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general and cosmetic dental expertise

Dental Implants in Redwood City

Located in Redwood City, Dr. Mahzoon and staff offer a wide variety of high-quality and affordable dental treatments. You will always play an active role in the care of your smile.

Real doctor holding model of teeth with dental implant, closeup

What are dental implants and when are they recommended?

Dental implants are titanium screws that are placed inside the bone to replace a missing tooth. The condition that could disqualify a patient from getting an implant would be if they didn’t have enough bone for that titanium screw to integrate. This would be evaluated by the oral surgeon through x-rays and an examination.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

The benefits of dental implants are that only the missing tooth is replaced. The dentist doesn’t have to touch or prep the adjacent teeth to replace the missing tooth, as we would for a bridge. An implant just replaces that one missing tooth without touching the adjacent teeth or weakening their structure.

Are there different types of dental implants?

Yes, different types of dental implants include the titanium screw. Some are with a zirconia crown, some are the metal to porcelain crown. In our practice, we routinely restore the implant with an implant crown that is zirconia. This material works really well and looks very aesthetic and natural.

What are the steps in a dental implant procedure?

The first step is with the oral surgeon, who places the titanium screw into the bone. We then wait for the healing process, which can take up to a few months. After we get the okay from the oral surgeon, I restore that with an implant crown that gets screwed into the implant. So it’s a two-step procedure.

Are there other ways to replace a missing tooth?

Other ways to replace a missing tooth include a partial denture or a bridge. However, we find that with partial dentures, the patient’s satisfaction is often lower. It moves around, and food can get under it. As for bridges, we have to prepare the other teeth, the adjacent teeth to that missing space, which can jeopardize the integrity of those teeth. Therefore, an implant is by far the best option if the patient is a good candidate.

How long does the dental procedure for the implant take?

The dental procedure for the implant usually takes about an hour for the oral surgeon and the impressions take less than half an hour. So it’s a very fast and efficient procedure.

What type of anesthetic is used?

We use local anesthetic, lidocaine, the same thing we use when we do a filling. Patients don’t feel anything at all.

How long can dental implants last?

Dental implants can last a lifetime if the gums are healthy and the patient has good oral hygiene. Regular six-month recalls and routine cleanings are necessary for this longevity. The only reason an implant would fail is if the patient develops gum disease around the implant.

What is the cost of an implant with the implant crown?

The cost of an implant with the implant crown is about $5,000 to $6,000. We do offer financing in our office so that it can be affordable to make monthly payments. Sometimes if the patient has a good credit score, 0% financing is available. Some insurances do cover part of the implant, maybe the implant crown can be covered partially. This is determined on a case by case basis.

What is the process for setting up an appointment?

The appointment starts with an evaluation by the oral surgeon. Once that’s done, then we can set up the surgery appointment and proceed from there.

Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. The implants are tiny titanium posts which are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, dental implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration which occurs when teeth are missing.

Dental implants are changing the way people live! With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life.

 

Evaluation for Dental Implants

If, like many others, you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, we ask that you undergo a dental/radiographic examination and health history. During these consultation visits, your specific needs and considerations will be addressed by Dr. Mahzoon. Your questions and concerns are important to us and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.

Dental Implant Procedure

Dental implants are metal anchors, which act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. Small posts are then attached to the implant, which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums, gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your restorative dentist designs the final bridgework or denture, which will ultimately improve both function and aesthetics.

After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. The surgeon will uncover the implants and attach a small healing collar. Dr. Mahzoon can then start making your new teeth. An impression must be taken. Then posts or attachments can be connected to the implants. The replacement teeth are then made over the posts or attachments. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life.