Dental Implants

Overall health and a desire to improve the quality of life are much more important considerations than age. When dental implants were first developed in the 1950’s, implant supported replacement teeth were originally designed as a solution for older patients who were missing all of their teeth.

Since, many patients well into their nineties have had dental implant treatment without a single problem. In fact, we here at Marin Center for Aesthetic Dentistry have treated several patients into their 100s.

Implant Benefits

What is a Dental Implant?

Implants are a tooth replacement option that involves placing a new “root” into the bone of your jaw. Once this titanium “root” has infused with your bone it can be used to support a crown, bridge or denture. These implants can also be used to replace partials and other forms of dentures. The success rates for dental implants are extremely high which is due in part to the fact that root-form implants are made of a biocompatible material, titanium. The initial cost is generally higher for an implant over other forms of tooth replacement, but the long term benefits easily outweigh the difference in additional cost. An investment in implant dentistry is an investment in overall health, appearance and well being, as it involves preserving the integrity of facial structures, as well as replacing missing teeth.

Implant Placement

In order to place an implant, a couple of steps must be taken:

1) An incision is made into the gums using very precise measurements, then using a very small drill, the jawbone is given a “tap” that will allow the implant to be placed. After the implant is screwed into place, the gums are closed up and the healing process begins. This process can take approximately three to six months to ensure the implant has fused with the bone and created a sturdy base for the new teeth.

2) When the implant is ready, an abutment is attached to the implant, which allows for a new crown to be placed or a denture to be attached.

Multiple Tooth Implants

In cases where multiple teeth are missing or have been extracted, multiple implants can be used to bring back your smile. The implants are placed into the jawbone and are given time to heal. After the bone has healed around the implants, an abutment is attached to the implant which then allows for a crown or bridge to be placed right on the implant. These new teeth will look and act just like natural teeth.

Ask Dr. Frade, a popular implant dentist in San Rafael, if dental implants are right for you.

Single Tooth Implant

Do you have missing teeth? It is critically important to replace missing teeth. Eating and chewing with missing teeth can sabotage your bite and lead to incessant discomfort. Missing teeth can give rise to a mouth rearrangement that often results in facial changes that look decrepit.

A single tooth implant procedure may be done if a tooth has been extracted or is missing. A titanium implant base is placed into the jawbone to resemble the tooth root. We allow a period of time for the jawbone to heal over the implant base before fitting for a crown.

Next, an abutment is screwed into the base of the implant to allow for a crown to be fitted on top. Finally, a custom fabricated crown is placed over the abutment to function like a real tooth.

Implant Supported Dentures

This implant technique, is the optimal solution for those who have lost or are about to lose all of their upper and/or lower teeth. It’s a procedure that comes closest to having a new set of permanent teeth.

Bone Graft

Patients who are going to receive dental implants in place of missing teeth are common candidates for bone grafting. A dental bone graft is performed after a tooth is lost or extracted to preserve the socket. This is done to maintain the width and height of the bone and to ensure support for the titanium implant and zirconia implant crown. It fills the void left behind by the missing tooth and prevents the sides of the socket from caving in. A bone graft is necessary to provide a strong enough base for an implant.

Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry administers oral medication to help dental patients remain calm and relaxed prior to and during dental procedures. If you are experiencing an uncomfortably high level of anxiety, Dr. Frade may recommend dental sedation. The most common form of dental sedation is an oral medication or nitrous oxide gas which is inhaled.

Decades of research and successful practice have shown that the inhalation of a mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen provides fast, effective analgesia, pain relief and, relaxation. Allowing Dr. Frade to complete your dental work while you stay absolutely comfortable. Nitrous oxide takes effect almost instantly and is out of the patient’s system within a few minutes, allowing a patient to quickly return to normal activities after dental work is complete.

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