Dental Implants in Fresno, CA

Missing one or more teeth can affect your smile, confidence, and ability to eat comfortably. Dental implants are a durable tooth replacement option designed to look and function like natural teeth.

At Milburn Dental in Fresno, CA, our dental team provides personalized implant consultations to determine whether dental implants are right for you.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a small biocompatible post, typically made of titanium, that is placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Once the implant heals and integrates with the bone, it can support a dental crown, bridge, or denture.

Dental implants can help:

• Replace one or more missing teeth
• Restore your ability to chew and speak comfortably
• Prevent neighboring teeth from shifting
• Support the structure of your smile
• Provide a long-term alternative to removable dentures

If you are missing several teeth, our dentists can also discuss alternatives such as dentures and prosthesis or crowns and bridges.

Are Dental Implants Right for You?

You may be a candidate for dental implants if you have lost teeth because of decay, injury, or other dental problems. Your gums, jawbone health, overall oral health, and treatment goals will be evaluated during your consultation.

If additional treatment is needed before implant placement, our team can discuss the appropriate options. For certain patients, oral surgery may be part of the overall treatment plan.

The Dental Implant Process

Dental implant treatment generally involves several stages:

1. Consultation and evaluation – Your dentist examines your teeth and gums and may recommend X-rays to evaluate your jawbone.
2. Implant placement – The implant post is placed into the jawbone.
3. Healing period – The implant is allowed time to integrate with the surrounding bone.
4. Replacement tooth – A custom crown, bridge, or denture is attached to restore the missing tooth or teeth.

Your treatment timeline will depend on your individual oral health and the number of teeth being replaced.

Caring for Your Dental Implants

Proper maintenance is essential for keeping your implants and surrounding gums healthy. Brush twice daily, clean between your teeth, and maintain regular professional dental visits.

Our routine dental cleanings can help maintain your overall oral health and allow your dentist to monitor your implants over time.

If you experience bleeding, swelling, discomfort, or looseness around an implant, contact your dentist for an evaluation.

Dental Implants at Milburn Dental in Fresno

Choosing the right dentist is an important part of successful implant treatment. At Milburn Dental, we take the time to evaluate your individual needs and explain your treatment options before recommending a solution.

We also offer a complimentary implant consultation, giving you an opportunity to discuss your missing teeth and learn whether dental implants may be appropriate for you.

If you are comparing implant treatment with other cosmetic options, you can also explore our cosmetic dentistry services, including veneers and Invisalign.

Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation

Ready to replace missing teeth and restore your smile? Contact Milburn Dental in Fresno, CA at (559) 825-0990 to schedule your dental implant consultation.

Milburn Dental
6721 N Milburn Ave Ste 101
Fresno, CA 93722

What can happen if I don’t take care of my Dental Implants?

Dental Implants can develop problems without consistent daily care. The earliest sign of a problem begins with the observation of bleeding. This is known as mucositis. The current scientific evidence suggests that this may be successfully treated and is reversible if caught early. Unfortunately, if it progresses to bone loss, also known as peri-implantitis, the bone loss is not reversible. If peri-implantitis is not treated it can lead to advanced bone loss and the removal of the implant.

What should my Dentist check for at every cleaning visit?

For an accurate assessment of implant health, dentists and hygienists need to probe and measure the gums around the implant the same was as around teeth, check and compare x-rays annually, look for looseness, check the bite and check all of the components that are attached to the implants to make sure that they are functioning properly.

---

Dental Implants: What They Are & What You Need to Know

According to a 2010 ADA survey, close to a million Americans have dental implants installed in their mouths (American Dental Association. “Dental Health Services in America  – University of California.” Faculty of Medicine – UCAL. N.p., June 2010. Web. 6 June 2017.). Composed of titanium or another alloy, these small but strong metal posts are inserted into the socket left by a missing tooth and act as an anchor for a replacement tooth. The main concerns with individuals suffering from missing teeth include bone loss in the jawbone and the possibility that other teeth can shift in order to fill the empty space, causing aesthetic abnormalities. An implant will stabilize the jawbone by preventing bone loss and stimulating bone growth. Your missing teeth will no longer impact how you look or feel!

How Do I Know It’s Necessary?

You may be in need of dental implants if you are currently missing one or more of your teeth due to injury, decay, or disease. Depending on how strong your jawbone is and how healthy your gums are, you may or may not be an optimal candidate for implants. Our Fresno Dentist will discuss the pros and cons of all your options and examine your teeth and gums. Other options include dental bridges or dentures, which can also be effective depending on your situation. If you do not have enough bone at all for an implant or if it is too weak, our Dentist in Fresno might also discuss the option of building more bone through a bone graft.

How Do I Prepare?

Our dentist will consult with you to determine the best approach for your treatment. This will typically include a thorough oral exam, X-rays, and a few questions about your family medical history. You will then be given instructions not to take certain medications or eat certain foods before the procedure. Make sure to follow these instructions and contact your dental office if you have any questions.

What Is The Procedure Like?

To allow gum tissue to heal properly, it is possible that a dental implant process might take more than one procedure to complete. Depending on the medical history and other factors, our dentist will discuss which anesthetic is best for you. Typically, a local anesthetic is used which only numbs the parts of the mouth being worked on at that time.

In stage one, our dentist places the metal implant into your jawbone under the gum tissue. It needs to be inserted deep into the jawbone, as this will serve as the best anchor for your new tooth. The gums are then stitched back into place. As gum tissue heals, the implant begins to bond with the bone and attach to the gum. The entire healing process may take several months. Contact our Fresno Dentist at Milburn Dental if you are feeling anything unusual during the healing process.

The placing of an abutment is also part of the procedure, but it is possible this part of the procedure might need to be done at a later time. The abutment is the piece where the replacement tooth will attach to the implant.

The final stage is placing your replacement tooth or teeth. Getting to this step might require a bit more healing time because your jawbone needs to be strong enough before the new tooth is placed. Our dentist will take impressions to ensure your replacement teeth are an appropriate fit and then insert them following the exact specifications of your case.

What Is Recovery Like?

Following your successful procedure, it is normal to experience some pain, swelling, and minor bleeding and you may be prescribed pain medication and/or antibiotics to control possible infection. Our dentist will sit with you to show you proper cleaning techniques for your new teeth and give you advice on what to eat and drink in the weeks following your procedure. Initially, you might need to stick to soft foods while the implant heals.

 

Concerned about your missing or damaged teeth and need advice? Do you want a pernament tooth replacement solution? Contact Milburn Dental today at (559) 825-0990 to schedule a consultlation with our friendly dentists!