Dental implants are often a choice for individuals who lost some of their teeth, who don’t want to have teeth removed to make a bridge, or who don’t want to wear dentures. Dental implants are proven to provide individuals with a long-lasting smile that they can be proud of and confident with.

The reason why dental implants are so effective is that they’re designed to blend in with the rest of the teeth. The creation of dental implants has been one of the biggest advances in dentistry within the past 40 years. Understanding more information about dental implants will help individuals decide if it’s the right choice for them.

Defining Dental Implants

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that’s installed into the jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. These implants are created with titanium and other natural materials that are compatible with the human body. They can be placed in both the upper and lower jaws.

Understanding the Types of Dental Implants

There are two types of dental implants: endosteal and subperiosteal. Endosteal implants are the most popular type of implants because they’re installed in the bone. This implant consists of screws, cylinders or blades that are placed into the jawbone, and can hold one or more replacement teeth. Dentists often offer these implants to patients with bridges or removable dentures. Subperiosteal implants are installed on top of the jaw with metal framework’s posts extended out to hold the replacement teeth. Dentists offer these implants to patients who have a low bone height that won’t support conventional dentures.

When Undergoing Dental Implant Procedure

There are three major phases that patients experience when receiving dental implants. The first phase is the actual placement of the implant into the jawbone. During this phase dentists will more than likely instruct patients to maintain a diet consisting of soft foods and soups until the healing process is complete.

The next phase is osseointegration, which is when the bone around the implant heals. This process could take several months for some patients while other patients can receive implants and replacement teeth within the same visit. The final phase is the placement of the prosthetic tooth or teeth. If a patient only needs a single tooth, then his or her dentist will design a dental crown that blends in with the rest of the teeth. If patients need multiple teeth, then dentists will create either a bridge or dentures that fit into the mouth and implants.

There are times when patients don’t have enough bone to install dental implants. Dentists will then perform ridge modification, which lifts the gum away to reveal the defect. Dentists will then fill up the defect with substitute bone. This process increases the chances of successful, long-lasting implants.

California Dental Implant Dentist

At McBride Dental, Dr. McBride has over two decades of experience with dental implant procedures. He specializes in all implant services from single implants to full mouth reconstruction. This also includes surgery, restoration, and repairs. He can even provide All-on-4 implants in a single treatment if that’s all the patient needs. If you, or someone you know is interested in receiving dental implants, call 760-471-1003 to schedule an appointment.