Dental Implants Campbell
An Unparalleled Tooth Loss Solution with Unique Benefits
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants are one of the best available options, period. They’re able to replace any number of teeth, no matter where they’re located in the mouth, in terms of appearance and functionality. Plus, patients with dental implants unlock numerous health advantages, in addition to having a full smile once more. To learn more about dental implants or to set up a consultation with Dr. Mockler to see if they’re a viable solution for your tooth loss, don’t hesitate to contact our Campbell office today!
Why Choose Mockler Dental for Dental Implants?
- Cozy Office with Modern Dental Technology
- Hometown Dentist Who Puts Patients First
- Partnered with Local Dental Implant Experts
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants refer to small titanium posts that are surgically placed into a patient’s jawbone in order to replace missing teeth. By functioning as a replacement tooth root, the post doesn’t just provide sturdy support for the replacement teeth (often a dental crown, bridge, or denture); it also ensures that the jawbone receives healthy stimulation and continues growing. This feature is entirely unique to dental implants! They also have the potential to last for quite a bit longer than other traditional restorative options.
The 4-Step Dental Implant Process
Note that the process of getting dental implants is more complex and lengthier than traditional restorations, but their benefits make this commitment well worth it. This process can often be categorized into four key phases, each playing an important role and contributing toward the lasting success of the implants. Here’s a breakdown of each step:
Initial Dental Implant Consultation
Initially, you will meet with Dr. Mockler to discuss if dental implants are right for you. Dr. Mockler will need to assess your overall health, the thickness of your bone, and the amount of space available to be able to place the implant. When teeth are missing for long periods of time, your jawbone may shrink in that specific area, and adjacent and opposing teeth can drift into the empty space. If either of those things happens, you may need a preliminary surgery, such as a bone graft to add more bone back to the area or orthodontic treatment to move your teeth back to their original positions. After your initial meeting with Dr. Mockler, she will set you up with one of the dental implant surgeons that she partners with in the Campbell area. At this appointment, the implant surgeon will go over the entire surgery needed and the total cost needed for your dental implant.
Dental Implant Surgery
We’re proudly partnered with some of the best dental implant experts in the Campbell area, ensuring that your implants are placed with the utmost care and precision. If your tooth is already removed and you don't need additional bone grafting surgery, most dental implant surgeries are a single one-hour appointment. The doctor will numb the area with local anesthetic and insert the implant into the bone and gum. After the implant is placed, a healing cap is placed over the implant so the doctor can access the implant after the healing stage is over.
Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment
After the implants have been placed, they will need time to fuse with your jawbone. This fusion is called osseointegration, and it’s arguably the most important step of the whole dental implant process. Since the implant posts are made from biocompatible materials like titanium, they can merge with your existing bone tissue and replace the roots of your missing teeth; however, it occurs over several months, meaning you’ll have to be diligent during the healing process. After about 3-4 months of healing, the surgeon will verify that the dental implant has fully integrated with the bone and send you back to Dr. Mockler so she can make you your implant crown, bridge, or denture!
Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s)
After your implant has fully integrated with the bone, Dr. Mockler will remove your healing cap and insert a component into the implant so that she can scan your implant into her iTero 3D scanner. This scan will allow her to make a custom-made dental restoration, which should look, feel, and operate just like your natural teeth. Since dental implants can be used to replace any number of missing teeth, regardless of where they’re located, this restoration may come in the form of a crown, bridge, or denture based on your needs. While the dental laboratory is making your new tooth, Dr. Mockler will put your healing cap back into place until she gets the final restoration. Once the dental laboratory has finished making your new tooth, Dr. Mockler will remove the healing cap and screw in your new tooth to your dental implant. Dr. Mockler will do one final check to ensure everything feels proper and functions correctly. From there, you’ll be able to head off into the world and enjoy your brand-new complete smile!
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer patients numerous life-changing benefits, including:
- The restorations look, feel, and function like your natural teeth, and thanks to the embedded posts, they have the support they need to stimulate your underlying jawbone, preventing it from deteriorating.
- With excellent oral hygiene and routine preventive care, dental implants can potentially last for decades and don’t require any special maintenance or cleaners.
- Dental implants restore a patient’s bite force, allowing them to enjoy a varied and hearty diet with relative ease.