Dental implants are the ideal method for replacing missing or severely damaged teeth. As a leading dental implant specialist, Filippo Cangini, DDS, surgically places implants, which grow into permanent fixtures in your mouth. He spends time ensuring that your new tooth matches the color and texture of surrounding teeth, so no one can tell which tooth is false. Schedule your dental implant consultation at Gregory Ln. Family & Implant Dental Practice in Pleasant Hill, California by calling the office or by using the online booking feature.
Dental Implants Q & A
What is it like to get a dental implant?
Getting a dental implant only takes a few visits to Dr. Cangini's office. After he determines that an implant is ideal for you, you receive a surgery date.
Implant surgery involves placing the implant into your jawbone. Over the following weeks, the implant naturally starts to fuse together with bone, and surrounding gum tissue builds up around the implant.
Once the implant is strong enough, usually after several months, you can have a permanent crown attached. The crown is designed to match your teeth perfectly; it won’t look like a “fake” tooth.
You should also plan on making one additional follow-up trip to Dr. Cangini. This way, he can make any necessary adjustments if your implant crown is sticking up too much or rubbing in certain areas.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. In some cases, the crown can come off or break after several years, and you need to have it rebonded or replaced. The underlying root implant, however, should last for the rest of your life.
Artificial dental implant materials, including the titanium root and porcelain crown, don’t decay. But you still need to be diligent about your oral health to prevent gum disease. Regularly brushing and flossing helps get rid of bacteria that form plaque and tartar along your gumline.
Otherwise, the bacteria can lead to an infection that can weaken your gum and bone tissue. This can cause problems with the implant since weak tissues won’t be able to support the implant structure.
Is it painful to get a dental implant?
The entire process of getting a dental implant is quicker and much less invasive than it was years ago. If you’ve ever had a deep cavity filled or been through a root canal, you’re going to be fine when getting the implant placed.
Because Dr. Cangini numbs the area of your mouth where he's working and offers several types of sedation treatments, you can easily relax throughout the surgery. Some people even fall asleep. You shouldn’t feel extreme pain or discomfort while getting the implant, although it is common to feel some pressure during the implantation process.