Dental Implant Services
Missing teeth are more common than you might think. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, nearly 69% of adults between the ages of 35 and 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth, and by age 74, 26% of adults have lost all of their permanent teeth.
A missing tooth isn’t just a cosmetic concern, it can affect your ability to chew, speak, and maintain proper jaw health. That’s why a permanent solution is essential. Dental implants replace missing teeth with natural-looking, durable restorations that function just like your own teeth.
At Gentle Dentistry of Carmel Valley, Dr. Maggie Abadan proudly offers advanced dental implant treatment to patients throughout Carmel Valley and San Diego. With her expertise, you can restore your smile’s strength, appearance, and confidence.
How Dental Implants Work
A dental implant is designed to look, feel, and function like a natural tooth. Each implant is made up of three main parts:
- The Implant (Titanium Post)
- A small titanium post is surgically placed into the jawbone. Over time, it fuses with the bone and acts as the secure root of your new tooth.
- The Abutment
- This connector piece is attached to the implant and extends just above the gumline. Its job is to hold the crown in place.
- The Crown
- A custom, laboratory-made crown is secured to the abutment. Shaped and shaded to match your natural teeth, it completes the implant and restores your smile.
Together, these three parts create a stable, permanent replacement tooth that looks natural and functions like your own.
How Implants Can Improve Your Smile
Missing teeth can detract from an otherwise beautiful smile, and may cause you to feel embarrassed or self-conscious around others.
Dental implants literally close the gap left by a missing tooth, making it easier to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. They blend in seamlessly with your surrounding teeth to restore uniformity and symmetry to your smile.
Simply put, dental implants relieve the inconvenience of missing teeth and help you regain both function and appearance.
What to Expect During Dental Implant Treatment
Dental implant treatment is performed in stages. From start to finish, the process may take up to six to eight months, depending on your case.
Osseointegration
After the implant post is surgically placed in the jawbone, it must take time to heal. Over a period of a few months, called the osseointegration stage, the implant post fuses with the bone to provide a stable foundation for the replacement tooth. Dr. Abadan continues to work with the oral surgeon to determine when the bone and post have properly integrated and when it is safe to place the artificial tooth.
The Implant Restoration Stage
During the final stage of dental implant treatment, Dr. Abadan places and restores the artificial tooth. During oral surgery, a temporary tooth restoration is placed to cover the top of the post and enable you to chew and speak normally while the post heals. Once healing is complete, the temporary restoration is replaced with the permanent one.
The specific type of tooth restoration depends on your needs. Options may include porcelain crowns, bridges, or partial/full dentures.
After placing the permanent restoration, Dr. Abadan will carefully check for proper fit to ensure that it stays firmly and comfortably in place. She will also examine your bite to confirm proper alignment, make any necessary adjustments, and polish the new restoration so you can leave with a confident, functional smile.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer cosmetic and functional benefits. Appearance-wise, they are beautiful and natural. No one will be able to distinguish your implant from your natural teeth. Dr. Abadan carefully matches the tooth restoration to your surrounding teeth so the color, size and shape are consistent.
Securely anchored to the jawbone, implants will not slip or slide around in the mouth as other tooth restorations can be known to do. Implants are easy to clean by simply brushing and flossing normally. They also make it easy to enjoy your favorite foods without restrictions.
Dental implants are great not only for your smile’s appearance, but also for your oral health. By replacing not only the tooth but the tooth’s root, implants keep the jawbone underneath the missing tooth stimulated and prevent it from deteriorating due to lack of use.
When properly cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime. Imagine enjoying your beautiful restored smile and no longer having to worry about a pesky gap between your teeth.
Determine Whether You’re a Dental Implants Candidate
Are you seeking a reliable, long-lasting tooth replacement?