Dental Implants in Santa Clara
The modern solution for replacing missing teeth
A dental implant is the most reliable and healthiest way to replace a missing tooth. This is because it actually replaces the root of the tooth. It’s made of a bio-compatible material that integrates with your bone, and is capped with a beautiful, lifelike restoration such as a crown, bridge or denture. The finished implant plus restoration look and act like a real tooth.
For the past 13 years, Dr. Jayne has partnered with a trusted oral surgeon who is highly qualified to perform the placing of the implant. He will also gently perform any bone grafting needed to strengthen the area in which the implant is to be inserted.
Free Dental Implant Consultation
If you have one or more missing teeth, or teeth beyond repair, come and see Dr. Jayne. She is happy to offer a free dental implant consultation which includes:
- Consultation with Dr. Jayne herself
- Learn about the different treatment options
- Find out if you are a candidate for dental implants
- Get all your questions about dental implants answered
To make an appointment, call 408-243-5107 or click here to request an appointment online.
Our Dental Implant Procedure
High-tech diagnosis
The first step is diagnosis. Dr. Jayne will take accurate, low-radiation digital images of your mouth. If needed, she will have additional images taken with a high-tech 3D X-ray scanner, to check your bone density and strength.
Meticulous planning
Once the images are completed, careful planning is done. The implant specialist works out the exact location and angle at which to place your implant, assisted by state-of-the-art software.
Implant placement
If a tooth needs to be extracted, it is gently removed and any needed bone grafting is performed. Otherwise, the implant is simply placed into the empty tooth socket. A temporary partial denture is provided to fill the gap and to protect the area until it is ready to support the implant.
Sturdy, lifelike new teeth
Once the implant has healed, usually in three to four months, Dr. Jayne attaches the final restoration to your implant. Dr. Jayne has been doing dental implant restorations for over 19 years and knows how to design your new teeth so that they are durable, lifelike and complement your looks.
She customizes the material of your new teeth according to which teeth are being replaced. Porcelain gives a very natural look for the front teeth and for the back teeth she usually uses a strong porcelain fused to metal that can withstand the hard-biting pressure.
Options for missing teeth
Single missing teeth
Dr. Jayne recommends an implant to replace a single missing tooth. This is the most natural tooth replacement option, and most patients don’t even notice the difference between the implant tooth and a natural tooth.
In the past a dental bridge has been the method chosen for replacing a single tooth. However, a dental bridge requires adjacent teeth to be cut down and capped to support the replacement tooth. With a dental implant, the adjacent teeth are not affected.
When multiple or all teeth are missing
Multiple missing teeth can be replaced by single dental implants as well as implants with either a dental bridge or dentures.
Implant-Supported Bridges
An implant-supported bridge is a fixed-in restoration that closely approximates natural teeth. Unlike an implant-supported denture, you won’t have anything touching the roof of your mouth and the artificial teeth emerge from the gums like real teeth.
An implant-supported bridge is often considered a better option than single implants for several adjacent missing teeth, as it provides similar flexibility to natural teeth. For many or all teeth missing, a series of dental bridges can be made. An implant-supported bridge is usually made out of porcelain or zirconia, giving it a very natural look.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Dentures can be supported with as little as two implants. This stops the denture from slipping out and improves chewing ability. Dr. Jayne usually recommends four implants to give more solid support for each side of the denture. The implants fit firmly onto snaps placed in the denture. The denture is removable and needs to be cleaned at least once daily. This is the most economical teeth replacement option that uses implants.
Patients who are already wearing dentures can opt to retrofit their dentures to be able to snap into the implants. Dr. Jayne can evaluate whether a patient’s existing denture is suitable or not.
Dr. Hoffman offers a Free Dental Implant Consultation to discuss the pros and cons of each option for missing teeth, and which option might best suit your needs.
To make an appointment, call 408-243-5107 or click here to request an appointment online.
Benefits of Dental Implants for missing teeth
Dental Implants look and act like natural teeth
With a dental implant you have full chewing power. This means you can eat what you want. Not only does this restore quality of life, but chewing provides the necessary stimulation to your bone to promote its health and longevity.
Dental Implants can last a lifetime
A dental implant is made of bio-compatible titanium that is non-irritating to your mouth. This is the metal that is normally used for prosthetic devices (bone replacements) because it eventually integrates with the bone in which it is inserted. Dental implants have been proven to last decades when properly cared for.
Dental Implants keep adjacent teeth stable
When a tooth is missing, adjacent teeth shift crookedly toward the empty space. Opposing (upper or lower) teeth will also “pull” toward the empty socket. This may alter your bite and can create jaw problems or gum disease. Implants keep adjacent teeth in place.
Dental Implants can prevent bone loss and premature facial sagging
When the tooth roots are not replaced, as with regular dentures, the face can begin to collapse as bone mass deteriorates. Dental implants can prevent this from occurring.
The condition of missing teeth culminates, over time, in severe bone loss. The facial features between the nose and chin start to collapse inward toward the mouth. It causes wrinkles around the mouth and the appearance of being much older. Dental implants help prevent bone loss and the resultant facial sagging!
Dental Implants can help keep you free of gum disease
Food can easily get trapped in the empty spaces left by missing teeth, promoting bacterial growth that can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. When an implant fills in the empty space, it helps prevent food traps from turning into gum disease.
Who are candidates for Dental Implants?
Individuals with thin jawbones, insufficient bone density or certain health conditions were often told that they could not get dental implants. Dr. Jayne and her trusted specialist use the latest in dental implant technology and provide implants to many of those who, formerly, were not candidates. When you consult with Dr. Jayne, she will be able to tell you if implants are right for you.
Implant Testimonial
Read more patient testimonials
To make an appointment, call 408-243-5107 or click here to request an appointment online.