Dental Implants – Fresno, CA
Placing the Roots
of a Better Smile
Do you have embarrassing gaps in your smile? It can be hard to feel confident around friends, family, and coworkers if you are missing one or multiple teeth. Fortunately, dental implants in Fresno can help! Dental implants are tiny, screw-shaped posts made from biocompatible materials that are inserted into the jawbone and provide a strong foundation for a new crown, bridge, or even denture. By replacing missing teeth from the roots up, dental implants from our Fresno, CA dentist are the most attractive and durable way to restore one’s smile.
If you are ready to reclaim a confident smile, call Dr. Byron Reintjes today to schedule an initial consultation!
Why Choose the Fresno Family Dental Office of Byron L. Reintjes, DDS for Dental Implants?
- Dental Implants Placed & Restored in One Location
- Highly Trained & Experienced Implant Dentist
- State-of-the-Art Dental Technology
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are posts that mimic the lost root structures of missing teeth. They are surgically placed below the gums where they fuse with the surrounding tissues and jawbone, recreating the lost root structures. We may offer dental implants crafted from a variety of materials, including titanium and metal-free zirconia.
While traditional options, like dentures and dental bridges, only replace the visible crowns of lost teeth, dental implants bring back the entire tooth structure. Once they have integrated with the jawbone, they create a stable foundation for an abutment that can support a dental crown, bridge, or denture. The end result is a smile that looks, feels, and functions just like what Mother Nature gave you!
The 4-Step Dental Implant Process
Dr. Reintjes has undergone advanced training that qualifies him to complete every step of the dental implant process, from surgically inserting the implant to attaching the crown, bridge, or denture. This means you do not have to visit an outside specialist to replace your missing teeth, which will save you both time and money! Instead, Dr. Reintjes will oversee the entire journey to your new, confident smile right here at our Fresno dental office. Here are the four main steps you can expect in the dental implant process:
Initial Dental Implant Consultation
If you have good oral and general health, you are likely a candidate for dental implants; however, you will require an initial consultation with your Fresno dentist. Dr. Reintjes discusses your medical and lifestyle history to ensure there are no factors that increase your risk of dental implant failure, such as untreated gum disease. Besides a visual examination, he also uses digital X-rays and a CT scan to assess your oral structures. Based on his findings, you may need additional procedures before having your implant posts placed, like bone grafting.
Dental Implant Surgery
The images taken during your consultation are used to pinpoint the precise location for your implant posts. The number of teeth you are replacing determines how many posts you need. You will need to undergo surgery to have them placed in your jawbone.
While under sedation or anesthesia, Dr. Reintjes opens your gum tissue to expose your jawbone. A small hole is drilled into it to allow the post to be inserted. A protective cap is placed over it, and your gum tissue is sutured shut to allow the healing process to begin.
Dental Implant Osseointegration/ Abutment
The implant post acts as a new tooth root. As a result, it stimulates your jaw to encourage new growth. This not only preserves your bone density, but it also allows the post to fuse to your jaw.
Over the next several weeks, your jawbone creates a lasting bond with the post through a process called osseointegration. This allows your implant to last for several decades with the right aftercare. Once your jaw is healed, you will have an abutment placed on it.
The protective cap is removed from the post and the abutment is attached to it. This acts as a connector piece between the implant and your restoration. Your gum tissue heals around the abutment to create natural-looking results while also sealing out bacteria.
Delivery of Dental Implant Restorations
The final stage to complete your smile involves the restoration process. All-ceramic material is used to craft your prosthetic teeth. Depending on how many teeth you are replacing, you will receive a single crown, a bridge, or a denture.
It is designed to meet your exact size, shape, and color needs to look natural while also ensuring the proper functions. Although the implant posts should never need to be replaced, your restorations suffer from daily wear and tear. As a result, they need to be replaced about every 10 years.
Benefits of Dental Implants
More than 500,000 people choose to rebuild their smiles with dental implants each year, and it’s not hard to see why. Compared to traditional tooth replacements, dental implants offer substantial benefits, including:
Looks Natural
You can chew, smile, and speak confidently knowing your new smile looks natural. All-ceramic material is used to carefully craft your restorations to match the appearance of your natural teeth. They blend in seamlessly when you smile, so no one will know they are not your own.
Long-Term Solution
No matter how well you care for them, traditional tooth replacement options need to be replaced every few years. Dental implants can last for several decades to give you one less thing to worry about. Your jawbone fuses to the implant posts, so they should never need to be replaced. You can ensure your new smile last by maintaining your oral hygiene habits and visiting your dentist in Fresno regularly.
