Dental Implants in Cupertino, Santa Clara, and West San Jose, CA
A gap in your smile left by a lost tooth is never something a person wants to deal with. Not only can it make you self-conscious, but it can also negatively affect the health of your mouth. From the office of your restorative dentist, in Cupertino, CA, learn about dental implants and how they can restore your smile.
What is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are a fixed restoration designed to replace one or more natural teeth. They consist of three separate parts: the post, the abutment and the crown. The surgical procedure used to place an implant is actually quite minor and routine, requiring only local anesthesia in most cases. After a healing period, the implant is topped with a lifelike crown custom-made to match your existing natural teeth. Implants have a documented success rate of over 95%, which is significantly higher than any other tooth-replacement option. 
The post, which is made of titanium, is implanted under the jawbone during a minor in-office surgical procedure. While the surgery site heals within a week, it will take several months before the post fuses with the jawbone and becomes stable enough to support the rest of the implant.
The second section, the abutment, is a tiny cylindrical piece of metal that is attached to the post. It protrudes above the gum line, allowing the final portion of the implant, the crown, to be affixed on top. Crowns are made from porcelain and carefully designed to match the color and size of the patient's other teeth. Once a dental implant is finished, it will be difficult to distinguish the restoration from the remaining natural teeth.
Multiple teeth can be attached to a single implant; this cuts back on cost and recovery after placement. In the case of full mouth restoration, denture plates can be attached to a full set of implants on both the upper and lower gum ridges.
When fitted together, each portion of a dental implant replicates the structure of a natural tooth, providing the patient with stability and longevity unlike any other dental restoration available. The posts stimulate the jawbone to continue growing; without teeth, the bone can recede and become weakened. Implants also keep the remaining natural teeth stable by filling in gaps and providing support for the teeth that surround them.
Replace All Teeth Permanently — Implants can support an entire arch of upper or lower replacement teeth that are fixed into the mouth and are never removed. Sometimes the new teeth can be supported by as few as 4 implants. It's comparable to the structure of a table, which only needs 4 legs to hold it up. In cases where jawbone density and volume have deteriorated, 5 or 6 implants might be needed to support a row of 10 to 12 teeth. Dental implant replacement teeth protect your jawbone, won't slip, and should last a lifetime.
Dental implants are particularly appealing to both Cupertino patients and dental professionals because of the ease of care involved. They can be brushed and flossed like natural teeth and do not require removal like dentures or partials. Practicing good oral hygiene and staying regular on checkups with dentists means that dental implants can last a lifetime.
Do you need Dental Implants or would like to learn more?
Then call our dental office at (408)-257-5150 for more information or to book an appointment!
We serve Cupertino, Santa Clara, West San Jose, CA and surroundings!