Dental Implants – San Ramon, CA

Initial Dental Implant Consultation

First, Dr. Deol will review your oral health and medical history to see if dental implants are right for you. If necessary, he may recommend preliminary treatments like gum disease therapy, tooth extraction, or bone grafting in order to help you become a candidate. Once your mouth is ready for implants, we’ll be able to create a custom treatment plan based on your specific needs. This plan will include information like treatment time and cost.

Dental Implant Surgery

Dr. Deol is a trained implant dentist in San Ramon who provides treatments for the entire process at Oak Ridge Dental. This is not only more convenient, but you’ll also enjoy peace of mind by seeing an expert who already knows your mouth. Dr. Deol will ensure that your mouth is numb before making a small incision in the gums to access the bone. Next, He will create a tiny hole in the jawbone for the placement of the dental implant. Once it’s placed, he will close the gums and place a protective cap on the implant.

Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment Placement

After your surgery, you’ll begin a healing period called osseointegration. Dental implants in San Ramon are made of biocompatible material that fuses to the jawbone, allowing them to become a permanent part of the smile. This process takes between 3 to 6 months. While it may seem like a long time, osseointegration is exactly what allows dental implants to look, feel, and function just like natural teeth, giving you a wide range of benefits. Once the implant is fully healed, there will be an additional minor procedure where Dr. Deol places an abutment (small connector).

Delivery of Dental Implant Restorations

During the last few weeks of healing, we will take impressions of your mouth to create your final restorations. You’ll return to our office for one last appointment, and we’ll place your crown, bridge, or denture depending on the number of teeth that you’re missing. Lastly, Dr. Deol will check that your bite looks and feels natural. Once we ensure that you’re satisfied with your smile, all that’s left to do is to walk out of our office with a beautiful, strong, and healthy set of teeth.

3D Cone Beam Imaging/3D CT Scanning

You may be expecting to have some X-rays taken of your jaw prior to your dental implant surgery. However, a traditional X-ray by itself wouldn’t include all the details we would need for the procedure. Instead, we will use a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanner to capture multiple images of your jaw, teeth, and various other structures. Said images will then be combined into a three-dimensional model that can be examined from a variety of angles.

With a CBCT scanner, we can narrow down the precise areas where the dental implant posts will need to be inserted. It will also allow us to identify the locations of the nerves inside your mouth, allowing us to place the posts while avoiding any unnecessary complications. In short, by using a CBCT scanner, we can maximize the chances of your dental implant procedure being a success, meaning you can look forward to all the benefits that your newly rebuilt smile will have to offer.

While some patients are nervous about undergoing CBCT scans, you can rest assured that there’s nothing to worry about. The process won’t cause any discomfort whatsoever, and there won’t be any radiation left in your body afterward.

Digital Impression System

To design a crown, bridge, or denture that’s just right for your unique smile, we will need to capture an impression of your mouth. You might expect this to involve biting down on some putty, but nowadays we’re able to offer digital impressions as a more comfortable (and less messy) alternative.

The digital impression system will simply create a virtual representation of your teeth thanks to highly advanced software. This will allow us to determine the right shape and size for the final prosthesis. Our goal is to make sure that the completed crown, bridge, or denture fits properly while also ensuring that it looks natural compared to the rest of your grin.

Digital impressions are favored by dentists for a number of reasons. For one thing, they completely eliminate the need to have patients bite down on unpleasant-tasting dental putty. On top of that, digital impressions tend to be more accurate than physical ones, so it’s less likely that they will need to be redone.

Day-to-Day Benefits

• Confidence: Whether you realize it or not, missing teeth negatively impact your confidence and self-esteem. If you’ve been hiding your teeth in personal and professional settings, dental implants are completely life changing. They allow you to smile with confidence in any situation, giving you day-to-day happiness along with higher self-esteem.
• Diet: Have you been avoiding certain foods because they are difficult to eat? Missing teeth or traditional dentures can make eating your favorite foods almost impossible. Thankfully, dental implants are firmly stabilized in the jaw, allowing you to eat almost anything with ease!
• Maintenance: Are you tired of taking your dentures out, putting them back in, and constantly cleaning them? Dental implants can be cared for just like your natural teeth – simply brush, floss, and visit our office for regular checkups and cleanings.

Health Benefits

• Dental health: Other options like dental bridges require the removal of healthy enamel. And, if you don’t replace your teeth, the rest of your smile can shift out of alignment. However, dental implants keep your natural, healthy teeth intact while also maintaining their position.
• Bone health: Dental implants are the only replacement that restores the teeth from the roots up, which stimulates the jawbone to prevent it from deteriorating after tooth loss. By keeping your jawbone healthy and strong, implants help you maintain a fuller, more youthful facial appearance.
• Overall health: Studies show that dental implants promote better oral health, including less risk of gum disease. This common problem has been associated with increased chances of cardiovascular issues like stroke, heart attacks, and high blood pressure. Research even shows that dental implants help patients pay less for their medical services thanks to better health.

