Before you decide whether dental implants are the right choice for you, we want to help you feel as informed as possible. Depending on the condition of your smile, we can assist you in finding a treatment plan that best restores your missing teeth. If you would like to get started on dental implants in Bakersfield, California, we welcome you to contact Center for Implant Dentistry today at 661-663-9600 and schedule a visit with our implant specialists, dentists Dr. Richard Casteen and prosthodontist, Dr. Robert Willis.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants act as replacements for missing teeth, replacing the crown and the root. Dental implants have three parts: a titanium post, an abutment and a crown. Through surgery, the post is placed in your jawbone to act as the root. We will create your custom crown, bridge, denture or other chosen dental restoration, which will be placed on the post.
What are implant-supported dentures?
An implant-supported denture can replace an arch of missing teeth, and it consists of a denture that is supported by dental implants. We specialize in the All-on-4® method for nonremovable implant-supported dentures. While it usually takes four dental implants to anchor the denture, up to eight implants can be used to support the denture according to your needs.
What benefits can I receive from an implant?
Dental implants are the best choice for replacing teeth that have been lost. They look and work like natural teeth, allowing you to chew and speak with ease. Dental implants also serve to protect your long-term oral health. After a tooth is lost, the bone tissue surrounding a missing tooth starts to break down, negatively impacting the surrounding teeth. Adding a dental implant, which replaces the tooth root, helps to prevent bone loss and protect the health and stability of your other teeth. Dental implants change your life and smile for the better.
What needs to happen before I can receive my dental implant?
First, you will need to visit with our dentists. During this free consultation, we will speak with you about your dental and medical history. We will examine your mouth and smile to see if you have enough bone structure to support an implant. If we find that this is not the case, we may recommend a bone grafting procedure so we can successfully place your implant.
How long do dental implants last?
The post of your dental implant is made to last for a lifetime, and good oral hygiene and regular dental visits will help keep your implant in good shape. Dental restorations may need to be replaced if they break or become worn out.
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
If you are missing a tooth, you are a candidate for a dental implant. However, if you are experiencing periodontal disease or tooth decay, or if you lack lack sufficient bone structure to place an implant, you will need to undergo treatment or a bone grafting procedure first.
How do I take care of my dental implant?
Like you would do for your natural teeth, brush your dental implant twice a day, floss regularly and visit the dentist for regular dental cleanings or other necessary treatments.
Who can provide dental implants?
When looking for a dentist that can place dental implants, you will need to find a dentist who has been trained in implant placement. We specialize in dental implants and can place your implants in our office. Our implantologist, Dr. , and our prosthodontist, Dr. , are well-trained in implant placement, having over 60 years of dental implant experience between them.
How many appointments will it take to finish my treatment?
A variety of factors come into play when determining the length of dental implant treatment. These factors include your medical history and oral health, the number of teeth that need replacing, whether your jawbone can support an implant, and the materials and methods utilized during your treatment. Treatment times can range from a couple of months to a year. However, if you are receiving All-on-4 implants, we can place the implant posts and your denture the same day. After your consultation, we will give you an estimated treatment time.
Do dental implants have a high success rate?
This depends on your oral hygiene habits and oral health. If you have good oral hygiene habits and your mouth is healthy, your implants have a greater chance at success. Overall, dental implant success rates are around 90% to 95%.
How much do dental implants cost?
The costs of dental implants derive from the state of your oral health, the type of restoration you are receiving, if you need additional treatments and the number of dental implants you need. We will give you an estimated cost after your consultation. Check with us and your provider about what insurance can cover. We provide a variety of financial options for your convenience, and we also offer a Membership Club option if you do not have insurance.
