More and more of my patients these days come to me with questions about dental implants.  Today I’ll tell you about the benefits of dental implants.

Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
If you are missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease or tooth decay you may be a good candidate for dental implants. Generally speaking, if you’re healthy enough for a tooth extraction then you may be a candidate for dental implants, although we won’t know for sure until we do a thorough examination

What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant consists of a small titanium fixture that serves as a replacement for the root portion of your missing tooth.  Using local anesthesia, San Bruno, CA Dental Implants Dentist Office places the small titanium fixture into the bone. Ultimately the implant integrates with the bone securely, often resulting in a more stable structure than the tooth’s natural root.

Why dental implants?
Improved Confidence and Lifestyle:  Dental implants will transform your smile by eliminating unsightly gaps, helping you regain a more youthful smile. You can continue to enjoy all your favorite foods with confidence because of the sound structure of your teeth.

Improved Appearance: Without the root structure of a natural tooth present, the jawbone can shrink over time, affecting your overall appearance by giving your face a “sunken” appearance. This has the undesirable effect of making you appear older than you actually are but can also eventually change the structure of your jaw.

Provide a Permanent Solution: Unlike crowns or other dental prosthetics, the implant becomes an integral part of the structure of your jaw and will, under normal conditions, serve you for life without further adjustment.

At our San Bruno Dental Implants Dentistry Office the procedure can be done under local anesthesia in as little as 45 minutes. However, we do have a variety of sedation options available for patients who feel anxious or prefer a stronger sedative.

Dental implants are designed to be permanent, immovable replacement teeth. They are easy to care for, and unlike dentures and bridges, dental implants do not have to be removed for cleaning or dental maintenance. Patients at our San Bruno, CA Dental Implants Dentist Office can care for their implants the same way they care for their natural teeth, with regular brushing and flossing.

Your dental implants can last for decades with proper care. But there are certain steps you can take to preserve the health and longevity of your dental implant. Here are some common problems to be aware of:

• Teeth grinding: patients who grind or clench their teeth (also known as Bruxism) put unnecessary strain on their implants, causing them to wear down prematurely. Many patients don’t even realize that they are grinding their teeth, because they do it in their sleep. If you wake up with jaw soreness or tooth pain this may be an indication that you’re suffering from bruxism.
• Chewing Hard Foods:  Chewing hard foods like hard candies or ice creates stress on your natural teeth and your dental restorations. If you regularly eat hard candy or ice, you risk chipping or cracking your crowns.
• Using Tobacco Products:  Smoking and chewing tobacco can cause your teeth and your restorations to discolor. Dental implants as well as natural enamel can take on a dark, stained appearance from habitual tobacco use.

Dental implants are a practical, long-term tooth replacement option, and with proper care they can keep you smiling for years to come. Before you choose dental implants, take the time to minimize bad dental habits and treat bruxism. Our San Bruno Dental Implants Dentistry Office can help you understand how the treatment process works and whether or not dental implants are the right option for you.

When you lose a tooth, it can have an unfortunate impact on your life, causing difficulty with speaking and eating certain types of foods. In addition you may experience the resulting lack of confidence in your appearance. But at the San Bruno, CA Dental Implants Dentist Office you have more tooth replacement options with modern cosmetic dentistry than ever before, and one option in particular, the dental implant, is quickly becoming the preferred course of treatment for missing teeth.

A dental implant consists of a small titanium post surgically implanted into the bone. During the initial phase of the implant process, the titanium bonds with your jaw bone to form a strong foundation for a natural-looking dental restoration. Once the post is firmly seated in the jaw, the restoration is affixed to the implant. Because the titanium post takes the place of the tooth’s missing root, dental implants are actually integrated into the structure of the bone to mimic the appearance and strength of your natural teeth.
 
Dental implants can be used to replace one tooth or multiple teeth. They are an exceptional tooth replacement option when used alone, but they can also be used to help improve the stability and comfort of existing dentures or bridges.
 
Our San Bruno Dental Implants Dentistry Office can strategically place dental implants to stabilize bridges and dentures. Bridges stay in place because they are affixed to adjacent teeth, but this can cause unnecessary strain and structural stress on a patient’s natural teeth. Now, a patient’s bridge can be anchored to a dental implant, ensuring a comfortable fit, and taking the pressure off of healthy, natural teeth.
 
Dental implants can be used alone or with dentures and bridges to improve the appearance and functionality of a patient’s smile. They are a versatile tooth-replacement option providing stability and a natural-looking restoration.