Dental Implants Los Gatos
The Unparalleled Gold Standard of Tooth Replacement
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, patients often have a few different options to choose from, however, there is no other option quite as exciting as dental implants! These have completely reshaped the entire field of dentistry, and Dr. Herrera and our team can utilize them to rebuild a single tooth or even entire smiles. To learn more about dental implants or to set up a consultation with Dr. Herrera, feel free to contact our office in Los Gatos today.
Why Choose Cristina Herrera, DDS for Dental Implants?
- Advanced Dental Technology Ensures Optimal Results
- Dental Insurance Accepted and Financing Available
- Implant Process Completed Entirely In-House
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants refer to small posts made from biocompatible materials like titanium that are surgically placed beneath the gumline, directly into a patient’s jawbone. A custom-made restoration is attached to the posts once they’ve healed. Dental implants are very different from other methods of tooth replacement since they can fully replace the roots of lost teeth. This means they can also prevent issues like bone resorption and dental drift, which are unfavorable results of tooth loss.
The 4-Step Dental Implant Process
Before you take the first step toward filling in the gaps in your smile, it’s important to make sure that you have an accurate idea of how dental implants work in Los Gatos. The process of replacing teeth with sturdy implant posts can take several months, and it can generally be divided into four main stages. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of what you can expect to happen when you decide to pursue dental implants.
Initial Dental Implant Consultation
First, you’ll need to set up your initial dental implant consultation with your dentist. The goal of this visit is to make sure that dental implants are a viable option in your case. Our team will capture any necessary X-rays and carefully evaluate the overall health of your mouth before we make any recommendations. In some situations, we may find that you need to have bone grafting or other preliminary treatments performed in order to qualify for dental implants.
Dental Implant Surgery
Some dental practices may need to refer you to a local oral surgeon for dental implant placement. However, our team is proud to be able to offer in-office dental implant surgery, meaning you won’t have to worry about going to an unfamiliar practice on the other side of town.
At the start of the surgery, our team will numb your mouth before making an incision in the gums. Once we have access to the underlying bone, we can carefully place the implant posts in predetermined spots in your jaw. Afterward, the gums are sutured shut, and special caps are attached to the implant posts for their protection.
Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment
Thanks to a natural process known as osseointegration, your dental implants will gradually fuse with the jawbone. This is what ultimately allows your implant posts to act as a stable foundation for your replacement teeth. Osseointegration normally takes around 3 to 6 months; the exact timeline depends on the number of implant posts as well as other factors.
After osseointegration, you will be ready to receive abutments. These simple connector pieces are what will ultimately allow us to anchor a lifelike prosthesis to your implant posts. Placing abutments requires surgery, but rest assured that the procedure is shorter and less invasive than dental implant placement.
Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s)
Based on impressions of your smile, our team will design a natural-looking crown, bridge, or denture to replace your missing teeth. The completed prosthesis will be attached to your dental implants during one last appointment. Once your replacement teeth are in place, we’ll double-check to make sure that they don’t alter your bite. If everything looks good, you can look forward to enjoying the full benefits of your newly completed smile!
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are considered the “gold standard” of tooth replacement, largely due to the sheer number of benefits they offer patients. If you are currently in the process of deciding whether or not they are ideal for you, keep reading to learn a few of the many reasons they continue to be loved by patients and dentists alike.
Day-to-Day Benefits
Once you’ve healed from the dental implant procedure and your restoration is secured on top, you’ll enjoy the following benefits:
- A Beautiful Smile – Not only are dental implants secured to the jawbone, but the crowns, bridges, and dentures that are secured on top are custom-made for each patient. As a result, dental implants come the closest to replicating the look, feel, and functionality of natural teeth.
- A Renewed Diet – Oftentimes, patients are left with one choice following tooth loss: to eat applesauce, pudding, and other extremely soft foods on repeat. That’s not the case with dental implants! Since they are strong and stable, you’ll be able to enjoy a varied, well-balanced diet.
- Clearer Communication – Patients are often surprised by just how big an impact tooth loss can have on their speaking patterns. Fortunately, we can replace any number of missing teeth with dental implants, which allows us to restore your confidence and your ability to enunciate clearly.
Health Benefits
Dental implants in Los Gatos can also benefit your oral and overall health in the following ways:
- They Allow You to Eat a Variety of Foods – Having a renewed bite force doesn’t just make life more exciting; it also makes it easier to get all of the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients your body needs to maintain a healthy smile.
- They Prevent Dental Drift – Following tooth loss, the teeth surrounding the gap begin to shift. This can lead to several issues, including premature wear and tear. Fortunately, dental implants can fill in the gaps, helping to preserve the alignment of your bite in the process.
- They Are Easy to Maintain – Good news: dental implants cannot decay! Not only that, you don’t need any special or expensive products to keep them in pristine condition. Just brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash consistently, and come to our office every six months for a cleaning.
Long-Term Benefits
Lastly, dental implants are a great option because:
- They Can Last For 30+ Years – Usually, dental bridges and dentures last between 5 and 15 years. Dental implants, on the other hand, can last for several decades with the proper care and maintenance.
- They Have a High Success Rate – The success rate of dental implants is over 95% for non-smoking patients!
- They Help Prevent Bone Loss – Unlike other tooth-replacement options, dental implants provide continued stimulation to the underlying jawbone, preventing it from shrinking/deteriorating.
Want to learn more about the benefits of choosing to rebuild your smile with dental implants? If so, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation at our Los Gatos dental office.