Dental Implants in Vallejo, CA

Do you have a gap in your smile because of a missing tooth? If so, you might be interested in learning more about your tooth replacement options and why it's so important to get the procedure done sooner rather than later.

If you were to ask most dentists which tooth replacement option they would recommend for a healthy patient who is missing teeth, most would suggest an evaluation for implants because dental implants remain one of the most convenient, reliable, and beneficial tooth replacement options available today.

Dental implants consist of three parts: the dental implant itself, which mimics your tooth's natural root, the implant abutment, and the implant crown. The dental implant procedure is quite common today and highly successful. We'll ensure you meet the medical and dental requirements for dental implants before starting.

Having a gap in your smile can affect your oral health and impact your appearance. Our Vallejo cosmetic dentists, Drs. Morgan Nordstrom and Emily Thai, are available to help patients find long-term dental solutions to restore missing teeth and improve their dental health.

Morgan Nordstrom, D.D.S, offers single dental implants or implant-supported dentures and dental bridges for multiple missing teeth. No matter your dental situation, we have options to improve and enhance your smile.

Dental Implant Treatment

To have a dental implant, you need to have sufficient bone so that your implant is stable. Once we place the tooth implant in your bone, we allow ample time for it to heal. This process, called osseointegration, can take up to six months to complete. During this time, your bone and implant grow together and create the foundation of your new dental implant crown. After proper healing, we will create a custom dental implant crown to fit on top of your implant. Your tooth crown will look just like a natural tooth. In fact, when you talk and smile, no one will notice you have a dental implant.

Once Dr. Morgan Nordstrom or Dr. Emily Thai place your permanent dental crown, you can talk and eat normally. Your dental crown will look and function just like a natural tooth.

When you are missing a tooth, dental implants are an excellent, permanent solution similar to a natural tooth. The reason is that dental implants are secured to your jawbone, acting like a tooth root that will not shift or fall out.

Dental implants are in a class of their own; no other dental solution anchors to the bone itself.

A dental implant isn't one big part; it's actually three different components:

• Dental implant titanium post — This is the surgical part of the procedure. Dr. Nordstrom will place a thin, biocompatible titanium post in the jawbone to integrate and form a solid and immovable foundation for the tooth part of the implant.
• Abutment — After the dental surgery, the next phase of the process is healing. It takes a few months for the dental implant to fully anchor to the bone. Once the healing is complete, the next step is to attach an abutment to the dental implant; this is what the dental crown will connect to.
• A custom-fabricated dental crown — The dental crown is custom-made by Dr. Nordstrom to be the ideal shape, size, and tooth shade to fit into the gap and blend in with the existing teeth. You can even recreate your original tooth.

The entire dental procedure may seem complex, but Dr. Nordstrom has years of training and education. She can explain each step of the process so that Vallejo patients understand and feel comfortable. Dental implants are a popular tooth replacement option for patients who have lost a tooth and are interested in replacing it due to oral health concerns or appearances.

We recommend dental implants because they restore the tooth root, stimulating bone growth and preventing your teeth from shifting toward the gap. Additionally, each tooth in our mouth has an important role and serves a function. When a tooth is removed from this carefully constructed area, the other teeth are left to pick up the slack. They work extra hard to compensate for a weaker bite, which puts a lot of stress on them and can lead to infection, tooth decay, gum disease, tooth fractures, enamel erosion, and more.

Because adjacent teeth tend to shift towards the area of the missing tooth, they can turn into each other and lead to tooth loss or misalignment. Your new dental implants will work in conjunction with your existing teeth to keep your bone healthy, stabilize your bite, and prevent your other teeth from shifting. When you use dental implants, you ensure that each tooth continues to perform its job without being overly stressed.

Our restorative dentists in Vallejo are highly experienced in placing dental implants. Give our dental office a call at (707) 643-2660 to arrange a dental implant appointment.

The dental implant process varies per patient, but it typically takes five to eight months for the jaw and gums to heal between different phases of the treatment. The dental implant process can be divided into four phases. Let's look at the timeline for each phase:

• Phase One —Your first trip to the dentist will require an oral health evaluation, x-rays, and impressions. This can likely be done in a single, one-hour appointment.
• Phase Two — During your next visit, the dentist will place a post into your jawbone for each dental implant. This process takes one to two hours per post.
• Phase Three — Your mouth will need to heal for an average of three months to allow the implant to integrate into your jawbone and let your mouth heal. This may seem like a long time, but your dentist needs to know that your mouth is healthy enough for the next step.
• Phase Four — Your dentist will place the abutment on top of the dental implant and then place the crown, bridge, or denture. For each dental implant, this process takes an average of fifteen minutes, but you will need to two separate appointments for this step over a two-week time period. 

Dental Implant Bridges

Did you know that dental implants can support a bridge? If you have several missing teeth in a row, we can place dental implants and connect the gap with beautiful porcelain crowns. Dental implant bridges are an excellent option for replacing multiple teeth with just a couple of implants.

Implant-supported bridges are similar to dentures in that they can replace multiple teeth, except they won't shift or fall out. With regular care and proper maintenance, you can expect to enjoy your dental implants for ten to 20 years, which is an excellent investment in your oral health, self-confidence, and quality of life.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants have numerous advantages over other tooth replacement options. For starters, they are attached to your bone, so you do not need to worry about them falling out while you talk or eat and causing an embarrassing moment.

Dental implants also help to preserve your bone. Your teeth and jawbone have a dependent relationship—they anchor to one another, providing stability and structure to your face and smile.

When you lose a tooth root, your bone may begin to deteriorate, putting your other healthy teeth at risk. Your teeth may tilt and move toward the gap. This can destroy your bite, causing more dental problems.

It's essential to restore your tooth root in order to prevent further tooth loss or significant dental problems. 

If you have dental insurance, your plan likely covers basic care and preventative maintenance such as routine cleanings twice a year, x-rays, and dental emergencies. When it comes to other dental services like dental implants, each insurance plan is different, but your coverage likely has a maximum coverage amount. That amount is the total your insurance company will pay for specific procedures, and then you are responsible for the remaining amount. When it comes to dental implant surgery, it is best to assume that your insurance provider will cover very little of the expense; a good rule of thumb is to always check with the insurance company before having any dental work done.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants are considered a permanent tooth replacement because the root of the tooth is replaced with a titanium post. If you care for your dental implants by brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist every six months as directed, your dental implants can last a lifetime.

However, the longevity of whatever type of tooth replacement you have on top of your dental implant may vary. Your dentist will place a porcelain crown, a dental bridge, or a denture on top of the implant. These permanent prosthetic devices typically last between ten and twenty years, depending on where they are in your mouth. Eventually, though, regular wear will require them to be replaced, but they are still an excellent investment in your smile!

How to Take Care of Your Dental Implants

Caring for your dental implants is relatively easy and similar to caring for your natural teeth. Brushing and flossing twice daily is still your best defense against gum disease. Visiting our dental practice twice yearly for a professional dental cleaning and exam is also essential. Your regular visits are an excellent way to protect your investment.

We will examine all of your dentistry to ensure it is in good shape, and we'll suggest how to further care for your dental restoration investment.

Call to Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation in Vallejo

Are you wondering if dental implants are right for you? Give us a call to schedule your consultation. We can help determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants and assist you in taking the next step. At our Vallejo dental office, Drs. Morgan Nordstrom and Emily Thai provide quality dentistry in a caring and compassionate environment.