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Dental Implants Specialist

General Dentistry & Cosmetic Dentistry located in Stockton, CA

Dental Implants

After losing one tooth or multiple teeth, it might be hard to visualize yourself with a permanent, functional replacement option. However, dental implants by Stephen Nozaki, DDS, MPH, DIDIA, and his team at Image Dental in Stockton, California, give you just that. If you’re interested in dental implants for sturdy crowns, bridges, or dentures, schedule an appointment over the phone or online at Image Dental today. 


What are dental implants?

Dental implants are tiny post-like devices that are usually made of titanium. Titanium is a biocompatible metal, meaning it won’t cause a reaction with your bones or tissues. An oral surgeon embeds the titanium implant in your jawbone during a minor surgery in the office at Image Dental before giving the bone some time to fuse with the metal. 

Once it’s sturdy enough, your oral surgeon reopens the original incision to access the top of the dental implant. They place an abutment piece on the implant, which will later hold a custom restoration like a crown, bridge, or denture. Implants act as roots for artificial teeth and last for a lifetime with an exceptionally high success rate.

The team at Image Dental can tell you if you’re an excellent candidate to get one or more dental implants after evaluating your oral health and jawbone. Sometimes, it’s necessary to get a bone graft before getting a dental implant. The bone graft adds substance to the jawbone where it has deteriorated due to periodontal disease or the loss of a tooth root. 

What are my treatment options with dental implants?

Image Dental offers individual implants to replace single teeth as well as multiple implants to support a whole denture. You can get:

Single implants

Just one implant replaces the root of a single tooth and holds a crown. An implant can also hold a bridge, so you don’t have to alter other teeth to replace just one or two like you would with a non implant-supported bridge. 

All-On-4® implants

All-On-4 allows you to replace an entire row of teeth without needing a handful of implants. Just four implants, evenly spaced across the jawbone, can support a denture without compromising the integrity of the bone. 

What are the benefits of having dental implants?

Dental implants offer distinct benefits for you to explore as you consider your treatment options for tooth replacement. With dental implants, you can expect:

  • Permanent results
  • A natural appearance
  • Easy cleaning and maintenance
  • A natural feel
  • Improved speech
  • Easier eating
  • No dietary restrictions
  • More confidence

Due to a process called osseointegration, your jawbone fuses with the dental implant. Therefore, it stays in place permanently. You might need to replace the restorations attached to your dental implants, but you’ll never have to replace the implant itself.

Schedule your appointment over the phone or online at Image Dental to learn more about dental implants and All-On-4 today.