Our Implant Solutions
Dental implants are an amazing solution for replacing missing or extracted teeth. More than restoring your smile, implants play a critical role in maintaining good oral health. Whether you’re missing one tooth or an entire arch, the staff at Balboa Island Dentistry offers implant solutions to give you the smile you’ve always wanted.
What are Dental Implants?
They’re a permanent solution to missing teeth. These natural-looking dental prostheses are made up of three parts, a titanium fixture that secures the implant, a natural-looking porcelain crown that takes the place of your natural tooth, and the abutment, which connects the fixture to the crown.
The porcelain crown is the only part of the implant that your friends will see. It’s custom-designed to match your smile based on scans that Dr. Alfano will take of your natural teeth. Thanks to our advanced technology, your implant crown will mirror your remaining teeth, perfectly replicating the color and texture of your smile.
What is the Dental Implant Process?
Your free consultation with Dr. Stephen Alfano is the first step in restoring the gaps in your smile with stunning dental implants.
The dental implant process begins with surgery to attach the implant fixture to your jawbone. This is followed by a recovery period when your body develops a secure attachment to the fixture through a process known as osseointegration. Once your body has become fully acclimated to the implant fixture, Dr. Alfano will attach the porcelain crown and you’ll be ready to experience your new smile.
For patients who are missing most or all of their teeth, we also offer an implant-supported full-arch restoration. This option uses a small number of implants to secure a single dental prosthetic from All-on-4® that looks just like your natural teeth. There’s no need for bone grafting with All-on-4® and you’ll leave our office after just one visit with an attractive temporary prosthetic that you can wear until your ready for your permanent prosthetic.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a restorative procedure that provides our patients with a long-lasting, attractive smile that they’ll love. This revolutionary tooth-replacement option offers the same bite strength as natural teeth and they stop your jawbone from eroding over time. If you want to experience these benefits, you may be a good candidate for implants.
Speak with Dr. Alfano today if you’re ready to restore your missing teeth with dental implants. He’ll find the treatment option that works for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants last for a lifetime with proper care. The implant post that acts as your new tooth’s roots is biocompatible, integrating seamlessly with your jawbone. This creates a strong bond that allows you to treat your implant as a natural tooth.
Taking care of your dental implant makes it more likely to last longer. While your titanium post will likely stay put, the natural-looking dental crown often doesn’t last as long. It can last from 10 to 15 years if you maintain good oral care practices.
How do you take care of your dental implants after the procedure?
Dental implants are easy to take care of — just brush and floss your teeth every day, treating your implant just like a natural tooth. It’s also important to make it to the dentist for regular visits every six months to ensure your oral health is in good condition.
Immediately after your procedure, oral hygiene care is especially important because it can affect the success of your implant. Make sure to avoid using a straw, spitting too hard, and be careful when rinsing your mouth.
Are dental implants safe?
Yes, dental implants are safe. The materials used for dental implants are compatible with your body, so they won’t cause harm to your health. Dental implants are preferred by patients and dentists for their health benefits.
Dental implants also help to maintain good oral health by protecting vulnerable areas of your mouth from bacteria and by stimulating jawbone growth. A dental implant can help your smile be beautiful and healthy.
Does insurance cover my dental implants procedure?
Most dental insurance plans cover part of the cost of the dental implants procedure. To find out the details of your coverage, we recommend contacting your insurance company.
If the cost of dental implants still intimidates you, just let us know. We can walk you through our convenient financing options. These options can break down your dental implant treatment cost into affordable monthly payments so you can have the smile you deserve without breaking the bank.
What do I do in the event of a complication with my dental implants?
In the case of a dental implant complication, the first thing you should do is call our office at (949) 630-0972 so we can help you. If necessary, we can schedule an appointment to fix your implant or address issues that have come about.
Dental implants complications are rare, as they have a very high success rate. Dr. Alfano is here for you and ready to help if anything happens with your dental implant.