DENTAL IMPLANTS AND THEIR PURPOSE IN RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY

A lost tooth is not only an inconvenience, it can also impact one’s self-esteem, oral health, and the appearance of their smile. Who feels great smiling with others if they have a large gap caused by a missing tooth?

Luckily, there are solutions available for patients who want to restore their smile and feel confident with their appearance. While partial dentures and dental bridges are viable options for many of our patients, we strongly suggest the benefits of dental implants. Dental implants are one of several tooth replacement options offered by Dr. Darren Gonzalez of Santa Rosa, California. These natural-looking replacements restore the function, beauty, and health of the smile, and no one will know that you lost a tooth!

Unlike dentures, which rest on the gumline, and dental bridges, which require support from adjacent teeth to place, dental implants are standalone restorations that integrate with the bone of the jaw. These titanium posts have an abutment that sits above the gumline and can be restored using dental bridges, dental crowns, or even implant-retained dentures. The versatility and longevity are what make them a popular choice for many of our patients seeking permanent tooth replacement.

What is the process of obtaining dental implants?

• Candidacy. Patients must first work with Dr. Darren Gonzalez to ensure they are proper candidates for dental implants. The best candidate is a patient who has enough bone to support the implant as it needs the bone of the jaw to act as a foundation.
• Placement. Once patients are considered appropriate candidates for dental implants, they then need to have oral surgery to place it.
• Osseointegration. Over time, the bone will heal, often over several months, which allows the bone to wrap around the implant and keep it firmly in place. A temporary is placed at this time.
• Restoration. After the area has healed, the temporary restoration is removed and a permanent restoration is put in place over the abutment of the implant. Patients are given care instructions to ensure they protect the implant area and maintain their restoration for a lifetime!

Use dental implants to restore your smile

If you are experiencing tooth loss and live in the area of Santa Rosa, California, we welcome you to book a consultation visit with Dr. Darren Gonzalez. Call the office at (707) 542-1532 to request a consultation visit and work directly with our team to enjoy the best possible dental care in the community. We are conveniently located at 1515 Montgomery Drive and accept new patients.