Dental Implants in Palo Alto
Restore Your Smile with Lasting Confidence
Missing teeth can be one of the most noticeable and challenging obstacles to a confident smile. If you’re living with one or more missing teeth, Palo Alto Dentist Dr. Christine Hansen offers a permanent solution with custom-designed dental implants—the most durable and lifelike tooth replacement option available today.
Dental Implants Palo Alto
Why Choose Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the only tooth replacement solution that restores both the visible tooth and the root beneath the gumline. This not only anchors your new tooth securely in place but also protects against jawbone deterioration and shifting of surrounding teeth. The sooner you act, the better the long-term outcome for your oral health.
Long-Term Benefits of Dental Implants
- Natural look, feel, and function
- Prevents bone loss and maintains jaw structure
- Protects neighboring teeth
- Long-lasting and low-maintenance
- Supports bridges or dentures for added stability
- Improves chewing, speech, and facial aesthetics
Unlike other cosmetic treatments that may need to be redone, dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care. We primarily use the Nobel family of implants but can customize your treatment with other systems based on your individual needs.
Dental Implants Palo Alto
Missing teeth are perhaps the most obvious and challenging obstacle to a beautiful smile. If you have one or more missing teeth, Palo Alto Dentist Dr. Hansen can show you how dental implants can solve your problem permanently. For tooth replacement, there simply is no solution that is more durable or more lifelike than a custom-designed dental implant.
If you have dealt with a missing tooth for years, you may be wondering why it is so important to fill that space now. When considering a tooth replacement solution, keep in mind that dental implants are the only comprehensive solution since they address both the visible missing tooth and the missing tooth root under the gum. The presence of a replacement tooth root not only anchors the new tooth in place, but it also protects against bone loss since it is seated into the jaw bone. And the sooner you replace a missing tooth, the less likely your natural teeth are to shift out of place and create an unhealthy bite.
Types of Dental Implants We Offer
There are various implant types, but the most commonly used are endosseous (root-form) implants, which come in two main forms:
- Standard Implants: Most widely used and highly successful.
- Mini Implants: Smaller in diameter (under 3mm), typically one-piece, and offer a less invasive, cost-effective solution—though with fewer restorative options.
We’ll help you determine which type is right for you based on your unique dental situation.
WHAT ARE REASONS FOR GETTING DENTAL IMPLANTS?
- Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
- Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.
- Help to keep the jawbone from shrinking.
- Restore a patient’s confident smile.
- Restore chewing, speech, and digestion.
- Restore or enhance facial tissues.
- Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF DENTAL IMPLANTS?
It is important to realize that there are many different types of dental implants. Currently, the most popular are the endosseus (root form) implants. When we hear or read about dental implants, it is usually of this type.This is further divided into 2 catagories: the standard types, and mini implants. Mini implants are generally 3mm or less in diameter, and are usually 1 piece. It is important to know that there can be significant differences between them. Mini implants are generally less flexible restoratively, and can have a lower success rate. However, used properly, they can have good benefits at lower cost.What does getting dental implants involve?
There are 2 phases in getting an implant-supported restoration. Phase 1 involves the surgical placement of the dental implant. After healing, phase 2 involves the fabrication of the tooth. Although there are many techniques in placing dental implants, we use the latest minimal-invasive surgical techniques. This not only reduces the healing time, but significantly lessens the pain and discomfort as well. It is not uncommon for patients not to need pain medication. The usual minimum healing period is 4 months for the lower jaw, and 6 months for the upper jaw. Until then, temporary teeth are placed. Of course, you are not expected to go without teeth while the implants heal!
What to Expect from the Dental Implant Process
Getting dental implants involves two main phases:
Phase 1: Surgical Placement
Using advanced, minimally invasive techniques, the implant is placed into the jawbone. Healing time is typically 4 months for the lower jaw and 6 months for the upper jaw.
Phase 2: Restoration
Once healed, your custom crown, bridge, or denture is securely attached to the implant. Throughout the process, you will never be left without teeth—we provide temporary restorations during healing for your comfort and confidence.
Many of our patients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the procedure is. Some even report needing little to no pain medication after surgery.
Is a Dental Implant Right for You?
Dental implants may be ideal if you:
Need to replace one or more missing teeth
Want to avoid affecting nearby healthy teeth
Have issues with bite or jaw discomfort due to shifting teeth
Want better support and comfort from your dentures or bridge
Value a long-term, natural-looking solution