Dental Implants

If you have experienced tooth loss, dental implants offer the optimal tooth replacement solution. The only structurally complete tooth replacement available in modern dentistry, dental implants are associated with a long list of advantages in comparison to standard prosthetics.

Although the treatment process for dental implants is more involved than it is for a fixed dental bridge or a conventional denture, it’s a worthy endeavor for a long-lasting tooth replacement that is nearly as functional as your biological tooth.

We encourage patients who need to replace a missing tooth to schedule a consultation at Kwon and Jabbour Dental to learn more about dental implants.

Dental Implants: An Overview

Dental implants are small cylinders made of biocompatible titanium. Because that titanium is biocompatible, the bone tissue is able to fuse with the surface of the implant. When that osseointegration process is complete, the dental implant becomes a permanent fixture in the jaw.

Dental implants can be used in virtually any tooth loss scenario, supporting a single crown, dental bridge or even a full arch restoration. This treatment can also be an option for adult patients of any age, although it may not be appropriate in children and some teens.

The most important factor in determining whether a patient is a good candidate for dental implants is the quality of bone at the dental implant site. Patients need sufficient bone tissue to support osseointegration.

As such, the bone loss that is a consequence of tooth loss can present an obstacle to patients seeking dental implants, as can congenital bone defects. When bone loss or another deficit is a potential barrier to dental implant placement, a bone graft may be advised.

Dental implant illustration | Kwon & Jabbour Dental | Walnut Creek, CA

The Dental Implant Treatment Process

The treatment process for dental implants begins with your initial evaluation at our office. We will examine the site of tooth loss and take imaging to assess the quality of bone at the implant site as well as to prepare for the procedure.

At a later date, you will return to our office to have the dental implant or implants placed. This is usually accomplished in a single appointment, and we use local anesthetic and offer sedation to make the process as comfortable as possible for you.

Many patients can get at least a temporary restoration placed the same day that the dental implant is placed. A stronger, permanent restoration can then be placed after osseointegration is complete.

At Kwon and Jabbour Dental, we both place and restore dental implants, so we are able to work with you throughout the entire dental implant treatment process. Our approach eliminates the need to work with multiple providers.

Advanced Imaging for Better Treatment Outcomes

Because of the complexity of placing and restoring dental implants, detailed planning is needed for this intervention. The three-dimensional imaging tools that we use in this effort are particularly valuable.

We are able to use Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) to get a lifelike perspective of the dental implant site before we even place the implant. This tool compiles a three-dimensional image of the treatment area by combining multiple two-dimensional images into a single image.

Additionally, our innovative three-dimensional printing capacity provides us with surgical guides for more predictable dental implant placement. This tool even allows us to print restorations for your dental implants right in our office.

Advantages of Dental Implants

Why are so many patients choosing dental implants over conventional prosthetics as a solution for tooth loss? Because they gain multiple advantages from doing so, such as improved:

Durability

Dental implants anchor the jawbone as well as supporting the restoration, so jawbone atrophy doesn’t cause the appliance to lose its fit.

Functionality

The bond between the bone and dental implant gives these devices extra strength for chewing, so patients can continue to enjoy a varied diet.

Comfort

Because dental implants are structured like biological teeth, they feel more like biological teeth. You may forget you even have an implant!

Security

Dental implants are far more effective at holding dentures in place than denture adhesives and unlikely to fail at an inopportune time.

When you explore dental implants following tooth loss, you may find these factors to be compelling reasons to choose this treatment option, too.

Single Posterior Implant

Implant Locator Overdenture

Fixed Hybrid Full Arch Implant Restoration

Common Dental Implant Questions

Is dental implant surgery painful?

Dental implant surgery should not cause much discomfort for you. We use local anesthetic and sedation to keep you comfortable during the procedure. After those effects wear off, you may experience some discomfort, but it can often be managed using over-the-counter painkillers. If you experience severe or persistent discomfort, you should follow up with our office right away, as this can be a sign of infection.

How long is a dental implant surgery recovery?

Most patients can return to normal activity within a few days of having their dental implants placed, although you may need to continue dietary adjustments or restricting vigorous activity to avoid interfering with the healing process. Keep in mind that post-operative complications will extend the recovery timeline, so you should closely follow the instructions provided by our office to minimize those risks.

Will a dental implant feel exactly like natural teeth?

A dental implant essentially functions as an artificial tooth root supporting a prosthetic restoration. Because the implant is structurally similar to your natural tooth, it also feels like your natural tooth did.

How much do dental implants cost?

The cost of dental implants varies from case to case and reflects multiple factors, including the number of dental implants placed, imaging, preparation of the restoration and bone grafting when needed. We will be able to give you an estimate of your anticipated costs after evaluating your case.

(925) 930-8465