Long-Term Benefits

• Durability: Dental implants are designed to last for over 3 decades, or even the rest of your life with proper care. Just make sure to visit our office for routine appointments, and keep up with daily healthcare practices like brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash.
• Predictability: You may be worried because implants involve a surgical process by our implant dentist in San Ramon, however this treatment has a success rate of 95% even after 10 years. With a proven track record like that, you can enjoy complete peace of mind when choosing dental implants.
• Cost: While dental implants in San Ramon tend to cost more than other options, they can actually save you money in the long run. Instead of replacing your denture every 5 to 7 years, dental implants last for decades, helping you avoid additional treatments and the cost associated with them.

Missing One Tooth

For single tooth replacement, your restoration is a customized porcelain crown. Dr. Deol will create your crown so it blends flawlessly with your surrounding teeth.

Missing Multiple Teeth

For patients missing multiple teeth, dental implants can anchor a bridge, or support a partial denture. Bridges are ideal for replacing multiple adjacent teeth, while a partial can fill in spaces with prosthetic teeth attached to a custom appliance.

Missing All Teeth

An implant denture is ideal for restoring an entire arch of failing or missing teeth, while providing a more secure fit than traditional removable dentures. A denture is an acrylic appliance created to replace all of your teeth with a natural looking prosthetic. Four to eight dental implants that are strategically placed can support a denture designed to “snap” into them.

Implant dentures provide better longevity for denture wearers since they help preserve the integrity of the jawbone.

Learn More Learn More About Dental Implant Failure and Salvage

All-on-4/All-on-6 Dental Implants

The All-on-4/All-on-6 procedure can be used to replace an entire row of teeth with an implant denture in just one efficient appointment. The procedure is designed to maximize a patient’s jawbone density so they can receive the implants and prosthetic without having to undergo a bone graft first. The implants are positioned where the bone is naturally thickest (toward the very front and very back), and once they are in place, the denture is snapped directly onto them.

Types of Dental Implants

There are two types of dental implants that Dr. Deol may recommend. The most common is called endosteal dental implants. These use a post that is similar to a screw that is placed into your jawbone where it will integrate with your bone and replace your root. After a healing period of several months, an abutment is used to attach a crown to your implant for single tooth replacement.

Subperiosteal dental implants utilize a framework that is placed on top of your bone instead of into it. This option is typically offered to patients who don’t have enough healthy bone structure to support an endosteal dental implant.

What Are the Stages of Dental Implant Treatment?

When utilizing a standard endosteal dental implant, the first step is to place it into your jawbone. While this sounds like major surgery, it is actually a simple surgical procedure that most patients find to be more comfortable than a tooth extraction.

Next, your bone is given time to heal and integrate fully with your implant. Because it’s made of titanium, it can do this naturally as titanium is a biocompatible material. It may take anywhere from three to six months for your implant to fully fuse with your bone.

Finally, when the healing process is completed, you will have your restoration permanently placed. This might be a porcelain crown for a single tooth replacement, or a dental bridge or denture for replacing multiple teeth.

Are Dental Implants Worth the Investment?

While the price of dental implants is typically higher than the cost of other tooth replacement options, it is important to look at the benefits that dental implants offer that other choices cannot.

• Dental implants provide exceptional longevity because they can potentially last for a lifetime while other options will have to be replaced in the future.
• Implant dentistry is a very reliable treatment with a 95% success rate.

Keeping these facts in mind, it seems that in many cases, dental implants may be more cost-effective in the long run.

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Unfortunately, most dental insurance plans are not covering the cost of dental implants at this time. However, every plan is different, and you may be able to receive some benefit for the restoration for your implant, which would be your crown, bridge, or denture.

If you have questions about your specific benefits, contact our treatment coordinator. Dr. Deol would be happy to discuss dental implants and how they may benefit your unique situation. Contact Oak Ridge Dental today to learn more.

What to Do Directly After Dental Implant Surgery

Once your surgery is complete, a blood clot will appear at the implant site. It is very important that this blood clot remains in place during the initial phases of the recovery process. You can protect the blood clot by:

• Swallowing saliva instead of spitting.
• Refraining from using straws.
• Staying away from cigarettes and other tobacco products.
• Not touching the implant site.

Common Side Effects When Recovering from Dental Implant Placement

There may be some minor discomfort in your mouth following your dental implant surgery. On top of that, you can typically expect to see some swelling and intermittent bleeding. None of these side effects are cause for alarm, and they should simply go away on their own eventually. That said, you should let us know right away if your symptoms last too long or seem to be worsening.

You can take over-the-counter or prescribed medications to manage your discomfort. A cold compress can help with swelling. If bleeding occurs, lightly press down on the area with gauze until it stops.

