Dental implant technology continues to evolve; today, you don’t need a dental implant for every missing tooth. This is good news because it typically means a stable and fixed smile through implant technology is more affordable than ever.
Your Lodi and Elk Grove dentists are pleased to offer single dental implants and All-on-4. The latter allows you to replace an entire arch of missing teeth using approximately four dental implants. Sometimes, your dentist may recommend all-on-6 for improved function and stability. This is undoubtedly an improvement over dozens of dental implants surgically placed to restore your smile.
Continue reading the dental implant guide below to learn more about this top tooth replacement option and how it can benefit you.
What Are Dental Implants
Many people believe that dental implants are newly implanted teeth. In reality, they are only tooth roots. These roots have the unique ability to integrate into the bone, forming a solid foundation for replacement teeth and prosthetics.
6 Distinct Advantages of Dental Implants in Lodi and Elk Grove, CA
Most dentists recommend dental implants as the first line of tooth replacement. They are indeed the gold standard for several reasons.
Let’s explore a few.
#1 Dental Implants Can Last for Life
It’s true that with proper care and healthy habits, your dental implants can last for decades and even a lifetime. Even if your dentist must replace the attached prosthetic or crown in the future, your implant post should still be healthy.
#2 Dental Implants Are Most Like Natural Teeth
Natural teeth contain a tooth and root. Dental implants are the same. No other tooth replacement option offers this superior distinction.
#3 Dental Implants Are Maintenance-Free
Dental implants need only the care and upkeep you afford your natural teeth. It’s all about brushing, flossing, and seeing the dentist.
#4 Dental Implants Help Prevent Bone Loss
No other tooth replacement option guards your jawbone against deterioration and loss. Jawbone loss can lead to oral health complications and a sunken lower face—a prematurely aged look.
#5 Dental Implants Keep Your Teeth in Line
Because dental implants are fixed to the jaw, they prevent other teeth from shifting out of alignment. Shifting teeth is a natural part of tooth loss but can lead to complications like fractures and additional tooth loss.
#6 A Stable and Fixed Smile
Dental implants and All-on-4 remain stable. They will never tilt or rock inside the mouth.
The All-on-4® Process
Your Assessment with the Dentist
First, your implant dentist in Lodi or Elk Grove, CA, assesses your oral health to ensure implants suit your tooth replacement goals. If you’re a candidate, we plan your implant treatment.
Sometimes, you may require pretreatments for All-on-4, including extractions and bone grafting.
Dental Implant Surgery
On surgery day, we ensure you’re relaxed and comfortable before starting implant placement. You’ll not feel pain!
After we place your implants, the dentist attaches a temporary denture to the implants, so you’ll not have to go without a smile while your implants heal.
Prosthetic Placement
You choose the colors, and we attach the final prosthetic. Attaching the implant denture is not painful. And after we finish, you’re free to enjoy your new smile!
Single Implant Process
The process for single dental implants is similar. However, it’s one tooth per implant post. This is ideal if you have only one or two missing teeth. You can also talk to the dentist about an implant bridge.
Dental Implant Care and Upkeep
For dental implants, you only have to brush your teeth at least twice daily, floss at least once, and continue seeing your dentist every six months for checkups and teeth cleanings.
Keeping your gums healthy plays a crucial role in dental implant longevity.
Dental Implant Costs and Financing
Dental implant costs vary by patient and depend on the complexity of treatment and the number or type of implant. However, your dentist lets you know how much your treatment will cost during your initial consultation.
We work with financing through CareCredit and LendingClub to help you pay off your dental implants over time.
Contact Your Dental Implant Dentist Today
Contact a dental team member today to learn more about dental implants or other tooth replacement options. Also, call us if you’re ready to book a consultation with the dentist.