Dental Implants
Sacramento CA  If you are one of the 178 million Americans who is missing at least one of their permanent, adult teeth, then there is a very good chance that you have explored your options on reliable and attractive restoration options for your tooth loss. For many of our patients, a dental implant can give them exactly the type of restoration they need. Dental implants have many benefits, making them a great choice for millions of people. We here at Rho Family Dentistry are pleased to offer dental implants to our valued patients, giving them a second chance at smiling freely and with confidence.
What is a Dental Implant and What is it Made Of?
Dental implants are a type of permanent restoration that can replace one or more teeth that have been lost. Unlike other types of restorations such as partial dentures or fixed dental bridges, a dental implant is a restoration that is surgically placed directly into the jawbone. This makes them strong, sturdy, and durable, making them a great option for many of our patients.
Dental implants have three main components. We start with the titanium screw, which is the part that is placed into your jaw. Titanium is used on implants because this metal is considered biocompatible. This means that instead of rejecting the implant, your bone starts to build up around it and reinforces it. When the bone fuses over the implant, this is called osseointegration.
The second part of the implant is the abutment. This connector piece joins the titanium post with the third and final part of the implant. This third part is called the crown or is also sometimes called a restoration. The crown is the part of the implant that resembles a tooth and is often made out of porcelain.
Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Many people are great candidates for dental implants, but some patients may not immediately be good candidates for them. Please note that if you are not a good candidate for a dental implant today, that does not mean that you may not be a good candidate for them later. Good candidates are patients who do not have any active gum disease, uncontrolled diabetes or are on immunosuppressant drugs or steroids.
A good candidate is not pregnant and does not smoke or use tobacco products. Patients who grind or clench their teeth at night (a condition known as bruxism) may not be good candidates for dental implants.
However, if you do smoke, it is advised that you stop. This can improve your chances of successfully getting a dental implant. Patients who suffer from bruxism can be fitted with a custom night guard to help protect their dental implant and prevent it from becoming damaged. If a patient with diabetes can manage this condition, this may make them better candidates for dental implants, too.
Dental implants are quite safe and have a remarkably high success rate, at 98 percent. Over a half million patients are getting this procedure done annually, making it a popular choice for many individuals. If you would like to learn more about dental implants, or you ready to set up an appointment with us here at Rho Family Dentistry for a consultation to determine if you are a good candidate for them, please give us a call today at (916) 562-2755! |
