Are missing teeth making you self-conscious? Are they affecting your chewing and smiling? If you want to replace your missing teeth but don’t want the hassle and discomfort associated with traditional dentures, schedule a consultation with one of the dentists at Natomas Crossing Dental Care to learn about dental implants in Sacramento. After a thorough examination, we discuss with you the pros and cons of tooth implants, and together, we determine if a dental implant procedure is the right solution for you.
Sacramento Dental Implants & Permanent Smile Restoration
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, or titanium root fixtures, that are surgically implanted in the jaw. Natural-looking crowns are placed on the tooth implants to replace missing teeth and restore the function of chewing. The dental implant procedure is a strong, durable tooth replacement option and is well-tolerated by the body. Sometimes people mistakenly refer to tooth implants as “veneers.” (If you are wondering how to take care of veneers or have questions about them, visit our page about them.)
Am I a Candidate for Tooth Implants?
The reasons for choosing dental implants for oral rehabilitation range from function to aesthetics. Many current denture and partial denture wearers are candidates for dental implants. Our implant patients come from all walks of life and a wide range of ages. They include accident victims and longtime denture wearers. Patients who lose teeth from dental trauma often start with emergency dentistry before moving forward with dental implants.
How Can I Benefit From a Tooth Implant Procedure?
Almost anyone who has lost one or more natural teeth can benefit from a dental implant procedure:
- Dental implants make it possible for people who cannot or prefer not to wear removable “appliances” to enjoy the stability and security associated with natural teeth.
- Tooth implants eliminate the uneasy feeling of wondering if a conventional denture or partial denture may loosen while speaking or eating.
- Partial denture wearers no longer need to worry about unsightly clasps showing.
- Adjoining teeth are relieved of the stress placed upon them by conventional appliances.
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What Is the Tooth Implant Procedure?
Interested in learning more about getting a dental implant in Sacramento? At Natomas Crossing Dental Care, the tooth implant process involves a gentle, non-traumatic surgical procedure that is carried out in two phases, plus a third phase for the restoration or attachment of teeth.
Phase One
During the first phase, the implants are placed into your jaw using a precision-designed drill technique. Your gums are then closed over the implants. Immediately after the surgery, you will experience the same sensation as after a tooth extraction. After several months, the implant is ready for the next phase. During this waiting period, you will usually be able to wear your existing denture.
Phase Two
The second phase of the tooth implant process involves reopening the gums over each implant and placing a temporary healing screw, which will protrude through the gum tissue.
Phase Three
The third phase of a dental implant procedure is the creation and fitting of the replacement teeth in your mouth.
If you want to learn more about dental implants in Sacramento, cosmetic dentistry, or other dental options, give us a call at 916-928-9999.
Beyond the Procedure: Living with Dental Implants
Dental implants do much more than fill gaps between teeth. In addition to visibly improving your smile, they make your mouth feel and function the way it should.
Because implants are secured directly in the jawbone, they restore nearly all of your natural bite force. This means you can eat a normal diet again, including foods like steak, apples, and corn. There’ll be no slipping, clicking, or shifting, which is common with dentures.
Implants also support clearer speech. Since they are fixed in place, they eliminate instability. This means you won’t have to deal with whistling or slurred speech, which we often see in patients with ill-fitting partial dentures or dental bridges. Many patients speak more confidently once their implants are in place.
Jawbone health is another key benefit of dental implants. These restorations act like artificial tooth roots, stimulating the bone with every chew. This stimulation helps prevent bone loss and reduces the risk of a sunken facial appearance from tooth loss.
Implants also help protect the rest of your smile. Unlike dental bridges, they don’t require your neighboring teeth to be shaved down. Your surrounding teeth remain untouched and healthy.
Expert Implant Dentistry with Dr. Sheila Harris
Successful dental implants start with skilled care and advanced training. At Natomas Crossing Dental Care, implant treatments are handled by Dr. Sheila Harris, an experienced dentist with a strong background in surgical and restorative care.
Dr. Harris is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. It’s a distinction that reflects her advanced education and clinical expertise in implant dentistry.
She completed a one-year Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Internship at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. She also trained in a residency in the U.S. Army Dental Corps, where she gained hands-on experience with complex dental procedures.
Dr. Harris was recognized by her specialist colleagues and selected as one of the top general dentists in Sacramento for several consecutive years.
She is committed to ongoing education and regularly trains on the latest implant techniques, materials, and technology. This focus allows her to deliver precise, dependable results for her patients.
If you need an implant dentist in Sacramento, Dr. Sheila Harris has you covered.
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FAQs
How long do dental implants last?
With good oral hygiene and regular preventative dentistry visits, dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. Many patients enjoy their implants for 25 years or more.
Are dental implants painful?
The procedure is gentle and performed under local anesthesia. Most patients say recovery feels similar to healing after a tooth extraction.
How do I care for my dental implants?
Caring for implants is simple. Brush and floss daily, just as you would with natural teeth, and keep up with routine dental checkups.
Can I get an implant if I’ve been missing a tooth for years?
Yes. Even patients who have worn dentures for many years may be candidates for dental implants after they’ve had a bone density evaluation.
Does insurance cover dental implants in Sacramento?
If you need low-cost dental implants in Sacramento, we are standing by to help. Coverage depends on your insurance plan, but our team takes the time to review your benefits with the goal of maximizing your savings. We also offer CareCredit financing for those who qualify.