Dental implants from San Mateo dentist can restore your perfect smile

If you are missing teeth, chances are you are embarrassed, self-conscious, and starting to experience a decline in oral health. Having a beautiful smile has been shown to improve self-esteem and without teeth, bone and tissue loss can occur, resulting in further dental complications. You may be wondering, “what are my options when it comes to missing teeth?” The answer is, there are several options: dentures, bridges, and dental implants. Your local San Mateo dentist recommends dental implants as the most effective way to permanently restore you perfect smile. Here are a few reasons why we prefer dental implants for our patients at San Mateo Dental Care.

#1 – Dental Implants are versatile

One of the biggest reasons that we recommend dental implants is that they are a versatile solution. Dental implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth, several missing teeth that are adjacent to each other, or entire arches of missing teeth.

#2 – Dental Implants are the closest option to natural teeth

Dental implants are extremely realistic looking and once in place, will fully restore oral function. The implant is completed with a dental crown or dentures that will look and function just like natural teeth. Unlike removable dentures, which are prone to slipping or sliding out of place, dental implants are held firmly in place so that you can bite and chew foods without the risk of embarrassment from them falling out of place.

#3 – Dental implants preserve the jawbone

This is the reason that launches dental implants ahead of removable dentures or bridges. In a natural tooth, the root stimulates the jawbone, encouraging healthy tissue growth. In the absence of a natural tooth, that stimulation goes away, and the jawbone will begin to deteriorate over time, impacting the shape of the face and causing any remaining teeth to shift out of place. Because dental implants are placed into the jawbone and fuse with it, the jawbone continues to be stimulated and bone loss is prevented.

More about dental implants

Once you decide to move forward with dental implants, there are several steps that occur before your final restoration is in place. It is important for all these steps to occur to ensure the ultimate success of the implants. The basic steps in the dental implant process are:

Initial Consultation

During this visit, the dentist will examine the mouth and take images to determine if there is enough healthy bone structure to support dental implants. Individuals who have already experienced bone deterioration due to tooth loss may still be candidates for dental implants but could require bone grafts prior to the procedure.

Dental Implant Procedure

During this visit, the implants are placed into the jawbone. Patients are given dental sedation in order to make the procedure comfortable. The number of implants placed depends on the number of teeth missing.

Osseointegration

Following the placement of dental implants, the healing period begins. During this time, the implant will fuse with the jawbone. Temporary teeth can be placed during this time for eating and to protect the implant.

Abutment

Once the osseointegration is complete, the abutment (also known as a connector) is attached to the implant. This is what we will use to affix the permanent restoration.

Custom created replacement teeth

Impressions and measurements are sent to a lab for fabrication of your crown or implant supported bridge or denture. Once the final restoration is ready, you will return for a final visit to have it placed.

Ongoing follow-up

While your new teeth cannot get cavities, it’s still important to maintain regular check-ups and cleaning with your dentist. This is to monitor your gum health and ensure the implants are functioning as intended.

Restore your perfect smile with dental implants from San Mateo Dental Care

If you are tired of living with the embarrassment or shame of missing teeth, now is a great time to do something about it. Call San Mateo Dental Care at (650) 344-7500 to schedule your consultation for dental implants. Dr. Belen has over 35 years of experience as a dentist providing top notch dental care to his patients. Having your perfect smile doesn’t have to be a dream, it can be a reality.