What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small titanium posts that serve as artificial tooth roots. Unlike dentures that rest on top of your gums or bridges that rely on neighboring teeth for support, implants are surgically placed directly into your jawbone, where they fuse with the bone through a process called osseointegration.
During the implant procedure, Dr. Hardt places the titanium post into the jawbone beneath the gum line. Over the following months, the bone grows around and bonds with the implant, creating a permanent, stable foundation.
Once healing is complete, we attach an abutment to the implant, which serves as the connection point for your replacement tooth. Using advanced CEREC® technology, we then create custom crowns, bridges, or dentures that match your natural teeth in color, shape, and function.
Finally, we use CEREC® technology to make custom crowns, bridges, or dentures and fix them to the abutments.
Who is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
- Individuals with good overall health
- Patients with sufficient jawbone density to support the implants
- Non-smokers or those willing to quit
- Those committed to maintaining good oral hygiene
Are Dental Implants Painful?
Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the implant procedure actually is. We use local anesthesia to completely numb the treatment area, and sedation options are available for patients who experience dental anxiety.
After surgery, you may experience some soreness and mild swelling, but these symptoms are typically well-managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses. Most patients return to normal activities within a day or two.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. The titanium post is designed to be a permanent part of your jaw, while the crown or restoration on top typically lasts 15 to 25 years before needing replacement. Maintaining your implants requires the same care as natural teeth: regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental checkups. Avoiding habits like smoking or nail-biting also helps protect your investment.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Improved oral health and function
- Natural-looking and feeling prosthetic teeth
- Enhanced confidence and self-esteem
- Preservation of jawbone structure
- No risk of slippage or discomfort associated with removable dentures
Why Choose Dental Implants Over Other Options?
Dental implants have a success rate of 95%, making them one of the most predictable procedures in dentistry. Unlike dentures that can slip during eating or speaking, implants are anchored securely in your jawbone. Unlike bridges that require grinding down healthy adjacent teeth, implants stand independently without affecting neighboring teeth. Most importantly, implants are the only option that prevents the bone loss that naturally occurs after tooth loss.
Single Tooth Implants
Single tooth implants are ideal for replacing individual missing teeth. A titanium post is placed where your natural tooth root once was, followed by a custom crown that blends seamlessly with your surrounding teeth. Unlike traditional bridges, single implants preserve your adjacent healthy teeth since no preparation or alteration of neighboring teeth is required.
Multiple Tooth Implants
When you’re missing several teeth in a row, multiple implants can support a bridge or individual crowns. Rather than placing an implant for each missing tooth, we strategically position implants to support multiple teeth, providing excellent stability while being more cost-effective.
This approach maintains the integrity of your jawbone and prevents the shifting that commonly occurs when multiple teeth are missing. Your bite remains properly aligned, and you can continue eating all your favorite foods without restriction.
All-on-4 and All-on-6 Full Arch Solutions
For patients missing most or all of their teeth, full-mouth dental implants using the All-on-4 or All-on-6 technique provide complete smile restoration. These procedures use four or six strategically angled implants to support a full arch of teeth, often eliminating the need for bone grafting.
Many patients leave our office with a temporary set of teeth on the same day as their implant surgery. The final prosthetic provides exceptional aesthetics and function that can last decades with proper care.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Traditional dentures can slip, cause sore spots, and make eating certain foods difficult. Implant-supported dentures solve these problems by anchoring your dentures to dental implants, providing significantly improved stability and comfort. Patients with implant-supported dentures often tell us they feel like they have their natural teeth back.
The implants also prevent the bone loss that commonly occurs with conventional dentures, helping maintain your facial structure and youthful appearance over time.
What to Expect During the Dental Implant Process
We understand that any dental procedure can feel overwhelming, so our team walks you through every step of your treatment. Here’s what you can expect during your implant journey:
Initial Consultation and Planning
Your implant journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health, bone density, and medical history. We use advanced imaging technology to assess the quality and quantity of bone available for implant placement and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Acting quickly after tooth loss is important because within the first three months, you can lose up to 25% of the bone in that area. For complex cases requiring advanced surgical techniques, we work closely with a skilled oral surgeon right here in Porterville to ensure optimal results.
