Dental Implants

Implant Dentistry in South San Francisco, CA

Smile Designed by Dr. Hovden

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a fast-growing area of prosthetic dentistry used to replace one or more missing teeth and are another alternative to conventional bridges and dentures. In essence, dental implants act and look like natural teeth. Dental implants can help prevent additional tooth loss as well as the sunken facial appearance associated with missing teeth.

Missing teeth often lead to feelings of embarrassment and self-consciousness. Dental implants are an effective way to correct this problem by giving a person the confidence and comfort a healthy, attractive smile can bring. Also, implant dentistry not only improves the aesthetics of your smile, it improves how your teeth function.

The Dental Implant Procedure

The dental implant is surgically placed into the jawbone where it replaces the natural tooth root. In a few months, the dental implant securely attaches to the bone (called "osseointegration"), allowing it to withstand biting and chewing forces just like a healthy, natural tooth.

The most common indications for dental implant therapy are:

• Replacement of one or more missing teeth.
• Support of a non-removable "bridge" to replace multiple teeth.
• Support of a removable full or partial denture.
• Patients who successfully pass a screening and evaluation can be considered as candidates for implant tooth replacement.

The primary limiting factor inherent in dental implant therapy is the amount of bone available to receive and support the dental implant. If it's determined that a patient does not have enough bone to support an implant restoration, bone grafting procedures may be considered. Heavy smoking and some medical conditions may preclude the use of dental implant therapy.

To learn more about implant dentistry and to find out if dental implants are a solution for you, contact Dr. Hovden in the South San Francisco area or fill out the form on the left of this page and we will be happy to talk with you.