Preserves Facial Structures
Dental implants stimulate your jawbone to preserve its density. This provides your facial structures with the support they need. As a result, you can avoid premature wrinkling and sagging of your skin to maintain a youthful appearance.
No Slipping or Irritation
The implant posts anchor your restorations to your jawbone. This allows you to regain as much as 70% of your biting force. You can enjoy your favorite foods again and speak clearly because you will never need to worry about any slipping or irritation.
Improves Your Oral Health
Since dental implants replace the roots of your teeth, they stimulate your jawbone. This stops dental drift to reduce your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and additional tooth loss. This helps to lower your long-term dental costs by keeping your smile healthy. Also, dental implants do not rely on any remaining natural teeth to support them. You will not need to alter your teeth in any way, allowing them to stay strong and healthy for many years to come.
Cost-Effective Solution
Dental implant may cost more upfront than traditional treatments, but they are more affordable long-term. Since they do not need to be replaced, you will save money down the road. Not to mention, they also improve your oral health to reduce your overall dental expenses. Now, there are many ways to lower the cost of dental implants to keep your new smile affordable.
Who Dental Implants Can Help
If you’re one of the 178+ million Americans who are struggling with tooth loss, you’ll be happy to learn that dental implants aren’t just lifelike and durable; they are also ideal for a wide variety of patients! From replacing a single missing tooth to restoring an entire smile, this state-of-the-art treatment is the ultimate solution. If you’d like to learn more about who is a candidate as well as how it can address all stages of tooth loss, keep reading.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Naturally, candidacy for dental implants is determined on a case-by-case basis. At your initial consultation, Dr. Byron Reintjes will take X-rays to assess the density of your jawbone and conduct an oral exam to get a better idea of the state of your teeth and gums. Other important factors will need to be considered as well, of course, including if you smoke, if you need any preparatory treatments (like gum disease therapy), and if you’re committed to implementing a good oral hygiene regimen. If for any reason dental implants aren’t the best fit for you, then we will explore the other tooth-replacement options available to you, such as dental bridges or traditional dentures.
Missing One Tooth
If you are missing one tooth, then we can fill the noticeable gap in your smile with a single implant and artificial crown. By replacing the missing tooth root structure, dental implants restore chewing power to nearly 100%. Plus, the restoration secured on top will be custom-made to ensure it looks as great as it functions.
Missing Multiple Teeth
What if you are missing more than a single tooth? Fortunately, implant bridges can bridge the gap left by several consecutive missing teeth. With just one or two dental implants, you’ll experience superior support compared to conventional alternatives, preserve adjacent healthy teeth, and have a smile that looks fantastic as well.
Missing All Teeth
If you don’t have any of your natural teeth left, don’t worry – you can restore your entire smile with implant dentures. Unlike traditional dentures that rely on natural suction to stay in place, implant dentures are securely fastened to an average of four to six dental implants. You will never have to worry about your new set of teeth slipping!
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
The cost of dental implants in Fresno depends on a number of factors and varies from patient to patient. For instance, implant procedures that require multiple implants usually cost more than a single tooth implant. If you need any preliminary treatment, such as gum disease therapy or a bone graft, this will also influence the final cost. However, dental implants always represent a wise investment due to their numerous benefits, including durability. Dr. Byron Reintjes has more than 30 years of experience in dentistry and is pleased to provide dental implant placement and restoration in-house at his Fresno dental office.
As noted above, with proper care, dental implants can last for several decades – or even the rest of your life!
Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery
It may be necessary to undergo preliminary treatments before receiving your dental implants. Depending on the status of your oral and overall health as well as your jawbone density, you may need periodontal therapy, tooth extraction, or even bone grafting. If so, you can expect these treatments to be incorporated into your total cost.
Your dental implant surgery will also incur a fee. Because Dr. Reintjes provides in-house dental implant placement and restoration, you will not need to worry about paying a separate fee to an outside implant dentist in Fresno. This can make the financial side of treatment much easier to manage.
The Parts of Your Dental Implant
Another component that will be included in your breakdown of costs is the parts of your dental implant, such as:
- The number of dental implants needed – Depending on how many teeth are missing, you will need anywhere from one to eight titanium posts. Naturally, a single implant will cost much less than four or five.
- The materials used – Because titanium and zirconia are known for their abilities to fuse with bone, they are the most commonly used materials for dental implants in Fresno.
- The type of restoration – If you’re missing one tooth, you’ll need a dental crown. If you’re missing two or more, you’ll require a dental bridge. If you’re missing all your teeth, you’ll need an implant denture.
- The brand – Dental implants are much like cars and other products with many different brands. While our team selects the brand and manufacturer to use, we will explain our reasons during your initial consultation. This will help you to see why higher-quality materials last longer than cheaper, less reliable options.
