Dental Implants in Bakersfield, CA
Don’t Live with an Incomplete Smile Forever!
At Gentle Family Dentistry, our Bakersfield dentist offers dental implant surgery and treatment options for all patients. We’re here to help you meet your smile goals and restore the function and beauty of your dental health.
Contact our dental office today by calling 661-664-9900 to schedule an appointment.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants function as a tooth replacement that involves the surgical placement of small metal posts into the jawbone to support a natural-looking prosthetic. Their design mimics the look and function of natural teeth, providing individuals with a fully restored, beautiful smile.
A dental implant is made of a biocompatible material, commonly titanium, allowing it to naturally fuse with the jawbone over time. Known as osseointegration, this process creates a strong foundation for the custom prosthetic, which is typically a dental crown. Implants allow patients to achieve a natural-looking smile that can last a lifetime.
Why Choose Gentle Family Dentistry?
At Gentle Family Dentistry, Dr. Garger ensures the patient always comes first. As a graduate of the Resnik Implant Institute, our dentist in Bakersfield has the expertise you’re looking for when it comes to placing dental implants and providing patients with a fully functional smile.
So, what are you waiting for? Don’t live with lost teeth any longer and get in touch with our dental team.
The Dental Implant Structure
A dental implant consists of the following three components:
- Implant Body: The main part of the implant that’s usually made of titanium or a titanium alloy. It’s surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as the foundation for the rest of the implant.
- Abutment: The part that protrudes above the gum line and provides a connection point for the prosthetic tooth. It’s typically made of titanium or a similar material.
- Prosthetic Tooth/Crown: This is the visible part of the dental implant that resembles a natural tooth. It’s usually made of ceramic or porcelain and is custom-designed to match the shape, size, and color of the surrounding natural teeth.
How Can Dental Implant Benefit You?
Getting dental implants is more than just achieving a pretty smile. Dental implants in Bakersfield can also offer patients the following benefits:
- A natural smile appearance
- Enhanced confidence
- A long-lasting tooth replacement
- Improved speech
- A better eating experience
- Better oral health
- Jawbone preservation
- Easy maintenance
- Cost-effective tooth replacement option
- Prevents the shifting of surrounding teeth
- No food restrictions
Do You Qualify for Dental Implant Treatment?
Find out if you can get dental implants with our top-rated dentist! With a comprehensive dental exam, Dr. Garger can determine if you possess the following:
- Sufficient jawbone density
- Good oral health
- Commitment to oral hygiene
- Good overall health
- Willingness to follow post-operative care instructions
Call our dental practice in California today at 661-664-9900 to schedule your implant dentistry appointment.
Types of Dental Implants
Endosteal Dental Implants
With endosteal dental implants, the most common dental implant, the post gets inserted directly into the bone and is used for those who have enough jawbone structure to support it.
Every dentist offers different types of implants. To learn more about the options offered at our Bakersfield practice, contact our implant dentist today.
Single-Tooth Dental Implants
Single-tooth dental implants replace one lost tooth from root to crown. It involves the placement of a titanium implant into the jawbone that serves as the foundation for a custom-made prosthetic single-tooth replacement itself. Most patients receive a dental crown as the visible portion of their implant treatment.
All-On-Four
All-on-four dental implant treatment involves placing four dental implants in the upper or lower jawbone and securing a full arch of prosthetic replacement teeth to them. The All-on-four technique is less invasive and can often be completed in one visit to the dentist. All-on-four implants are a good option for those who have lower bone density, as they allow for the restoration of a full arch of teeth while using fewer implant posts.
Implant-Supported Bridges
Implant-supported bridges are excellent options for replacing multiple teeth. A traditional dental bridge or artificial tooth root, is anchored to the jaw using dental implants. The bridge is typically made up of two or more artificial teeth connected and attached to the implant abutments. The number of posts needed will vary depending on the size of the bridge.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are removable appliances anchored to the mouth and jaw using dental implants. They provide a more secure fit and eliminate messy adhesives that removable dentures typically need.
Mini Dental Implants
Mini dental implants are a smaller version of traditional implants. They’re a less invasive dental implant surgery option and are typically used to replace a single tooth or stabilize a loose denture. They shorten the healing process and have a lower cost. However, they may not be suitable for patients who don’t have adequate bone density.
Immediate-Load “Same Day” Dental Implants
Immediate-load dental implants, also known as same-day implants, are done in one appointment. With same-day implants, dentists place the implant and prosthetic tooth in the mouth at the same time, allowing the patient to leave the dental office with a fully functional replacement tooth after just one dental implant procedure.
Zygomatic Dental Implants
Zygomatic dental implants can restore lost teeth for patients who don’t have enough jawbone density to support a traditional endosteal implant. While zygomatic implants are still in use, they’re less common today and aren’t used by our Bakersfield dentist.
Subperiosteal Dental Implants
Subperiosteal dental implants sit on top of the jawbone but under the gum tissue. Subperiosteal implants are rarely ever used because of modern technological advancements in the field of implant dentistry.
The Dental Implant Procedure
For those receiving standard dental implants, the dental implant procedure involves a multi-step process to replace missing teeth with artificial tooth roots and prosthetic crowns. Our Bakersfield dentist will conduct a comprehensive oral health exam and create a personalized treatment plan based on your needs and goals. During the surgical phase, a small titanium implant is surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as the foundation for the replacement tooth.
Over several months, the implant fuses with the bone through osseointegration. Once the implant has firmly integrated, an abutment is attached to it, and a custom-made crown is placed on top, restoring the appearance and function of a natural tooth.
What’s the Best Implant Treatment Option for You?
You’ll want to consider your individual dental needs and smile goals when determining the best dental implant treatment. Factors such as the number of missing teeth, the condition of your jawbone, and your budget all play a role in determining the best option. When weighing your options, you should also evaluate the dental implant benefits and costs. Our dentist can help you evaluate your options and make a recommendation.
For patients in Bakersfield, CA, contact our implant dentist today to schedule your consultation at 661-664-9900.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a missing tooth needs to be replaced as soon as possible. By not reversing tooth loss, you may experience:
- Shifting of the surrounding teeth: When you experience tooth loss, the surrounding teeth may shift to fill the gap. Shifting teeth can lead to misalignment and bite problems.
- Bone loss: The jawbone needs stimulation from the roots of the teeth to maintain its density. When a tooth is missing, the jawbone may shrink, leading to bone loss.
- Increased risk of periodontal disease: Missing teeth can create space for bacteria to accumulate, increasing your risk of gum disease.
- Difficulty speaking and eating: Missing teeth can make it difficult to speak clearly and chew food properly.
A few different types of dental professionals can place dental implants, including:
- An Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon: Dental professionals who have completed additional training and education in the surgical placement of dental implants. They have the most extensive training and experience in implant placement and are often considered the most qualified to place them.
- Periodontists: Specializes in the treatment of periodontal disease and placing dental implants. They have completed additional training in implant placement and have a good understanding of the underlying bone and tissue structure.
- Prosthodontists: Specializes in the replacement of missing teeth and the restoration of natural teeth. They’re also qualified to place dental implants.
- General Dentists: They’ve completed training in implant placement and are qualified to place them.
Dental implants can last for between 20 years and a lifetime. To increase the long-term success of your dental implant, maintain excellent at-home dental care and schedule regular dental visits for checkups and cleanings.
Learn More About Your Dental Implant Options
Ready to find out if dental implants are exactly what your smile needs? For those in Bakersfield, contact our implant dentist today at 661-664-9900 to schedule a consultation and see how we can improve your oral health with a customized treatment plan.