Placement is a surgical procedure carried out under anaesthetic. Discomfort afterwards is usually managed with ordinary pain relief, and our post-operative instructions cover what to expect during healing.

How long does the whole process take?

It is staged rather than continuous. The post is placed, then left to integrate with the bone over a period of healing before the crown is attached. The timeline depends on your bone quality and whether grafting was needed, so it is set out for you at the planning stage.

Can an implant get a cavity?

The implant itself cannot decay. The gum and bone around it can become infected in much the same way gum disease affects natural teeth, so implants need the same brushing, flossing and professional cleanings as the rest of your mouth.

Restorative Dentistry

Dental Implants in Stockton, CA

Dental implants are the restorative gold standard. Whenever possible, our Stockton dentists use implants to replace missing teeth, root and all.

Request an Appointment (209) 951-3436

Many restorations are made more secure, and more helpful to your oral health, by dental implants. What sets an implant apart from every other replacement is that it replaces the root of the tooth, not just the part you can see.

Why replacing the root matters

A bridge or a denture restores the visible tooth and the ability to chew. Neither does anything for the bone beneath the gap.

Jawbone is maintained by the forces transmitted through tooth roots. Remove the root and the bone in that area gradually recedes, which is why long-standing gaps change the shape of the face, and why dentures that fit well initially become loose over the years.

An implant transmits force into the bone the way a natural root does. That is the reason it is described as the restorative gold standard rather than simply another option.

What that means for timing

Bone loss begins once a tooth is gone and continues over time. Replacing a tooth sooner generally means fewer preliminary steps, because there is more bone left to work with. A long-standing gap is still treatable; it more often needs bone grafting first.

The imaging room, with a panoramic and 3D X-ray unit and a wall-mounted display screen.

What the treatment involves

An implant is a titanium post placed into the jawbone, which is then left to integrate with the bone over a period of healing. Once integration is complete, a crown is attached to the post.

Adequate bone is a prerequisite. Where the jawbone lacks the necessary quality or quantity, bone grafting can strengthen and thicken the implant site first. Planning frequently involves i-CAT® 3D imaging, which shows bone volume and the position of nerves in three dimensions.

Implants beyond a single tooth

Implants are not only for individual gaps:

A bridge can be attached to implants rather than to natural teeth, which spares the neighboring teeth from being reduced for crowns.
Dentures can be attached to implants so they snap in or snap on, with no reliance on glues or springs. Some dentures are placed permanently on implants.

Caring for implants

An implant cannot decay, but the gum and bone around it can become infected in much the same way gum disease affects natural teeth. Implants require the same brushing, flossing and professional cleanings as the rest of your mouth, and they are examined at every routine visit.

To find out whether you are a candidate, request an appointment or call (209) 951-3436. Further reading: maximizing the lifespan of your dental implants.

Cost and planning

Implants are a larger investment than the alternatives, and coverage varies considerably between plans. We accept most major dental insurance including Delta Dental, and offer CareCredit. See patient information, or call (209) 951-3436 to talk it through before committing.

Further reading: maximizing the lifespan of your dental implants and choosing between implants and dentures.

Questions patients ask

Am I a candidate for dental implants?: The main requirement is enough healthy jawbone to anchor the implant. Where the bone lacks the necessary quality or quantity, bone grafting can strengthen and thicken the site first. Planning usually involves i-CAT 3D imaging, which shows bone volume and nerve position before anything is placed.
Do implants hurt?: Placement is a surgical procedure carried out under anaesthetic. Discomfort afterwards is usually managed with ordinary pain relief, and our post-operative instructions cover what to expect during healing.
How long does the whole process take?: It is staged rather than continuous. The post is placed, then left to integrate with the bone over a period of healing before the crown is attached. The timeline depends on your bone quality and whether grafting was needed, so it is set out for you at the planning stage.
Can an implant get a cavity?: The implant itself cannot decay. The gum and bone around it can become infected in much the same way gum disease affects natural teeth, so implants need the same brushing, flossing and professional cleanings as the rest of your mouth.

Ready to get started?

Much of your first visit is spent explaining your individual treatment and getting to know you, so you can make a decision you feel good about.

Request an Appointment (209) 951-3436