How Dental Implants Can Save You Money
By choosing dental implants over traditional dentures or dental bridges, you will save money in the long run. While they are a more costly investment at the start of treatment, this immediately pays off because you won’t require denture adhesives to hold them in place or special cleaning supplies to soak and clean your teeth.
Also, traditional tooth replacement options often require more frequent maintenance in the form of adjustments and replacements. Dental implants are designed to last 30 years or longer.
You will also be doing your overall health a favor by addressing many of the most common health-related conditions that can occur because of tooth loss. Osteoporosis, diabetes, and heart disease are possibilities when living without teeth; however, by having dental implants put in place, you will ultimately keep more money in your pocket by not requiring treatment for these diseases.
Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Some dental insurance companies do offer available coverage for dental implants; however, this isn’t always the case. In fact, there is a good chance your policy does not provide coverage. But what you might find is that your insurer will agree to pay part of your treatment (i.e., preliminary care, custom restoration). Dr. Reintjes’ dental team will work closely with you to identify what parts of your treatment process will be payable by the insurance company and take care of any paperwork and claims on your behalf.
Making Dental Implants Affordable
If you need help to pay any remaining balance that is left after filing your dental claim, we will help you apply for flexible financing through CareCredit. Eligible enrollees can apply for a low or zero interest payment plan that makes it possible to break up the remaining balance into manageable monthly installments.
Dental Implant Post-Op Instructions
At first, it may sound somewhat daunting that you need a minor surgical procedure to get dental implants. However, there’s nothing to fear. In fact, most of our patients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable and straightforward the procedure is. Afterwards, you’ll need to take a few important precautions to keep your smile free of infection and complications as it heals. We’ll provide you with specific detailed instructions during your appointment, but below you’ll learn about the basics of dental implant post-op care.
What to Do Directly After Dental Implant Surgery
Once your dental implant has been inserted into place, your gums and other oral tissues will need time to heal and strengthen. During this process, it’s very important to protect the surgery site from irritation, which would cause discomfort and slow down the healing process.
While recovering, make sure to avoid:
- Drinking through a straw
- Spitting forcefully
- Using tobacco products
- Touching the surgical site with your fingers or tongue
Instead, stay hydrated, take pain medication as per our instructions, and feel free to place an ice pack or cold compress on the outside of your mouth for 10-minute intervals.
Common Side Effects After Dental Implant Surgery
If you’ve never had oral surgery before, it may be difficult to tell which side effects are normal and which are not. It’s normal to see some intermittent bleeding in your mouth for a few days after your surgery, but it should be light. Swelling in the mouth and face is also normal, though it will take a week or so for that side effect to go away completely. Finally, soreness and discomfort are normal after dental implant surgery, but you should be able to easily manage it with pain relievers and ice packs. If your symptoms don’t seem to be getting better or if you have any concerns at all, don’t hesitate to call us right away.
Your Diet After Dental Implant Surgery
As you heal from dental implant surgery, you should stick to a diet of soft foods to protect the surgical site from pressure and irritation. This could include foods like:
- Ice cream, smoothies, milkshakes, and popsicles
- Yogurt or cottage cheese
- Mashed potatoes, pasta, or scrambled eggs
- Pudding or applesauce
- Soup that isn’t very hot
As you begin to feel more comfortable, you can start to introduce harder and crunchier foods back into your diet, but avoid chewing with the surgical site directly.
Health & Oral Hygiene After Dental Implant Surgery
The surgical site in your mouth is vulnerable to bacteria and infection, so practicing great oral hygiene is essential. The day after your surgery, brush and floss your teeth just as you normally would, but be very gentle and careful around the surgical site. Rinse your mouth out regularly with water, saltwater, or mouthwash to keep the area clean. However, do NOT use a mouthwash that contains alcohol, as this can interfere with the healing process.
What to Do After Your New Teeth Are Attached
Once you’ve completely healed from your dental implant surgery (which will take between 4-6 months) the last step will be to have your new teeth attached to your implants! After this final appointment, you may experience slight sensitivity in your gums. Thankfully, any discomfort should be easy to manage with over-the-counter pain relievers and should clear up in a day or two. From there, you’ll be all set to enjoy your newly rebuilt smile!
Maintaining & Caring For Your Dental Implants
Dr. Byron Reintjes is a trusted dentist who understands the type of investment that is required for dental implants. This is why our team is committed to ensuring you have all the tools and information needed to keep your new teeth in optimal shape for the remainder of your life. Because dental implant care in Fresno is essential to increasing your smile’s longevity, you will find various tips listed below. After reviewing the following information, you are free to contact us with any questions or concerns you might have.
