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    • Implants

    Tooth loss can have a far-reaching effect on your dental health and personal appearance. When you lose one or more teeth, your remaining teeth can drift out of position. This can lead to a change in the bite, the loss of additional teeth, decay and gum disease.

    Dental implants can be an effective method to replace one tooth or several teeth. Each implant consists of a metal anchor that is inserted into the jawbone (the implant), and a protruding post (abutment), which is outfitted with an artificial tooth (crown). Implants can also support a bridge, replace a partial denture or secure a denture. The process requires surgery and may take up to a year to complete.

    Single Tooth.
    This type of prosthesis is used to replace one or two missing teeth. Each prosthetic tooth attaches to its own implant.


    In the first procedure under anesthesia, a metal anchor (implant), or artificial root, is placed into the jawbone. Bone grows around the anchor. This takes about three to six months.


    Next, a "healing" cap is placed when the implant is uncovered.

    Then, the healing cap is removed and a metal post (abutment), may be attached to the anchor.

    As the tissue heals, it will conform to the contours of this healing abutment substituted for the original healing cap. Following an appropriate period of healing to obtain the desired prosthetic tissue bed, an abutment is selected to begin the restorative phase of care.

    An impression or mold is made of the abutment, and the surrounding teeth. Depending on the technique-sensitive implant system, you might:
    • Expose the cover screw (the healing cap placed with the implant)
    • Assess quality of healing in preparation for restorative care
    • Replace the healing cap with an abutment to allow the implant to emerge through the gingiva

    When your gums and jawbone have healed, an artificial tooth (crown) is constructed, then screwed or cemented to the post. Fitting your new tooth properly may take several appointments.


    Bridge.
    This type of prosthesis can replace two or more teeth. It is the most commonly performed implant procedure, and may require only two or three implants.



    Complete Denture.
    This type of prosthesis replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of implants varies, depending on the type of prosthesis you choose.

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    and the surrounding San Jose - Sunnyvale - Cupertino areas.
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