What are dental implants?
Dental implants are a tooth replacement solution for patients who have permanently lost teeth and who use dentures. They function as a surgical component that works the with bone, jaw, or skull to support a dental prosthesis. Implants are made of materials that are compatible with human bone and tissue. They provide artificial teeth that look natural and feel secure. Dental implants also can be used to attach full or partial dentures.
Why might I need dental implants?
Dental implants are an excellent option for the millions of people who have permanently lost a single tooth, many teeth or for those who use dentures. Dental implants offer many advantages over conventional dentures and bridges, which are often uncomfortable and, due to slippages and clicks, limit a person's ability to speak and eat normally. Because of this, many people feel self-conscious wearing their dentures. Dental implants can greatly enhance a person's quality of life by providing the following:
- Restoring normal chewing and speaking functions
- Increasing your confidence by replacing teeth that won't move or loosen and have the same look, feel and function of your natural teeth
- Eliminating irritated and painful gums, as well as damaging pressure on remaining natural teeth caused by dentures
- Helping to stop the progressive bone loss and shrinkage of your jawbone by "mimicking" the roots of natural teeth
What should I expect at my first appointment?
You will first meet with one of our surgeons, who will conduct an evaluation to determine if you are an appropriate candidate for dental implants. Patients who receive dental implants must be in good health, have a healthy lifestyle and healthy gums, adequate bone to support implants and be committed to excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits.
Please let us know in advance if you have recent (within six months) panoramic X-rays. The standard full-mouth X-rays are not sufficient for a complete evaluation. Please send electronic files of your panoramic X-rays to OMFSxrays@ucsf.edu. If you bring a copy on a disk or jump drive, and our system is not compatible with that digital format, we may not be able to view them. In that case, we will need to take panoramic X-rays on the day of your evaluation. You will be responsible for the cost of those X-rays.
If you were referred by your dentist, we will be in close communication to ensure proper scheduling for the restoration. If you need a restoring dentist, we can refer you to one who we typically work with. The restoring dentist will place the crown above the implant. Please note that their services will have their own set of financial expectations.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
- Government issued identification
- Health insurance information including authorizations or referrals
- Registration forms
- List of prescription medications and dosages
- List of medications that you're allergic to
- List of questions you may have
- Recent test results related to your condition
- Paper and pencil to take notes