Dental Implants
Dr. Francisco Perez has years of experience and can help determine if dental implants are the right restoration option for you. Dental implants replace the entire tooth down to the root, and they are the only replacement options designed to mimic both the appearance and full function of a natural tooth. If you are missing teeth, having teeth extracted, or have damaged teeth that will soon need replacing, dental implants may be the right solution for you. Visiting our office for a consultation is the best way to know for sure if dental implants are right for restoring your smile.
What are the benefits of Dental Implants?
They offer several advantages compared to traditional tooth replacement options, including
- Improved chewing and speaking abilities
- Mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth
- Prevent healthy teeth from shifting
- Maintain jaw bone stimulation and prevent bone loss
- Boost confidence
Procedure Process
Placement typically requires several appointments at our office. At your first appointment, your consultation, your medical history will be reviewed, and we will take a 3D Cone Beam CT scan to determine the exact condition of your mouth and jaw bones. 3D Cone Beam CT scans provide an incredibly detailed look at your mouth and help us develop the most accurate treatment plan.
At the time of the surgical procedure, Dr. Francisco Perez will place the implant into the jaw bone. In some cases, he will attach the abutment at the same time. Over the next several months, the post integrates with your jaw. This integration provides a secure foundation for the prosthetic crown, and it helps maintain your jaw bone health over time. Your restorative dentist will place the final piece of the restoration, your custom-designed prosthetic crown.
Bone Grafting
A bone graft is most often necessary for patients whose teeth have been missing for an extended period. It can be placed in the intended area, creating new bone and proper support for implants. Bone grafting rebuilds the bone structure in a patient’s jaw and provides a supportive foundation for dental implants.
Here are a few descriptions of bone grafting procedures.
SINUS LIFT
When patients lose a tooth or teeth in the upper back of the mouth, Dr. Francisco Perez will most likely perform a sinus lift. The bone that separates the sinuses from our upper molars is incredibly thin, which makes dental implant placement difficult. However, a sinus lift can be performed, which allows the surgeon to lift the sinus floor and place new bone, creating a thicker and sturdier foundation for dental implants.
SOCKET PRESERVATION
Socket preservation is usually performed after a tooth extraction to prevent bone loss from occurring. The jaw bone needs stimulation from teeth to remain healthy, so after an extraction, it’s important to preserve the socket to maintain the bone. This will ensure there is enough bone support for a dental implant when the dental implant is placed.
RIDGE AUGMENTATION
The alveolar ridges are the bones that support your upper and lower rows of teeth. In some patients, they require enlarging before they can support the placement of dental implants. A ridge augmentation increases both the height and width of the alveolar ridges.
Call our office today at (956) 878-1222 for more information about our treatment options.