Implant Dentistry in Petaluma, CA – Dental Implants Information
Several oral health complications can arise from missing teeth, so finding a teeth replacement solution is essential. One of the most effective restorations available is a dental implant. Dr. Yvonne Szyperski partners with an oral surgeon in the area to place the implants, and then she restores the implants to help rebuild patients’ dental health. North Bay Smiles provides dental restorations for implants in Petaluma, Cotati, and Rohnert Park.
Dental Implant Placement
Dental implants are artificial teeth roots and the prosthetic restorations they support. The first step in receiving dental implants is to have the titanium posts, which serve as the replacement tooth root, surgically placed into the jawbone.
Dr. Szyperski will refer you to a dental surgeon who is highly skilled in performing dental implant placements. After taking an accurate image of your jaw, they will make sure the bone is healthy enough to support implants and then place the dental implant posts. You will return after a few weeks for follow-up appointments during the healing process. Once the healing process is complete, you will return to North Bay Smiles, and Dr. Szyperski will work with you to restore the dental implant.
During the healing process, the implants undergo osseointegration, in which the titanium posts fuse to bone. This process is critical to the durability of dental implants; because the artificial root is part of the jaw, a dental implant will have strength comparable to that of the original, healthy tooth. Your dentist will look for successful osseointegration, making sure your dentition is ready for replacement teeth.
Dental Implant Restoration
After the surgery site has healed and the posts of the dental implants have completed osseointegration, you will visit North Bay Smiles so Dr. Szyperski can then add the dental implant restorations. While the titanium posts serve as the tooth root, the restoration serves as the visible, functional tooth. Depending upon your teeth replacement needs, the implants and restorations can replace any number of missing teeth.
How strong are your dental implants?
Dental implants are titanium roots, that are replaced with in the jawbone to resemble a tooth or group of teeth. A screw is inserted through the gums and into the jawbone. A porcelain crown is then attached to the screw to become the new tooth or teeth. They can be used to support dental prosthesis including crowns, dentures, and bridges. Today’s treatments are so natural looking, no one will know you had surgery. There’s approximately a 95% success rate for all implants. With modern advances in dentistry, some implants can be restored immediately with life like all porcelain crowns. For more details ask your dentist.
If you only miss one tooth, Dr. Szyperski can restore it with a single zirconia crown. Multiple missing teeth can be restored with a porcelain fixed bridge supported by a few implants, depending on the number of teeth needing restoration. Even an entire arch of teeth can be replaced with an implant-supported denture, requiring two to six implants for stability.
The result of getting a dental implant restoration from Dr. Szyperski is a beautiful, functional smile that looks and feels natural.
Dental Implants FAQs
What are dental implants?
Losing teeth affects how you chew, talk, and feel about yourself. The good news is that several options are available to restore your smile. While you can replace your missing or failing teeth with dentures or bridges, none come close to dental implants.
Dental implants are an advanced, long-lasting solution for one or multiple missing/failing teeth. Each implant has a small titanium post surgically placed in your jawbone to act as a new tooth root. Once healed, a custom crown is attached to the post, creating a natural-looking and fully functional replacement tooth. Dental implants are stable, natural-looking, and durable, and provide unique benefits like jawbone regeneration.
What can I expect from the procedure?
Getting dental implants involves several steps, but we ensure you are comfortable and informed at every step. Here’s what you can expect from the procedure:
- Initial consultation: Your dentist evaluates your oral health, bone density, and treatment goals.
- Implant placement: The doctor places a titanium post at a pre-determined location in the jawbone. Precision is needed to achieve optimal alignment, function, and aesthetics.
- Healing period: Over several months, your jawbone fuses with the implant to form a rock-solid foundation.
- Final restoration: A custom dental crown, bridge, or denture is securely attached for a complete smile.
Is getting dental implants painful?
Most patients say the procedure is more comfortable than expected. We use local anesthesia during surgery, so you won’t feel pain. Sedation dentistry is also available if you are anxious about the procedure. Some mild swelling or discomfort afterwards is normal. However, we’ll give you comprehensive aftercare to ensure you recover quickly with minimal fuss. Many people return to daily activities within a day or two.
How much do our dental implants cost?
Because every smile is unique, we can’t offer a one-size-fits-all price for dental implants without first seeing you for a consultation. The cost will depend on how many implants you need, the restoration type, and whether additional procedures like bone grafting are necessary. During your visit, our team will walk you through every detail and review the financing options available to make your care more affordable.
Our office partners with the oral surgeon, who will be placing the titanium post, and Dr Szyperski and Team will be placing the implant abutment and crown.
Does dental insurance cover dental implants?
Coverage depends on your specific plan. Some insurance policies cover part of the implant cost, while others may cover related procedures such as extractions, bone grafting, or the final restoration. Our team at North Bay Smiles is happy to review your insurance benefits and help maximize your coverage.
How long do dental implants last?
Thanks to technological advancements, modern teeth replacements now last longer than ever. Dentures can last over eight years, and bridges last longer. Even then, none comes closer to dental implants. With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, dental implants can last 20 years or longer, even a lifetime.
Am I a good candidate for this treatment?
You may be a great candidate for dental implants if you:
- Have one or more missing teeth
- Are in good general health
- Have healthy teeth and gums
- Have a strong jawbone or are open to bone grafting
Do you have missing teeth? Discover if dental implants are a great option by calling (707) 306-8001. North Bay Smiles will guide you through your options.
Call Us Today for Dental Implants
North Bay Smiles provides dental implants in Petaluma, Cotati, and Rohnert Park. To learn how dental implants restorations can best help you, call our practice at (707) 306-8001 today!
