implant surgery. State-of-the-art technology will provide information about your jawbone structure and density. At your dental implant consultation, we will determine whether implants are the right solution for your smile.
Missing Single Tooth
A single dental implant can be placed between two healthy teeth without disturbing them at all, and then it will be covered with a customized crown. Unlike a bridge, this new tooth won’t rely on the surrounding teeth for support.
Missing Multiple Teeth
Partial dentures and bridges can easily be used to replace multiple teeth; they can be secured to the jawbone with dental implants, giving them an unparalleled level of strength that closely resembles that of natural teeth.
Missing All Teeth
For patients missing all of their teeth, a full denture can be anchored to the jawbone using four to six strategically placed implants. Compared to traditional dentures, implant dentures are smaller, last longer, and restore more of a patient’s original bite strength. This in turn allows them to chew a wider variety of foods and enjoy a healthier diet—a win-win!
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
It’s important to keep in mind that everyone’s smile is different, as are the circumstances of their missing teeth. Different factors such as the number of missing teeth, the location of said teeth, as well as the need for any preliminary procedures such as a bone graft or periodontal therapy all play into the cost of dental implants. That said, once you come in to see us for a consultation, we’ll be able to review your situation and give you a better idea of what you might end up having to pay for your restoration.