What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium, which we place into your jawbone using surgery. Once in position, they serve as anchors for replacement teeth like bridges or dentures.
During a minor surgical procedure, Dr. Hardt places the dental implants into the jawbone beneath the gum line. Over time, the bone fuses with the implants in a process called osseointegration.
After the implants have integrated with the bone, we will secure abutments to the implants, which serve as attachment points for the replacement teeth.
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?
While the thought of dental surgery may seem intimidating, most patients report minimal discomfort during the procedure. We also use local anesthesia to numb the treatment area and create a pain-free experience.
If you experience post-operative soreness and swelling, you can manage the symptoms with over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
If you care for them properly, your dental implants have the potential to last a lifetime. You will need to schedule regular dentist visits, keep your mouth clean with good oral hygiene habits, and stay away from habits like smoking or biting your nails.
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
Types of Dental Implant Solutions
Dental implants have a success rate of 95%, making them one of the most predictable and reliable procedures in dentistry. Modern dental implants offer versatile solutions for every tooth loss situation, from single missing teeth to complete smile reconstructions.
Single Tooth Implants
Single tooth implants are the gold standard for replacing individual missing teeth. This solution involves placing a small titanium post into the jawbone where your natural tooth root once was, followed by a custom crown that matches your surrounding teeth perfectly. 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 tooth implants can support a bridge or individual crowns. Rather than placing an implant for each missing tooth, we can 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 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 innovative procedures use four or six strategically placed implants to support a full row of teeth, often eliminating the need for bone grafting procedures.
These solutions offer immediate functionality, meaning you can often leave our office with a temporary set of teeth on the same day as your implant surgery. The final prosthetic provides excellent aesthetics and function that can last decades with proper care.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Traditional dentures can slip, slide, and cause discomfort during eating or speaking. Implant-supported dentures eliminate these problems by anchoring your dentures to dental implants, providing significantly improved stability and comfort while requiring fewer implants than full-mouth reconstruction.
With implant-supported dentures, you can enjoy foods that may have been off-limits with traditional dentures. The implants prevent the bone loss that often occurs with conventional dentures, helping maintain your facial structure over time.
What to Expect During the Dental Implant Process
We understand getting a dental procedure like implants can be intimidating, so we explain every support you through every step of your treatment, including the following:
Initial Consultation and Planning
Your implant journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health, bone density, and overall 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.
Acting quickly after tooth loss is important because within the first three months of tooth loss, you can lose up to 25% of the bone in that area. For complex cases requiring advanced surgical techniques, we work hand in hand with a skilled oral surgeon right here in Porterville.
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 the prepared site in your jawbone.
Most patients report minimal discomfort following implant surgery, with any post-operative symptoms easily managed with over-the-counter pain medications. We provide detailed post-operative instructions and remain available to address any questions during your recovery.
Healing and Osseointegration Period
Following implant placement, a healing period of three to six months allows the implant to integrate with your jawbone, creating a strong, permanent foundation for your new tooth. You’ll typically wear a temporary restoration during this period to maintain aesthetics and function. Regular follow-up appointments allow us to monitor your healing progress and ensure optimal integration.
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, we carefully craft each restoration to match your natural teeth in color, shape, and function.
The final restoration attachment is typically comfortable and straightforward. We ensure proper fit, function, and aesthetics before you leave our office with care instructions and follow-up appointments scheduled.
Experience Excellence with Dr. Richard Hardt and Our Team
At Richard Hardt’s Live Oak Dental Group, we combine over 34 years of dental experience with the latest implant technology to deliver exceptional results for our patients. Dr. Hardt, along with Dr. Irene Cruz and Dr. Jackson Lewis, provides comprehensive implant solutions using cutting-edge techniques and materials. Our team’s dedication to continuing education ensures you receive the most advanced care available, while our welcoming approach helps you feel comfortable throughout your treatment journey.
From single tooth replacements to full-mouth reconstructions, we’re committed to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that enhances your quality of life. To learn more about how dental implants can transform your smile, please contact our office at (559) 784-6523 or complete our contact form.
