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Tooth loss may seem like the end of a beautiful smile, but it doesn’t have to be. You can replace lost teeth with permanent dental implants to restore your smile’s beauty. At Granite Bay Dentistry, Dr. Colby Smith and our team offer implant treatment to residents of Granite Bay, California, and nearby communities. The answers to these frequently asked questions about implants can help you decide if they’re a good choice for you.
Dental implants are titanium screws that function like new roots for teeth that go missing. These screws are placed inside your jaw through implant surgery. There, they fuse with your bone tissue to become the new foundation for your new teeth. Once the implants are firmly embedded in your jaw, Dr. Smith will top them with an abutment (connector). Then, a dental crown, bridge, or dentures will be added to complete your smile.
Traditional dentures are removable prosthetic teeth that rest on your gums and are held in place by dental adhesives. They can easily slip or shift when you talk, laugh, or eat if they’re not fitted properly. Dentures are removed at night for cleaning and soaking to retain their shape and appearance. In contrast, permanent dental implants are artificial tooth roots inserted surgically into your jaw. Once they fuse with your bone tissue, they become a permanent platform for your new teeth. Your replacement teeth will be permanently attached to your implants and will never come loose.
Implants feel and function like natural teeth and have the same structure to give your smile an attractive, natural-looking appearance. You’ll be able to smile with confidence and eat all your favorite foods. Implants can replace one tooth or many, using a dental crown or implant bridge as your restoration. Dr. Smith and our team can also use implant dentures to complete a full mouth restoration, making your smile whole and healthy again.
No. Your implant procedure is done under local anesthesia to avoid discomfort and pain. If you’re nervous or anxious about implant surgery, we can discuss sedation options to make your treatment more comfortable and stress-free.
With proper care, implants can last 30 years or more. Caring for implants is the same as caring for natural teeth, i.e., good oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings. During routine dental visits, we’ll monitor the health and function of your implants and keep them looking their best with regular cleanings. You can take heart in knowing implants have a 95% success rate in most instances.
To schedule a consultation for dental implant treatment in Granite Bay, CA, contact Dr. Colby Smith from Granite Bay Dentistry at (916) 735-4720. We’re here to meet all your dental care needs.
With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Colby Smith earned a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology degree with honors at UC Santa Barbara before completing his doctorate and advanced residency training at UCLA, where he also taught for over a decade. One of under 1% of dentists nationally to achieve Board-certification in General Dentistry, he prioritizes ongoing education, completing over 150 hours annually, teaching fellow dentists, and contributing to scientific literature. Dr. Smith is a member of the ADA, American Board of General Dentistry, Academy of General Dentistry, California Dental Association, Academy of Operative Dentistry, and Sacramento District Dental Society.