Are you missing teeth or have some that you feel are not strong? Do you find it hard to eat, speak or smile? We want to help you smile more and take away your worries. Dental implants may be part of the best solution for you.
Missing teeth can affect more than just your appearance—they can impact your ability to chew, speak, and maintain overall health. At our Sacramento dental office, Dr. Mike Miyasaki provides high-quality solutions for missing teeth, using a minimally invasive approach that avoids incisions and sutures whenever possible. This makes treatment easier, healing faster, and the overall experience more comfortable for patients. Whether you have damaged teeth, struggle with hard-to-clean dental bridges, or want a permanent alternative to dentures, dental implants offer the stability and natural feel that other restorations cannot match.
If you are looking for advanced tooth replacement options in Sacramento, CA, our team is here to help you achieve a healthy, confident smile.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed in the jawbone to serve as an artificial tooth root. Over time, the implant fuses with the bone in a process called osseointegration, providing a sturdy foundation for a dental crown, dental bridge, or implant-supported denture. Unlike traditional tooth replacements, implants function just like natural teeth, preventing jawbone loss and maintaining proper alignment.
Key Benefits of Dental Implants
- Long-term durability – Can last a lifetime with proper care.
- Improved function – Allows for normal chewing and speaking.
- Preserves jawbone health – Prevents bone loss and maintains facial structure.
- Natural appearance – Blends seamlessly with existing teeth.
- No reliance on adjacent teeth – Unlike dental bridges, implants do not require support from surrounding teeth.
Why Choose Dental Implants Over Other Restorative Options?
There are multiple treatment options for replacing missing teeth, but not all provide the same long-term benefits. Today, dental implants are widely considered the most advanced and effective solution.
Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridges
Traditional dental bridges require adjacent natural teeth to be reshaped and crowned to support a false tooth. While effective, this method places stress on surrounding teeth and does not address jawbone loss. In contrast, dental implants are independent tooth replacements that preserve jaw health and do not affect neighboring teeth.
Dental Implants vs. Dentures
Removable dentures can slip, cause discomfort, and require adhesives for stability. They also do not prevent bone deterioration over time. Implant-supported dentures, on the other hand, provide a secure and stable fit, eliminating issues like shifting and discomfort.
Types of Dental Bridges as an Alternative to Implants
For patients who are not candidates for implants, dental bridges remain a viable option. The most common types include:
- Traditional Bridges – Supported by dental crowns on adjacent teeth.
- Cantilever Bridges – Attached to a single support tooth rather than both sides.
- Maryland Bridges – Uses metal or porcelain veneers bonded to neighboring teeth.
The Dental Implant Process – What to Expect
Getting dental implants involves a multi-step process to ensure long-lasting success. We use advanced treatment planning and modern dental technology to provide safe and effective implant procedures.
Step 1: Consultation & Treatment Plan
The first step in the implant process is a comprehensive evaluation. During this visit, we:
- Examine your oral health to assess gum and bone structure.
- Take digital scans to determine implant placement.
- Discuss treatment options and create a personalized plan.
Step 2: Implant Placement Surgery
The next step is implant placement. This minimally invasive, precision-guided surgical procedure—sometimes performed without incisions or sutures—places the implant directly into the jawbone with minimal disruption to surrounding tissue.
Step 3: Healing & Osseointegration
Over the next several months, most patients will wear a thin tray to protect the implant and surgical site while the implant integrates with the jawbone. This process, called osseointegration, ensures the implant becomes a secure foundation for the final restoration.
Step 4: Custom Restoration Placement
Once healed, a custom-made dental crown, bridge, or implant-supported denture is attached to complete the restoration.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most people with missing teeth are candidates for implants. However, ideal candidates should:
- Have sufficient jawbone density to support the implant.
- Be free of untreated gum disease or tooth decay.
- Be able to maintain good oral health and hygiene habits.
- Not have any major health issues.
For patients with bone loss, additional procedures such as bone grafting or sinus lifts may be required before implant placement.
Caring for Your Dental Implants
After the implants and restorations are placed, maintaining healthy bones and gums is essential to the longevity of the treatment. Fortunately, maintaining dental implants is similar to caring for natural teeth. With proper hygiene and regular dental cleanings, implants can last a lifetime.
Daily Oral Hygiene Tips
- Brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Use non-abrasive toothpaste to protect the tooth-colored restoration.
- Floss around implants to remove plaque and prevent gum disease.
Routine Dental Visits
Regular checkups at our Sacramento dental office help ensure your implants remain in excellent condition. During these visits, we:
- Evaluate gum and bone health.
- Check the stability of the implant restoration.
- Perform professional cleanings to remove any buildup.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
Dr. Michael Miyasaki provides expert restorative dentistry services, including dental implants, dental crowns, and bridges in Sacramento. With decades of experience, our practice is committed to exceptional patient care and advanced technology.
What Sets Us Apart?
- Minimally invasive philosophy – We use techniques designed to reduce discomfort, speed up healing, and preserve healthy tissue.
- Expertise in implant dentistry – Our dentist has placed implants successfully for over two decades.
- Advanced digital imaging – Ensures precise implant placement and treatment accuracy.
- Comprehensive care – We offer dental bridges, porcelain veneers, and other cosmetic and restorative options.
- Patient-centered approach – Your comfort and long-term oral health are our priorities.
Schedule Your Consultation Today!
If you are considering dental implants in Sacramento, CA, our team is here to help. Whether you need to replace missing teeth, improve your oral health, or feel more confident when you eat or smile, we will work with you to create a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Call (916) 442-8911 today to learn how you can restore your smile and confidence!
