Dental Implant Restoration Specialist
Irma A. Francisco, DDS
General Dentistry located in San Jose, CA
Losing a tooth can do a number on your self-esteem while making it difficult to bite, chew, and speak. Dental implant restoration services with the dental team at Irma A. Francisco, DDS Inc. in San Jose, California, can restore your smile and your confidence with a permanent artificial tooth. To learn more, call or schedule an appointment online today.
Dental Implant Restoration Q&A
What is a dental implant restoration?
A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth and root used to replace a tooth after it’s extracted or lost from injury or excessive decay. Implants look, feel, and function just like your original tooth. They include a post that replaces the root of your tooth and a crown that replaces the tooth.
Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that prevents bone loss and encourages bone growth. Leaving empty spaces from missing teeth in your mouth can lead to jawbone deterioration.
What should I expect during a dental implant restoration?
At your initial appointment, the team at Irma A. Francisco, DDS Inc. places an implant similar to a screw into your jawbone. Once it bonds with your natural bone, this implant becomes the base to support the artificial tooth or teeth.
While waiting for your implant to heal, you may wear a temporary artificial tooth, especially if the missing tooth is in the front of your mouth.
When the implant heals in the jawbone, your dentist places a connector called an abutment. This piece secures the dental crown to the implant.
A single implant can support multiple crowns using a dental bridge or partial denture.
Can I eat after a dental implant?
Most people consume a soft diet for 10 to 14 days after an implant, consuming protein drinks, soup, juice, and other foods that don’t require biting or chewing. After about two weeks, you can again eat normally as your implant and crown function the same as natural teeth.
How long do dental implants last?
Designed as a permanent tooth replacement, dental implants last 25 years or more with proper care and maintenance. In comparison, dental implant alternatives last between 5 and 15 years.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Most anyone healthy enough to undergo oral surgery can get a dental implant. You need healthy gums and a jawbone strong enough to secure the implant. You may not be a candidate if you smoke heavily or have uncontrolled heart disease or diabetes.
Adolescents can get dental implants once their facial growth and development are complete, usually around age 16 for girls and 18 for boys.
To find out if you can benefit from a dental implant, use online scheduling or call Irma A. Francisco, DDS Inc. to book an appointment today.