Skip to content

Dental Implants: A Permanent Solution for Missing Teeth

woman with big smileIf you hesitate to smile in photos or social gatherings, or find it challenging to chew due to missing teeth, we want to restore not only your smile but something priceless—your confidence. When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants offer a unique advantage.

Unlike dentures that require removal and frequent cleaning throughout the day, dental implants stay permanently in place. They also differ from traditional bridges, which require preparing adjacent teeth by grinding them down to support the restoration.

“The implant is completely separate, independent. You’re just replacing the tooth that’s missing, and it functions and acts and feels and looks just like your own natural tooth,” explains Dr. Jerry Yang.

This independence means your healthy teeth remain untouched. The implant integrates directly with your jawbone, creating a foundation that mimics natural tooth structure.

Who Can Benefit From Dental Implants?

Most people make excellent candidates for dental implants. The procedure works for nearly anyone without significant risk factors. However, certain conditions require attention. Uncontrolled diabetes and smoking present challenges that need addressing before treatment. For most adults, implants are an option—your dentist will review health factors like smoking and diabetes control to help plan safely.

Beyond these considerations, dental implants serve patients across a wide age range who want to restore their smile with a solution that lasts.

Natural Function and Appearance

The benefits of dental implants extend to both daily function and cosmetic appeal. Patients can brush, floss, and chew naturally without the worry of shifting or discomfort. Speaking feels natural. Eating your favorite foods becomes enjoyable again.

Aesthetically, implants blend seamlessly with your existing teeth. “They look like they’re growing out of the gums, as your natural tooth would have,” Dr. Yang notes.

The placement creates a natural emergence profile that mirrors biological tooth structure, making implants virtually indistinguishable from surrounding teeth.

Understanding the Process

Getting a dental implant typically involves three visits. During the first appointment, the implant is placed into the jawbone under local anesthetic in about an hour. You’ll leave with either a temporary healing cap or the implant covered by gum tissue.

After three to four months of bone integration, your second visit involves digital scanning for the crown. Two to three weeks later, the final visit completes the process with your permanent crown installation.

Following post-visit instructions matters—putting pressure on the implant too early (like chewing on that side) can interfere with integration.

Long-Term Care and Durability

Maintenance is just like caring for natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental cleanings keep your implant healthy. Following your hygiene team’s recommendations during cleaning appointments ensures optimal results.

With proper care, dental implants can last 15 to 20 years or more. Their durability makes them a worthwhile investment in your oral health and quality of life.

Investment in Your Smile

Cost varies based on individual bone quality and specific needs. Some patients require bone grafting or additional procedures to ensure implant success. Think of it as building a house: the foundation must be strong first. Our membership plan offers a 20% discount on dental services, including implant procedures, making this investment more accessible.

Schedule Your Consultation

Ready to explore whether dental implants are right for you? Our experienced team provides personalized assessments and creates treatment plans tailored to your needs. Contact our Fremont office today to begin your journey toward a complete, confident smile.

Schedule Your Implant Consultation

Add Your Comment

Your Name

*

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *.