Dental Implants in Carmel Valley, CA

Carmel Valley Dental Implants

Savings Smiles, One Implant at a Time

Dental implants have the power to transform smiles. Missing teeth, whether caused by injury, decay, or heredity leave a gap in the dental arch. Unfortunately, the empty space can cause problems for the rest of your teeth. Without the support of tooth roots, the jaw bone begins to atrophy, and adjacent teeth begin to shift. Advances in modern dentistry give your Carmel Valley dentist a way to stop bone loss and misalignment to help patients maintain a full beautiful smile. As a bonus, you end up with a prosthetic tooth replacement that looks and feels like a natural tooth.

How do Dental Implants Work?

Once Dr. Schaffer determines you are a candidate for dental implants, he designs a comprehensive treatment plan specific to your dentition. Any remaining tooth structure is removed before a biocompatible rod is surgically placed in the location of the missing tooth to act as the new tooth root. After sufficient healing time, you will return to Schaffer Dental Excellence to have a connector piece called an abutment attached to the post. With the abutment in place, state-of-the-art in-office CAD/CAM technology along with CEREC (CEramic REConstruction) fosters the creation of a dental crown. The tooth-colored crown is then permanently attached to the abutment.

Is Everyone a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Dental implants require sufficient bone for the fusion between tooth and implant to take place. If there is insufficient bone to support an implant, a bone graft procedure may be performed to build up available jaw bone. Sinus augmentation may be necessary for successful implantation in the mandible (upper jaw bone). Dr. Schaffer will determine candidacy to ensure a successful implant procedure.

Aftercare and Expectations

Dental implants offer permanent solutions for missing or severely damaged or decayed teeth. Implant supported bridges and dentures offer superior fit and strength, with no slippage while talking or eating. Once the tooth-colored restoration is in place, aftercare is no different than that of natural teeth. The new prosthetic tooth cannot decay, but periodontal (gum) disease can still be a problem. Be sure to brush teeth twice a day and floss at least once. Add an anti-microbial mouthwash to help prevent gum disease.

Proper dental hygiene goes a long way toward the life expectancy of dental implants. The team at Schaffer Dental Excellence recommends twice-yearly dental exams and professional cleanings. We check on the health of your implants and make minor adjustments if necessary. Well cared for implants placed by a skilled dental professional can last a lifetime.

At Schaffer Dental Excellence, we aim to create strong, healthy smiles. If you would like to learn how dental implants can improve your oral health and restore confidence in your smile, give us a call (858) 481-1148 to set-up an appointment.