Dental Implants
in San Francisco, CA
San Francisco Dental Wellness provides dental implants in San Francisco, CA. Call 415-781-1944 to learn more from a dental implant specialist and schedule an appointment.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the only way to restore the roots of missing teeth, which prevents and even reverses jawbone loss. By maintaining the jawbone, implant-based oral surgery procedures are a long-lasting, stable replacement that mimics the look, feel, and function of a natural tooth.
A dental implant is a small post or screw that is surgically placed in the jaw to replace the root of your tooth. This is paired with a restoration to replace the portion of the tooth above the gumline; in most cases, a third piece, called an abutment, is used to connect the restoration to the implant. Dental implant surgery can be used to support crowns, bridges, partial dentures, and full dentures.
Dental Implants vs. Traditional Artificial Teeth
Dental implants offer significant advantages over other artificial teeth options, such as traditional dentures and bridges. Unlike removable solutions, dental implants are permanently anchored to your jawbone, providing unmatched stability and comfort. This permanent integration allows for more natural speaking and eating, contributing to your overall health and well-being.
Serving Patients in the San Francisco Bay Area
San Francisco Dental Wellness is proud to serve patients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area with exceptional dental implant services. Our practice has built a reputation for combining advanced technology with personalized care to deliver superior results for patients seeking tooth replacement solutions.
Advanced Cosmetic Dentistry Options
While dental implants serve a functional purpose, they also represent the pinnacle of cosmetic dentistry. Many patients initially pursue implants for cosmetic reasons but quickly discover the additional benefits of improved oral function and health. Our implant solutions are designed to create a beautiful smile that looks completely natural and enhances your facial aesthetics.
Individualized Treatment Plan Development
Each dental implant procedure at San Francisco Dental Wellness begins with creating a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. For qualified patients, this includes detailed imaging, assessment of bone structure, and discussion of your aesthetic goals. This thorough planning ensures optimal results for both function and appearance.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Longevity
While the restorations that attach to dental implants may need to be replaced at some point due to wear from biting and chewing, the dental implants themselves can last a lifetime with proper care and good oral hygiene habits.
Better Health
Because a stable implant-based restoration prevents jawbone loss, you can consume the healthy, whole foods that help your body function at its best. This means better oral health and overall wellness.
Improved Confidence
Because dental implants so closely resemble natural teeth in appearance and function, you'll be proud to show off your new smile!
Types of Dental Implants
Single Tooth Dental Implants
Dental implants replace tooth roots in the mouth. Dental implant surgery provides a strong foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth and can aid in the prevention of bone loss in the jaw.
Implant Supported Bridges
An implant supported bridge is a restorative solution for spaces where three or more adjacent teeth are missing. This restoration typically requires two implants to support the porcelain bridge. The bridge provides a functional and aesthetic replacement for a patient’s natural teeth.
Implant Supported Dentures
For patients who are missing many or all of their teeth, implant supported dentures may be an alternative to traditional dentures. This solution requires the placement of two or more implants for missing teeth. In order to replace a full arch denture, a minimum of four implants is generally recommended. Eligibility for this solution is dependent upon a number of factors, with jaw bone density being one of the most significant determining factors.
Traditional dentures rely on an acrylic base that sits directly on the gums, held in place by a paste or adhesive. Using implants as supports for dentures allows for a smaller and more comfortable base and less shifting of the prosthesis during use.
Implants can support both full and partial dentures as well as both fixed and removable dentures. If a removable denture is selected, the denture will “snap” on to the implant rather than requiring the use of denture paste or adhesives.
Full Arch with Only Four Implants
This procedure is a unique implant solution that allows patients with a completely edentulous (toothless) upper or lower arch to replace all of the teeth in that arch using only four implants as anchors.
A Long-Term Solution for Tooth Replacement
Unlike traditional bridges or dentures that typically require replacement every 5-10 years, dental implants offer a long-term solution that can last a lifetime with proper care. Our dentistry professionals focus on restoring both function and aesthetics through implant solutions designed for durability and longevity.
Comprehensive Dentistry for Your Overall Health
Our approach to dentistry recognizes that oral health is interconnected with your overall health and wellness. By restoring proper dental function with implants, qualified patients can enjoy improved nutrition, better digestion, and increased confidence. Our practice is committed to enhancing your quality of life through exceptional dental care.
The Complete Process of Restoring Your Smile
The journey to a beautiful smile with dental implants involves several precisely managed steps. From initial consultation through surgical placement and final restoration, our dentistry team focuses on restoring your natural dental function with minimal discomfort and optimal aesthetic results. By choosing dental implants, you're investing in a beautiful smile that can transform your appearance and self-confidence.
Are You a Good Candidate for Implants?
You are a candidate for dental implants if you are in generally good health, don't have active gum disease, don't use tobacco, and have sufficient bone mass for support. If you've experienced jawbone loss, you could be a candidate for a different type of dental implant that requires less bone support, or you might require a bone graft or sinus lift prior to dental implant placement.
Why Choose San Francisco Dental Wellness?
We use computer-guided implant placement software, which involves developing a three-dimensional model of your jaw and teeth to assist in treatment and surgical planning. We also use state-of-the-art cone beam CT radiography to assess the health and bone density of your jaw and determine the optimal site and angle for each of your dental implants.
FAQs
How much do dental implants cost for replacing missing teeth?
Because there are so many types of dental implant procedures and restorations, estimating the cost of dental implants without an in-person consultation is difficult. We recommend scheduling an appointment so we can discuss your options and the costs involved.
Who is not a candidate for dental implants?
Dental implant procedures are not recommended for patients who smoke or have active, untreated gum disease. Other medical issues, particularly those that impair your ability to heal after surgery or raise your risk of infection, may also affect your candidacy for dental implants.
Is it better to get dentures or implants?
Dental implants are usually recommended over dentures since they prevent jawbone loss, but every patient is unique, and in certain circumstances, dentures may be a better option.
Can I get a dental implant years after extraction?
Yes, many of our patients decide to get dental implants years—or even decades!—after they have had their teeth extracted. There's no reason why you can't get dental implants years after an extraction, although you’re more likely to require bone grafting or a sinus lift the longer your teeth have been missing.
Call 415-781-1944 to learn more and schedule an oral health appointment.
The Benefits and Importance of Dental Implants in San Francisco
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Learn More About the Benefits of Dental Implants