Are your missing teeth affecting your smile? Our dentist provides dental implants in Los Altos, CA in a caring dental environment. Dental implants revolutionize how dentists replace missing teeth. They address key long-term oral health problems after tooth loss. Dental implants replace not only the visible portion or crown of the tooth but also the tooth root beneath the gums. This provides both structural and aesthetic benefits for your smile.
If you have lost one or more teeth, dental implants can replace the single tooth or permanently secure a bridge or denture. The result is a secure, natural-looking smile that feels like it has always been there. Dr. Ken Schweifler is a restorative dentist in Los Altos who works with patients on an individual basis to replace teeth using all types of dental implants.
Dr. Schweifler develops strong professional relationships with local specialists to surgically place dental implants. Once the oral surgeon places a dental implant or many implants, the patient will need to heal over many months. After implants have osseointegrated (bone adjacent to the implant fuses to it), Dr. Schweifler begins the restorative process.
Dental Implants in Los Altos, CA
Dental implants may be the perfect solution for your tooth replacement needs. The benefits they offer will support your long-term oral health and overall quality of life. Some of the benefits include:
- Reduces bone loss in the lower jaw. The implant post serves as a prosthetic tooth root. It stabilizes surrounding bone tissue and returns normal chewing forces, which stimulate healthy bone cell growth.
- Restores normal chewing and speech. Your new replacement tooth functions much like a natural tooth. It will allow you to chew all types of foods and speak more clearly and confidently.
- A long-term result. A dental implant can last a lifetime with proper dental care and good oral hygiene.
- No daily adhesives. Dental implants do not need adhesives to stay in place.
- Does not irritate the gums and soft tissues. Over time, many patients experience discomfort due to the effects of slight movement or slippage with traditional dentures and other types of devices. This can irritate the gums and increase the presence of gum disease. Dental implants do not move or cause long-term irritation of the gums, but remain securely in place.
How Dental Implants Work
Dental implants are tiny titanium posts that we surgically place into the space left by each missing tooth. After initial implantation, a recovery period of up to six months allows the implant and bone to osseointegrate, or fuse together. Then your dentist securely bonds the tooth replacement on top — giving you the super stable, complete smile you deserve.
What Makes a Good Candidate for Dental Implants
In order to confirm whether or not you’re a good candidate for tooth replacement with dental implants, we will check for two things.
- Existing jawbone structure. You’ll need to have enough jawbone present in order to support the dental implants. Sometimes, too much bone has already deteriorated as a result of the tooth loss and other issues. Bone grafting can help in this case.
- Adequate oral and overall health. Dr. Schweifler will also examine your mouth and discuss your general wellbeing to confirm you’re a good candidate for dental implants. Some conditions, like gum disease or diabetes, can prevent their success.
If you are a good candidate for dental implants, that’s excellent news! You’ll soon embark on a truly life-changing journey with dental implants from Dr. Schweifler.
Dental Implant vs Dental Bridge
Implants are the ideal option when you lose a single tooth. Traditionally, dentists make fixed bridges to replace a single tooth. But these restorations require aggressive crown preparation of the adjacent natural teeth. If there is a subsequent issue with one of those anchoring teeth, the patient may lose the entire bridge. This might have the patient face another more extensive procedure.
In addition, the bone beneath the lost tooth continues to dissolve away. Patients with fixed bridgework tend to struggle to keep these areas free of plaque and food. Thus rendering the supportive teeth more vulnerable to gum disease and tooth decay.
Dental Implants FAQs
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Today, most patients can be candidates for dental implants and implant-supported dentures. There are many sizes and types of dental implants, but they are not for everyone. They are not ideal for those who have bone loss or gum disease. However, there are procedures available to address compromised jaw bone and soft tissue structure. Procedures such as sinus lift augmentation and autogenous bone grafting.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants can last a lifetime to support a permanent, long-term result. Regular visits with Dr. Schweifler can allow us to find any dental issues early on. We can also recommend alternative missing teeth options when applicable.
Is there special care for dental implants?
No. There is no special care, products, or specific toothpaste that you will need to keep your dental implant healthy. Keep brushing at least twice a day, floss regularly, use mouthwash, and visit your dentist twice a year. With proper care, they can last a lifetime.
How long does it take for dental implants to settle?
After dental implants have fully healed, it typically takes between six and eight months before the patient may go about their normal daily activities without any restrictions.
How long does implant surgery take?
The average time required to place each implant surgically is between one and two hours. Most dentists recommend waiting three months before completing the final restoration of a tooth replacement.
Do gums grow around implants?
Dental implants function similarly to real teeth in that, after you heal from surgery, new gum tissue will form around the implants. We will keep an eye on your gums during the healing and recuperation process to make sure they do not cover up the implant.
Schedule A Dental Exam Today
If you have one or more missing teeth and would like to schedule an implant consultation with Dr. Schweifler, contact our Los Altos dental office at (650) 489-4620. We welcome new patients from Palo Alto, Moutan View, Cupertino and other surrounding communities. Dr. Schweifler will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan. We will address all of your oral health and cosmetic needs and goals. Dr. Schweifler can provide second opinions as well.