Dental Implants San Francisco
SF Dental Implants to Replace a Single Tooth or Teeth
Dental Implants—Today’s Ideal Solution for Missing Teeth
Dental implants have become today’s preferred teeth replacement method by patients and dentists. Both restorative and cosmetic, they restore the way in which teeth feel and operate while creating a completely natural look.
Implants are made of three parts: a titanium screw which we place in the jawbone, an abutment which connects the screw to the crown, and the crown, the final component that looks like a tooth above the gum line.
It is not uncommon for an adult to be missing a tooth. In fact, approximately 125 million Americans are missing at least one, and most are excellent candidates for dental implants.
We know that missing a tooth can lead to feelings of anxiety and embarrassment, and if this describes you, you are clearly not alone. Schedule an appointment with us and find out if dental implants are an ideal solution for you.
Interested in Replacing A Missing Tooth or Multiple Teeth?
Dental implants are an excellent restorative option! Call us with questions or to schedule a consultation.
Anatomy of a Dental Implant
Dental Implants—What to Expect
1. Consultation and Treatment Planning:
We gather imaging, your medical and dental histories and, when necessary, digital impressions of your mouth using our intra-oral scanner during the initial phase of the dental implant process so we have a clear picture of your current health. With that information, we formulate a plan that ensures that both your health and budgetary goals are met.
2. Extraction:
If you have not yet lost the damaged tooth, the next step is to have it extracted. In some cases, we may be able to place the implant at the same time of extraction. In others, bone grafting will be required prior to implant placement (See next step.).
3. Bone Grafting:
It is fairly common for the jawbone to lack adequate mass in which case a bone graft is required to strengthen the target area. Bone grafting is typically followed by several months of healing before the implant can be placed.
4. Dental Implant Surgery:
We place a titanium screw into your jawbone during the implant procedure. We have a variety of sedation options, and you will be anesthetized for your comfort during the 1-2 hour surgery.
5. Osseointegration:
After placing the implant, we cover it with the surrounding soft tissue and allow it to fuse with the bone over the subsequent 3 months. This amazing fusion of titanium to the bone is called osseointegration.
6. Final Restoration:
After osseointegration is complete, a connector is placed on the implant that attaches to the final crown restoration.
Evaluation
If like many others, you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, we ask that you undergo a dental/radiographic examination and health history. During these consultation visits, your doctor will address your specific needs and considerations. Your questions and concerns are important to us and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.
We will also discuss fees and insurance at this time. There are many types of insurance plans, and coverage for implants is varied. We will be happy to assist you in obtaining any benefits to which you may be entitled.
Procedure
After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. The implant will be uncovered and a small healing collar will be seated on the implant. After two weeks your general dentist will be able to start making your new teeth.
An impression must be taken. Then posts or attachments can be connected to the implant. The teeth replacements are then made over the posts or attachments. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life.
The original protocol for placing these modern (osseointegrated) implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. Healing time following surgery varies from person to person and is based on a variety of factors that include hardness of bone. In some cases, implants may be restored immediately after they are placed.
For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your restorative dentist designs the final bridgework or denture that will ultimately improve both function and aesthetics.
Today, wherever possible, implant treatment involves a single surgical procedure and, due to the advancements in the surface characteristics, the implant is ready to receive an abutment and tooth in two to three months.
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)
From the initial cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) scans that are taken and analyzed by Dr. Fateh or Dr. Sanz for implant placement planning—right here in our office—to the intra-operative procedure itself, computer-guided implant surgery ensures precise and accurate implant placement. The information gathered by our CBCT scans is used to:
- Evaluate bone and vital structures.
- Confirm there is sufficient bone for implant placement.
- Verify the safety of important structures and nerves.
We use our intra-oral scanner with our CBCT images to create a surgical template that is used to determine the best locations for implant placement.
Call San Francisco Office Phone Number 415-333-1173 (San Francisco) with questions or to make an appointment.
Unparalleled Longevity
Dental implants are extremely long-lasting, especially when cared for properly. Maintaining consistent oral health habits—brushing and flossing twice daily—is key to dental implants that last a lifetime. Drs. Fateh and Sanz partner with specialists and general dentists in our area to form a treatment plan tailored to your needs and concerns, using cutting-edge technology and the latest techniques. We go above and beyond to guarantee that the dental implants we place each day last a very long time.
Well Worth the Investment
Losing a tooth can seriously damage your oral health and your confidence, but our exceptional team is here to help. Implants have become the best solution for missing teeth because they look and function completely naturally. You can say goodbye to slipping dentures and those pesky dietary restrictions as we bring restoration to both your smile and your overall well-being.
We use our expert implant replacement techniques here in our state-of-the-art facility to ensure you receive the best care possible. Compassionate, thorough, and superior care is our primary goal, and we look forward to being your dental implant team.
Success Rate and Side Effects
Dental implant placement is a routine procedure that poses very few risks. With a success rate of up to 98%, this trusted and proven treatment continues to remain the preferred tooth-replacement method while continually making advancements. The chance of minimal side effects is quite low, and they are similar to those that might result from any minor surgery – infection, injury to adjacent teeth, etc.
We recommend that you wait to get an implant until after your jaw has finished growing and you’ve completed all straightening procedures, such as braces, because the implant’s fusion to the bone makes the toothless mobile, thereby limiting further movement.
Comfort and Safety
Your comfort and safety are important to us, so we go out of our way to ensure as little pain as possible. During the surgery, you will be properly anesthetized at all times, so you won’t feel a thing. We use The Wand, a computer-assisted anesthetic delivery system, which makes even the injection almost painless.
The vast majority of our patients are pleasantly surprised at how little pain is involved in the dental implant procedure. Any minimal post-operative discomfort can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medications.
Call San Francisco Office Phone Number 415-333-1173 (San Francisco) with questions or to make an appointment.
Adequate Jawbone
Generally, at least 8-10 millimeters of bone height is necessary in order to place a dental implant. When patients with insufficient jawbone desire implant placement, bone grafting is usually required first. Safe, reliable, and straightforward, our bone grafting techniques are well researched and are very predictable.
Can I drive after dental implant surgery?
We ask our patients who are sedated to arrange for a ride home after their implant procedure. Those who use local anesthesia can drive themselves home. Likewise, patients should be able to drive themselves home after the final crown has been placed, as it is a simpler procedure, much like getting a filling.
Cost of Dental Implants in San Francisco, CA
We believe dental implants to be the most cost-effective option because they outlast other tooth replacement approaches, such as bridges and dentures, by several decades. Even though the initial cost may be more, their longevity makes them the wiser option in the long run. We know that every case and budget is unique, so we are ready to discuss with you our available financing options and your insurance benefits at your consultation.
Don’t Settle for Missing Teeth!
Dental implants are natural-looking replacement teeth that can renew your smile. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
Dental Implant Options in San Francisco CA
Single Implant – Posterior Healing cap:
Single Implant – Anterior Healing Cap:
Fixed Hybrid Dentures:
Locator Retained Overdenture:
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