What you need to know about getting dental implants for tooth replacement

Dental implants are a reliable way of replacing one or more teeth. If you are faced with tooth loss and curious about your options, our team at Monterey Peninsula Smiles may recommend implants for you! If you are considering getting dental implants, Dr. Philip Wolff and his team can assist in educating patients on what dental implants are and whether or not they are a good candidate.

What exactly are dental implants?

Many patients ask about dental implants and other solutions like bridges and dentures when choosing tooth replacement options. Dental implants are a different type of tooth replacement solution. Dr. Philip Wolff best describes dental implants as artificial tooth roots placed in the natural jaw’s bone to support a replacement tooth or bridge. They provide a stronger foundation for fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth designed to match your natural teeth.

What are the parts of dental implants?

Dental implants have three main parts: the implant, abutment, and prosthetic tooth.

• Implant. The implant is a small titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone. It serves as the actual root of the artificial tooth and provides stability and support for the replacement tooth or bridge.
• Abutment. The abutment is then attached to the implant after it has fused with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This abutment connects the implant and prosthetic tooth, allowing for a secure and natural-looking replacement.
• Prosthetic tooth. The prosthetic tooth is considered the visible portion of the dental implant and can be either a crown, bridge, or denture. A dental crown replaces a single missing tooth, while a dental bridge is used when multiple adjacent missing teeth exist. Dentures can also be attached to implants for those who have lost all their teeth in one or both jaws.

What can I expect when I am getting dental implants?

First, our team invites patients to schedule a consultation and initial evaluation with our dentist. During this appointment, Dr. Philip Wolff will examine the patient’s mouth and decide if they are a good candidate for dental implants. This might include taking dental X-rays and 3D scans to assess the jawbone’s health and surrounding teeth thoroughly.

Once it is determined that dental implants are a suitable option, the next step is to create a personalized treatment plan. This may involve multiple appointments to complete all necessary steps, such as tooth extraction, bone grafting, implant placement, and final restoration.

The entire process can take several months to complete as it requires time for the jawbone to heal and fuse with these titanium posts. However, patients can expect minimal discomfort during recovery and long-term success with proper care.

How do I determine if I am a good candidate for dental implants?

Not everyone is a good fit for implants, so we encourage patients to contact our office for an evaluation to determine if they are a proper candidate. Dr. Philip Wolff and his team at Monterey Peninsula Smiles of Marina, California, are here to assist with your initial consultation visit. Call (831) 484-7724 to request a visit to 3154 De Forest Road, Suite A.

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