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Are You Ready for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a revolutionary tooth replacement option that has gained popularity thanks to their many advantages for patients with missing teeth. Comprised of three main pieces, these implants are designed to look and feel as realistic as your natural teeth. Tooth loss is nothing to laugh about, but this course of tooth replacement treatment can restore your smile to its bright sheen again. With a strength, longevity, and permanence to rival any of your natural teeth, dental implants can be a one-time investment for a lifetime of smiles.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a non-removable prosthetic used to replace missing teeth. Considered the ‘gold standard’ of tooth replacement options, implants are custom made to mimic the function and appearance of your teeth. The integration process allows your new implants to function much like your natural teeth, providing the stability and stimulation needed for a healthy smile. Boasting a high success rate, dental implants are long-lasting and extremely durable, giving you a beautiful smile for years to come.
The Dental Implant Process
The dental implant process from start to finish takes place during a set of appointments spaced out over several months. This journey ensures Dr. Chao can give you the most successful results with your new natural-looking teeth. Allowing a recovery period between each step of the implant process lets them integrate completely into the jawbone for a permanent, flawless smile. The three separate pieces of the dental implant enable them to function like natural teeth, preventing further damage and maintaining oral health.
Candidacy for Dental Implants
Even though dental implants can provide the best replacement for missing teeth, not everyone will immediately qualify. To determine if you are a candidate for dental implants, Dr. Chao will conduct a thorough exam of your oral health to decide the best option for you during your consultation. Fortunately, depending on the cause of your inability to qualify for implants, changing unhealthy habits or opting for supplemental procedures might improve your candidacy. If you don’t immediately qualify, our Pleasanton prosthodontist can create a treatment plan to give your implants the best chance for long-term success.
All-on-4®
A less invasive procedure that can be used to restore an entire arch of teeth, All-on-4® implants can be used even in cases where you might not qualify for traditional dental implants. All-on-4 dental implants require less jawbone and can be done in as little as one or two appointments with Dr. Chao. Mounted on four implants placed strategically along the jawbone, your new teeth will function and have the appearance of natural teeth.
Supplemental Procedures
In cases where you don’t immediately qualify for dental implants, you may still be able to achieve a beautiful new smile. Using supplemental procedures such as gum tissue and bone grafts to improve your oral health will ensure the long-term success of your implants. Dr. Chao is committed to the long-term success of your implants. She believes that being in good oral health is important to make sure your implant integrates successfully into the jaw bone making them strong and durable.
Locating A Dental Implant Provider
Seeking out a qualified dental implant provider will help the procedure to be as smooth and successful as possible, and that your implants are placed correctly. Knowledgeable and experienced providers receive specialized training beyond dental school to help prepare them for any complications that may arise during dental implant placement. Dr. Chao is a skilled and dedicated prosthodontist who provides the highest quality of care for your dental implants, your oral health, and your overall health.
Comparing Treatment Options
Depending on the state of your mouth and the number of teeth that need to be replaced, there are different treatment options available to help give you a strong, healthy smile. Whether you need to replace a single tooth or an entire arch of teeth, our Pleasanton dentist can design a treatment plan that will restore the healthiest function of your mouth, as well as help improve and maintain your oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I choose dental implants?
Are dental implants expensive?
Will my insurance cover the cost of dental implants?
How long will my dental implants last?
Can I get dental implants if I’m suffering from gum disease?
How do I get started with the process?
Why should I choose dental implants?
The top 5 reasons to choose dental implants are:
- They’re beautiful and look just like natural teeth
- Dental implants protect your other teeth and jawbone
- Implants are comfortable and convenient
- They’re simple to care for
- Dental implants are permanent and long-lasting tooth replacements.
Are dental implants expensive?
The cost of dental implants varies from person to person because everyone’s situation is different. Dental implants are made from some of the highest quality materials available and there’s no other tooth replacement like them.
While less expensive dental implants might be enticing, there are likely very important parts of the procedure that are being left out. This could lead to complications and endanger your health and your smile. At Pleasanton Prosthodontics, our implant dentists can ensure you’re safe and have a successful procedure.
Will my insurance cover the cost of dental implants?
Most dental insurance plans cover at least part of the cost of dental implant treatment. The details of your individual plan may vary and we recommend contacting your insurance provider to learn how much they’ll cover.
If you’re concerned about your ability to pay for dental implants, we can help. Our office accepts many payment options and we offer financing options. These payment plans can break down your dental implant treatment payment into affordable monthly increments.
How long will my dental implants last?
Dental implants are made to last for a very long time and can even last for a lifetime. They’re made from durable, biocompatible materials that become a natural part of your jawbone. You won’t have to worry about being careful with what you eat because your implant is just like a natural tooth.
Your dental implant is more likely to last longer if you take proper care of it. Luckily, dental implants are easy to take care of — simply brush and floss your teeth daily, as well as have regular dental checkups to keep your teeth in their best condition.
Dental implants are the longest-lasting tooth replacement option and they provide the support of a natural tooth without sliding around like removable dentures.
Can I get dental implants if I’m suffering from gum disease?
If you have gum disease, Dr. Chao will first treat your gum disease before placing a dental implant. It’s essential that your gums are healthy before a dental implant is considered.
Gum disease can lead to receding gums and bone loss, which can threaten the success of your dental implant. To ensure you have the best chance of a successful implant, you’ll need to be free of gum disease.
In the case of previous gum disease that’s left you with insufficient gum or bone material for implants, Dr. Chao can perform a supplemental procedure. These procedures are aimed at regenerating your lost tissue so you can receive a dental implant.
How do I get started with the process?
To begin your dental implant treatment, call 925-271-4529 to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Chao or Dr. Hoang. We’ll be able to guide you through the dental implant process so you’ll know exactly what to expect at every step of the procedure.
At your consultation, you’ll be examined to determine your candidacy for dental implants. Then, you’ll learn which procedures you need and how long your treatment may last.
Restore Your Smile Using Dental Implants
Your candidacy for dental implants will be determined by Dr. Chao during your consultation. She knows what to look for and evaluates accordingly. Dental implants are best for patients who are missing one or more teeth, or want to swap out their dentures or bridges for a more permanent result. The journey to a complete smile can sometimes be daunting, as the average length of the dental implant process can last from four to six months.
Our patients in Pleasanton, CA have found the benefits of the implants themselves to far outweigh the journey it took to get there.