Your Diet After Dental Implant Surgery

Scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, pudding, yogurt, cold soup, pasta, and smoothies are all examples of soft or liquid foods that you will be able to eat after receiving dental implants. You should be able to slowly return to eating more solid foods after a few days; however, you will need to avoid chewing directly on your implant posts so that you don’t damage them.

Post-Op Health & Oral Hygiene

When it comes to your oral hygiene routine, you should be able to brush your teeth like normal the day after your dental implant placement, although you will need to be gentle around the implants themselves. It’s also recommended that you rinse with salt water multiple times throughout the day. Remember not to spit the water out once you’re done; simply lean over the sink and let it pour out of your mouth instead.

What to Do After Your New Teeth Are Attached

A crown, bridge, or denture can be attached after your dental implants have formed a lasting bond with your jawbone. You should be past the point where any bleeding or swelling is present; contact us right away if you experience these or any other unusual symptoms. You can take a pain reliever if your gums are more sensitive than normal.

How long do dental implants last?

As with any dental restoration, the lifespan of dental implants greatly depends on how well you maintain them. Luckily, caring for your dental implants is exactly the same as caring for natural teeth. By brushing and flossing daily and visiting the dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings, you can ensure the longevity of your implants. With proper care, they can last for 30 years or even longer!

What dental implant technology do you use?

At Oak Ridge Dental, we invest in technology that helps us deliver better treatment for our patients. Placing dental implants requires accurate planning in advance to be successful and prevent damage to nerves in your jaw. That’s why we have a cone beam CT scanner right here in our dental office. This technology creates a 3D image of your mouth, jawbone, teeth, neural pathways, and blood vessels. From this image, Dr. Deol can perform dental implant placement, among other treatments, with more precision and effectiveness. 

What dental implant training does Dr. Deol have?

Before coming to San Ramon, Dr. Rashpal Deol practiced dentistry in India where he was also an associate professor of dentistry. Now, Dr. Deol is in the process of completing a Master of Science degree in orofacial pain and oral medicine at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry. He is also a member of the American Dental Association, State of California Dental Association, and the Contra Costa Dental Society, and he shares his knowledge and training with others as a mentor at CEREC Doctors, the largest organization in the world that teaches CAD/CAM dentistry.

Will I be able to eat what I want with dental implants?

Absolutely. Because dental implants replace teeth from the root up, they are firmly surrounded and supported by your jawbone. As a result, they have all the strength of natural teeth, giving you the freedom to enjoy your favorite foods. Now you should avoid eating certain foods that could damage your dental crown, such as popcorn kernels, but your dental implants can withstand any normal wear and tear you subject them to.

Can dental implants help my dentures fit better?

They certainly can! With dentures, you can have those awkward moments when your teeth slip or come loose. However, when you attach your dentures to strategically placed implants, you can enjoy more security and strength, giving you more confidence. Plus, dental implants can help you maintain your facial structure in the long term. Dental implants stimulate growth in the jawbone much like the roots of natural teeth. This stimulation keeps your jawbone strong and healthy and helps you avoid the sunken, older look that can happen as a result of tooth loss.

Make Oral Hygiene a Priority

While dental implants can’t get cavities, it’s still vital to maintain a good oral healthcare routine. One of the more common reasons for implant failure is gum disease, which can be avoided with regular brushing and flossing. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day to keep your gums and teeth healthy. Angle the brush at 45-degrees for the most thorough cleaning and make sure that each session lasts two minutes. For an extra layer of protection, you can use a nonalcoholic mouthwash.

Eat a Healthy Diet

When it comes to caring for your dental implants in San Ramon, what you consume matters! Dental implants allow you to eat a wide variety of foods, however it’s important to avoid overindulging in hard, sticky, or sugary foods. These items can be problematic, leading to potential failure. Instead, eat foods with calcium and vitamin C to keep your jawbone healthy and strong. These healthier foods also maintain the wellbeing of your gums.

Break Bad Habits

Dental implants can last for over 30 years with proper care, but bad habits can lead to their damage or failure. Smoking and/or using tobacco slows healing and also increases the risk of infection. Additionally, do not chew on ice cubes or any non-food items because they could break your implants. Do not use your teeth for anything other than chewing and speaking – opening packages or bottles with your dental implants will quickly increase your chance of failure.

Protect Your Dental Implants

Dental implants are designed to be incredibly durable, however they are not indestructible. If you participate in sports or physical activity, it’s vital that you wear a mouthguard to protect your dental implants and your smile. Trauma, whether expected or not, can lead to implant failure without proper protection. Additionally, if you suffer from bruxism, we recommend wearing a nightguard. This prevents unnecessary pressure and damage that can occur from teeth grinding.

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

Routine checkups are important for patients without implants, however they take on a new meeting after getting this tooth replacement. These appointments allow our implant dentist in San Ramon to catch any issues early on before they get more severe. For example, a loose implant can often be fixed instead of completely replaced if it’s addressed swiftly. By seeing us every 6 months, you can save your self time and money on potential treatments by proactively caring for your implants.