Dental Implants in Monterey California

Missing teeth? A dental implant might be the best treatment. A dental implant is a titanium metal replacement for a root of a tooth that is surgically implanted in the jawbone. As the body heals for approximately two to six months after the surgery, the bone around the implant fuses to the implant through a process called osseointegration. After the healing phase is complete, the implants are used to anchor crowns, bridges, or dentures.

Dental implants are the most natural replacement for a missing tooth. If you are missing one or more teeth, you'll want replacements that are as natural as possible. If dentures don't work for you, you may consider dental implants.  Unlike dentures, which can be removed, implants are permanently anchored into the jaw itself.

Usually Dr. Bianco feels you are a good candidate for implants if you have jawbone ridges that are in good shape and healthy oral tissues. When the implant device is inserted into the jaw, a chemical and mechanical bond is formed. The jawbone actually grows into the implant.

With implants, Dr. Bianco can get you a perfect fit, and they will look and feel as good as (or better than!) your original teeth.

Two Stage Treatment

Implant treatment consists of two components: a surgical phase and a restorative phase. Traditionally, a dental surgeon, like an oral surgeon or a periodontist, performs the surgical component.  A general dentist, or prosthodontist and laboratory technician performs the restorative component.  However, as implant dentistry has become more sophisticated, sometimes a dentist who specializes in restorative dentistry conducts the entire procedure. Dr. Richard J. Bianco has this expertise.

At Dr. Richard J Bianco D.M.D. we begin with a thorough evaluation of the patient's medical and dental history, and a full clinical examination of the entire mouth and missing tooth area.  The clinical exam should also include specific X-rays.

After assessing the patient, a comprehensive treatment plan can be devised.  From that point, implants are surgically placed in the jawbone under local anesthesia.

The length of the healing time is based on the quality and quantity of bone, as well as the type of implant placed.  After adequate healing is allowed to occur, the implant can be used to support a crown, bridge, or denture. Most dental implants placed today are endosteal root form fixtures that are similar to a man-made tooth root.