Dental Implants FAQ
Livermore, CA
 Ever wondered about the various restorative dentistry procedures that are available to improve your smile and give it a boost? Dental implants are one of the many options that can give you a brilliant smile and replace any missing teeth. At Pacific Oral & Facial Surgery Center, our dental professionals offer various tooth replacement restorations and prosthetics for our patients, giving them the best long-lasting results. We strive to keep your best interests front and center when providing you with the most efficient treatments possible.
What is a Dental Implant Made Of and How Does it Work?
A tooth dental implant is made up of a small but mighty titanium post. Titanium is a resilient and durable material. It is most often used for dental implants because it is biocompatible, meaning it interacts harmoniously with living tissue. It is even capable of bonding with the surrounding bone tissue in a process known as osseointegration.
Your tooth implant will be carefully placed into your jawbone. It will be a snug fit while the titanium post begins to fuse with your jawbone. This fusion process is what provides your dental implant with an unshakeable foundation, akin to an anchor for your new tooth.
As this fusion occurs, the implant becomes an integral part of your jawbone structure, whether a single tooth implant or a multiple tooth implant. It mimics the natural relationship between your jaw and a healthy tooth root. This robust integration not only ensures stability but also promotes bone health. Your smile, now supported by this strong foundation, stands not just restored but strong and confident. It's not just a tooth replacement; it allows you to regain the full functionality and aesthetics of your natural teeth.
In essence, a tooth implant goes beyond merely filling a gap in your smile. It becomes a seamlessly integrated part of your oral anatomy, providing the support needed for a smile that not only looks great but feels incredibly natural.
What Are the Different Parts of a Dental Implant?
While the dental implant post is placed beneath the gums, providing robust support, it is not visible. There are two other components that make up the dental implant - the abutment and the dental crown.
The abutment is the middle piece, between the implant post and the crown. It acts as a connector between the two.
The dental crown, on the other hand, is the third and final piece to the dental implant, completing the ensemble and bringing your smile to life. The dental crown acts essentially as the replacement "tooth," or the visible portion of the implant.
What is the Difference Between a Single Tooth and a Multiple Tooth Implant?
A single tooth dental implant consists of inserting one implant post into the jawbone to replace one missing tooth, followed by attaching a single crown on top. On the other hand, a multiple tooth dental implant involves inserting two or more implant posts to support a dental bridge or a larger prosthetic device, replacing several missing teeth next to each other.
How Does a Dental Crown Work as Part of a Dental Implant?
Crafted with meticulous precision, the crown is tailor-made to be the perfect match for your other teeth. The goal is not just functional restoration but an aesthetic transformation that leaves your smile looking absolutely fabulous.
The customization of the dental crown goes beyond merely fitting in; it's about harmonizing with the unique characteristics of your smile. Whether it's the color, shape, or size, the crown is designed to be indistinguishable from your natural teeth. The result? A restored smile that not only functions flawlessly but also radiates a natural beauty that can boost your confidence.
When you flash that post-implant smile, no one will be able to tell where your natural teeth end and the dental crown begins. This seamless integration isn't just about aesthetics; it's about restoring your ability to eat, speak, and smile with the same ease and comfort as before.
In essence, the dental crown isn't just a cap for your implant; it completes the restoration of your smile.
How Does a Dental Implant Compare to a Real Tooth?
The success and durability of dental implants as substitutes for real teeth hinge on factors like your overall health, dental condition, and bone density. Oral care, poor diets defined by sugary drinks and foods, and accidental losses sometimes work together to shorten the lifespan of natural teeth. Luckily, dental implants are made to last. Dental implants come with a post that acts in the same way as the root of a natural tooth.
Dental implants are as permanent as real teeth. You do not need to remove a dental implant before going to sleep, but you are always advised to remove implant-supported dentures or dental bridges during bedtime.
Tooth dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. They are almost impossible to break. However, crowns made with porcelain can still break alongside natural teeth. We will advise you to brush your teeth with a soft brush because forceful brushing, and excessive grinding (or bruxism), can cause general wear and tear on the dental crown. In short, dental implants are stronger than natural teeth, but the porcelain crown is not among the strongest parts of the implant.
Can I Still Enjoy My Favorite Foods After Receiving Dental Implants?
Dental implants are made to replace missing teeth. The gaps left by these teeth always make it hard to chew food, and implants will fill that gap and improve your ability to eat any foods you like. The fact that they are rooted into the jawbone means that they do not come with the same food restrictions that are associated with traditional dentures.
Recovery and Care
While healing after the initial implant, you will need to be very careful about the foods you eat. We will explain this in more detail after placement. We can also explain how to care for the crown, bridge, or full denture after we place it. You treat dental restorations like you treat your natural teeth.
Tooth Replacement with Pacific Oral & Facial Surgery Center
Missing a tooth? Dental implants aren't just sturdy and long-lasting; they're the closest thing to real teeth. No wiggling or sliding around like dentures and bridges often do. You can eat, talk, and smile confidently. Dental implants make tooth replacement feel so natural; you might forget you ever lost a tooth in the first place.
If you're interested in learning more about dental implants, contact our Pacific Oral & Facial Surgery Center office to schedule a dental implant consultation. We will first review your medical and dental history and then perform an exam to see if you are a candidate for dental implants.
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Livermore: 925-290-7727