Implant Placement Surgery
The implant placement procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, with sedation dentistry options available for your comfort. During the procedure, we create a small opening in your gum tissue and carefully place the titanium implant into your jawbone.
Most patients report that the procedure was more comfortable than they expected. Any post-operative discomfort is typically mild and easily managed with over-the-counter pain medications. We provide detailed aftercare instructions and remain available to answer questions throughout your recovery.
Healing and Osseointegration Period
Following implant placement, a healing period of three to six months allows the implant to fuse with your jawbone. This process, called osseointegration, creates the strong, permanent foundation that makes implants so successful. You’ll typically wear a temporary restoration during this time to maintain your appearance and ability to eat comfortably.
Final Restoration Placement
Once osseointegration is complete, we take impressions to create your custom restoration. Whether you’re receiving a single crown, bridge, or full-arch prosthetic, each restoration is carefully crafted to match your natural teeth in color, shape, and function.
The final restoration attachment is typically quick and comfortable. We ensure proper fit and aesthetics before you leave, along with care instructions and follow-up appointments to monitor your success.
Experience Excellence with Dr. Hardt and Our Team
At Richard Hardt’s Live Oak Dental Group, we combine over 34 years of dental experience with advanced implant technology to deliver exceptional results. Dr. Hardt, along with Dr. Irene Cruz and Dr. Jackson Lewis, provides comprehensive implant solutions using the latest techniques and materials. Our team’s commitment to continuing education means you receive the most current care available, delivered in a warm, welcoming environment.
We also work with CareCredit and other financing options to make implants accessible for more patients. To learn how dental implants can transform your smile, call our office at (559) 784-6523 or complete our contact form to schedule your consultation.
Frequently asked questions
How successful are dental implants?
Dental implants have a success rate of 95% according to research published by the National Library of Medicine, making them the most predictable tooth replacement option available. With proper care, implants can last a lifetime. They preserve jawbone, function like natural teeth, and don’t affect adjacent teeth like bridges do. Our experienced team uses the latest implant technology to ensure optimal results for each patient.
How long does the dental implant process take from start to finish?
The complete dental implant process typically takes 3-6 months from initial placement to final restoration. After we place the implant, there’s a healing period of three to six months that allows osseointegration to occur. During this time, you’ll wear a temporary restoration to maintain aesthetics and function. Once healing is complete, we’ll take impressions and create your custom permanent restoration, which usually takes 2-3 weeks.
Do I need bone grafting before getting implants?
Bone grafting may be necessary if you don’t have sufficient jawbone density to support an implant. This commonly occurs when teeth have been missing for an extended period, as you can lose up to 25% of the bone in an area within the first three months after tooth loss. Dr. Hardt will assess your bone quality using advanced imaging and determine if grafting is needed. For complex cases, we work with skilled oral surgeons right here in Porterville.
How do I care for my dental implants after surgery?
Proper post-operative care is essential for successful healing. Avoid touching the surgical site, don’t smoke, use prescribed pain medications as directed, and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. After the first 24 hours, gently rinse with saltwater and gradually return to normal brushing while avoiding the surgical area initially. We provide detailed post-operative instructions and remain available to address any questions during your recovery.
Can dental implants get cavities or gum disease?
While the implant crown itself cannot develop cavities, the surrounding gum tissue can still develop infection if not properly maintained. Peri-implantitis, similar to gum disease around natural teeth, can occur without proper oral hygiene. This is why maintaining excellent oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, is crucial for long-term implant success. Regular dental visits allow us to monitor your implants and surrounding tissues.
How soon after tooth extraction can I get an implant?
The timing depends on several factors, including the reason for extraction and your healing response. In some cases, we can place an implant immediately after extraction. However, most patients benefit from allowing 3-4 months of healing time before implant placement. Acting quickly is important because significant bone loss can occur within the first few months after tooth loss. We’ll evaluate your specific situation and recommend the optimal timing for your implant placement.
Can I get implants if I have diabetes or other medical conditions?
Many patients with well-controlled medical conditions, including diabetes, can successfully receive dental implants. However, certain conditions may affect healing and require special considerations or modifications to the treatment plan. During your consultation, we’ll review your complete medical history and work with your physicians when necessary to ensure implant treatment is safe and appropriate for your specific situation.
