Dental Implants San Francisco

Some of the earliest forms of dental implants were found in ancient Chinese civilizations. These implants were carved from bamboo pegs and were used to replace missing teeth. Modern dental implants have come a long way since then. However, the basic premise is still the same: to provide a solid foundation for artificial teeth that look, feel, and function just like natural teeth.

If you are looking for dental implants in San Francisco or the best dentist in San Francisco, visit us at the Young Dental SF Group. We are located at 490 Post Street, Suite 830, San Francisco, CA. We’re proud to offer our patients the most advanced and personalized dental care possible, including dental implants.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are small titanium screws that are placed into the jawbone to act as a replacement for the root of a tooth. Once the implant has bonded with the bone, an abutment or connector is placed on top of the implant. The abutment supports a dental prosthetic such as a false tooth, a dental crown, bridge, or denture. Dental implants are strong and durable and look and feel like natural teeth. 

Dental Implant Advantages

One estimate shows that 69% of American adults aged 35 to 44 have at least one missing tooth. Dental implants are growing in popularity in the US as the preferred choice for tooth replacement, as they offer several advantages over other methods such as dentures. 

• Dental implants are permanent and will not move around as removable dentures can. This means you can eat and speak confidently, knowing that your teeth are firmly in place.
• With proper oral hygiene and care, implants have a success rate of 95% or higher. 
• Implants improve the appearance of your smile as they look and feel just like natural teeth.
• They are strong and durable, and the titanium screw can last a lifetime with proper care. Any top crown or dentures attached to the implant can last 10 to 20 years and can be easily replaced.
• Implants are good for oral health as they help preserve the jawbone. When you lose a tooth, the bone begins to shrink. Dental implants help to stop this from happening as they replace the tooth root and support the jawbone.

The Risks of Dental Implants

Since dental implants require surgery, some risks are associated with the procedure. However, these risks are relatively low and can be minimized by choosing an experienced oral surgeon. 

Some of the risks include:

• Infection at the implant site. Like any surgical procedure, there is always a risk of infection. This can be minimized by following your dentist’s post-operative instructions carefully. 
• Damage to surrounding teeth. If the implant is not placed correctly, there is a risk that it could damage the surrounding teeth. This is because the implant is placed in the bone, and if it is not positioned correctly, it can damage the roots of the adjacent teeth.
• Nerve damage. There is a small risk that the implant could damage the nerves in the jawbone, causing numbness or tingling in the lips, gums, chin, or jaw.
• Implant movement. In rare cases, the implant could fail to bond with the jawbone and begin to loosen, resulting in implant failure. If this happens, it is usually because the implant was not placed correctly or the jawbone is too weak.
• Allergic reaction. In rare cases, some people may be allergic to the titanium used in the implants. This can cause swelling and pain in the implant area.
• Rejection of the implant. In even rarer cases, the body may reject the implant altogether. This is because the body perceives the implant as a foreign object and tries to expel it.

As you can see, some risks are associated with dental implants, but they are rare. You can lower your risks by choosing an experienced implant dentist. If you are considering dental implants, call (415) 392-8611 or complete the online booking form to schedule an appointment with our skilled and reputable dentists.  

Types of Dental Implants

There are two main types of dental implants:

1. Endosteal implants. These are placed directly into the jawbone. Once the implant has bonded with the bone, a connector is placed on top of the implant to support the dental prosthetic.
2. Subperiosteal implants. These are placed under the gum tissue but on top of the jawbone. They are usually only used in cases where the jawbone is too soft or thin to support an endosteal implant.

Both types of implants are made from titanium, a biocompatible metal that bonds well with bone. If you are allergic to titanium, you may be able to have a zirconia implant, which is made from white ceramic material. A few factors will determine which type of implant is best for you, including the condition of your jawbone and your overall health. This will be discussed in detail during your consultation.

All-On-4®

The All-On-4® dental implant system is an endosteal implant that uses four or more implants to support an entire arch of teeth. This makes it an excellent option for people who are missing all their teeth. It is also a good option for people with a weak jawbone as it doesn’t put too much pressure on the bone. The All-On-4® system is typically more expensive than other types of implants. Still, it is an excellent option for people who want a more permanent solution. 

Implant Bridge

An implant bridge uses two or more implants to support a dental prosthetic. It is a good option for people who are missing one or more teeth but still have healthy teeth adjacent to the gap. The implant bridge is attached to the implants. It can’t be removed, which makes it a more permanent solution than a traditional dental bridge. They can also help preserve the health of the adjacent teeth as they don’t need to be filed down like conventional bridges.

Dental Implant Consultation

If you are considering dental implants, contact Young Dental SF Group for a consultation at (415) 392-8611. We will assess your case and advise you on the best dental implants. Since each case is unique, the consultation is the best way to determine which type of dental implant is best for you and to get an estimate of the cost. It’s also a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the procedure.

The first step in the consultation is a thorough examination of your mouth, which will help us determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. We will also take X-rays and 3D images to view your jawbone and teeth and to see if you need any extractions of unhealthy teeth. Once we have all the necessary information, we can advise you on the best course of treatment.

During the consultation, we will also discuss the different types of implants and which would be best for you. We will also go over the implant surgery process and what you can expect during recovery.  

Dental Implant Surgery

The first step in the dental implant procedure is to place the implants into the jawbone. This routine dental surgery is done under local anesthesia and is relatively quick and painless. Once the implants are in place, they will need to fuse with the jawbone; the healing process can take several months. You will be fitted with a temporary denture or bridge to protect the implants during recovery.

Once the implants have fused with the jawbone, the abutment will be placed on top of the implant. The abutment is what attaches the dental prosthetic to the implant. Depending on your needs, the prosthetic can be a denture, bridge, or crown. Once the prosthetic is ready, it will be attached to the abutment, and you will have a brand new smile. 

Aftercare

After surgery, it’s essential to follow all the instructions given to you by your oral surgeon. This will ensure that the implants fuse with the jawbone and reduce the risk of infection. You may experience the following:

• Slight bleeding. Bleeding is normal and will usually stop within 24 hours. To help, bite down firmly on gauze for 20 to 30 minutes.
• Pain. Mild pain and discomfort are expected after surgery. Over-the-counter pain medication can help.
• Swelling. Swelling is also normal and can be minimized by using an ice pack for 20 minutes at a time.
• Stitches. If you have stitches, they will dissolve within a week or two. Be careful not to chew on them or brush directly over them.
• Diet. Eating soft foods for the first few days after surgery is important. Gradually introduce solid foods back into your diet as directed by your dentist.

Best Dental Implants in San Francisco

If you are considering dental implants and want the best dentist in San Francisco, then Young Dental SF Group and our partner practice Post Street Dental have you covered. Our professional team, headed by Dr. Young, has been happily serving patients in the San Francisco area for the past ten years.  

We specialize in cosmetic and implant dentistry and provide a wide range of general dentistry treatments. Whether you need a single implant, restorative dentistry, a smile makeover, or a new dentist you can trust, Young Dental SF Group is the right place for you.

We are conveniently located in the heart of the city at 490 Post Street, Suite 830, San Francisco, CA. We offer Saturday and evening hours to better accommodate our patients. Call (415) 392-8611 to make an appointment or complete the online booking form.

We look forward to meeting you!

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