Making Oral Hygiene a Priority
Even if you still have a majority of your natural teeth, it’s important that you continue to practice good oral hygiene while wearing dental implants. Tooth decay, gum disease, and cavities can all form as a result of neglecting plaque and tartar that is allowed to grow and spread. This can lead to dental implant failure as well as worsening oral health problems. By maintaining a regular schedule in the morning and evening of brushing, flossing, and rinsing, you can ensure the health and future of your smile.
Eating a Healthy Diet
Everyone loves a nice big slice of chocolate cake or apple pie, but it doesn’t mean you should be eating it every day. Too much sugar and starch can lead to bad bacteria causing harmful acids to break down your natural tooth enamel as well as irritate your soft oral tissues. Adopting a nutrient-rich, healthy diet that consists of plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and foods high in calcium and Vitamin C (i.e., leafy greens, milk, cheese yogurt) will not only strengthen your natural tooth enamel but also encourage better gum health.
Breaking Bad Habits
Whether you are prone to biting your fingernails, using your teeth as tools, eating ice, or smoking, you’ll need to curb or quit these bad habits before ever receiving your dental implants in Fresno. Any of these particular practices can place unnecessary pressure on your prosthetics, causing them to fracture, chip, or break. The same can be said for your natural teeth. If you want to reduce your risk for potential damage and avoid a visit to the emergency dentist’s office, make sure you’re giving up your unhealthy habits and trading them in for a healthier, longer-lasting smile.
Protecting Your Dental Implants
Customized mouthguards are some of the most effective forms of treatment available. These oral appliances allow you to engage in your favorite sports without continually worrying as to whether you will suffer a serious injury. They can also alleviate tooth enamel wear and tear and chronic jaw pain if you are prone to bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching). The only pressure your teeth should face is when you’re eating or chewing. Otherwise, a sudden fall or hit as well as excessive grinding can cause immense damage and require timely and costly treatment to fix.
Scheduling Regular Dental Checkups
Keeping your regularly scheduled six-month dental checkups and cleanings with your implant dentist in Fresno is vital. Yes, you are responsible for maintaining your new smile the remainder of the time, but twice a year, it is best to let a qualified professional examine your smile to determine if any potential problems might hinder or compromise your dental implants.
Dental Implant FAQs
After perusing all of the information earlier on this page, you probably have a decent idea of what to expect when getting dental implants. With that being said, it’s important to be well-informed before beginning any sort of dental treatment. To make finding the information you need simple, we’ve answered a few of the dental implant questions that our team gets asked the most often. Of course, Dr. Reintjes will be more than happy to answer any additional questions during your consultation!
Can I Take Dental Implants Out?
No, you cannot take dental implants out. The posts are securely fixed in the jawbone, just like the roots of natural teeth. While some types of implant dentures can be removed for cleaning purposes, the posts themselves can only be taken out by a trained implant dentist in Fresno.
Am I Too Old to Get Dental Implants?
While you can certainly be too young to get dental implants (the jawbone should be fully developed, which may take until a person’s mid-twenties), there is no such thing as being too old for dental implants. As long as you’re generally healthy and wish to replace your missing teeth, you can probably benefit from this treatment!
The only thing to keep in mind is that seniors are more likely to have other medical issues that could complicate dental implant treatment, such as bone loss in the jaw. Dr. Reintjes will discuss all of this information during your consultation and come up with ways to make your treatment as successful as possible.
Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?
Before your dental implant surgery, Dr. Reintjes will make sure you’ll fully comfortable. Your mouth will be numbed and you’ll most likely be given sedation to soothe your nerves and reduce your body’s ability to register pain. Additionally, the jawbone does not contain very many nerve endings. As a result, most patients report that their procedure was much more comfortable than they had been expecting.
That said, your mouth will be sore for a few days following your surgery. Be sure to take prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers as directed during this recovery period. Applying a cold compress to your cheek for ten minutes a few times a day can also reduce discomfort. Most of the pain should subside after two or three days, but if it does not, then call us right away.
What Should I Do If I Can’t Afford Dental Implants?
There is no denying the fact that dental implants cost more initially than dentures and dental bridges. However, traditional prosthetics typically have to be replaced every five to ten years, while dental implants can last a lifetime with the right care. So, dental implants are actually the smarter long-term investment.
Our team understands that funding dental care can sometimes be difficult, which is why we partner with CareCredit to help make dental implants in Fresno affordable. Qualified patients can use a CareCredit plan to break up the cost of their dental treatment into manageable monthly payments. Many of these plans even have very little or no interest!
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