Dr. Jason Baldwin offers dental implants in Truckee, CA. to replace missing teeth. Implants provide the most natural-looking and functioning results when compared to traditional options such as dental bridges and dentures. Dental implants offer key benefits for your oral and overall health.
Dr. Baldwin has extensive training and experience in replacing lost teeth. He offers patients the benefit of a comprehensive and personalized approach to their care to support the best possible outcomes.
What Is A Dental Implant?
Dental implants are small posts we place in the jaw bone. Implants mimic both the tooth root for healthy bone retention and the missing tooth with a post and custom dental crown. They can replace a single missing tooth or to permanently secure a denture when all upper or lower teeth are lost.
The implant consists of 3 basic parts: the titanium post, a dental crown, and an abutment that connects them. We can place dental implants without having to reduce neighboring teeth because they are an independent restoration. This is another key benefit for your overall dental health.
The Dental Implant Procedure
Whether you get a single dental implant or several implants to secure a denture, the process will begin with the surgical implantation of a tiny titanium post into the jaw bone. Dr. Baldwin may coordinate with a local oral surgeon for this phase of the procedure.
After 3-6 months for complete healing, Dr. Baldwin will attach a custom dental crown, bridge or denture for a secure new smile.
Dental implants may require a larger commitment of time and dental care upfront, but there is no need for the daily adhesive as is required with more traditional options and the results will function much like your natural teeth. The benefits of dental implants include:
- Improved bone and gum health (compared to alternative restorations)
- Avoids degradation of healthy teeth (as in conventional bridgework)
- Improves the appearance of the smile and lower face
- Patients can enjoy a healthy diet without restrictions
- No worry of slippage or dentures “falling out”
Dr. Baldwin will thoroughly evaluate your dental health, discuss your concerns and goals and create a personalized treatment plan to restore a functional, healthy new smile. Dental implants can help you maintain a more youthful profile with improved jawbone retention compared to traditional treatment options. They also support a healthy diet and normal speech patterns.
i-CAT® Cone Beam 3D Dental Imaging System
The Cone Beam CT Scanner evaluates and analyzes high-priority anatomy for implanted restorations and oral surgery in less than 15 minutes, without leaving our facility.
In fact, there aren’t very many doctors around Tahoe and Reno that have a Cone Beam CT Scanner in the office. Some doctors have to send their dental implant patients to a specialist’s office for the scan, or, surprisingly, others think they can perform oral surgery without the must-have scans.
If you are considering getting dental implants anywhere else but here, be sure to ask about the Cone Beam CT Scanner and whether or not it is part of that dental practice’s surgical standard procedures.
CAT Scans and CBCT Scans
The CAT Scan produces precise cross-sectional slides of any needed area in the upper or lower jaws. This provides immediate and exact structural details of your occlusal system. It includes dimensions and locations for the patient’s unique dental implant procedure. This complex tool ensures we have accessible and detailed data.
The Cone Beam CT Scanner also captures 3-D images. CBCT scans help us see if bone grafting or sinus lifts are necessary in spots where there is not enough bone mass to place dental implants.
The CAT Scan also pinpoints optimal implant treatment and placement. The CAT Scan also helps us pick the best implant brand, size, jaw location, and positioning angles before your implant surgery.
The Cone Beam CT Scanner also pinpoints the exact positions of your current teeth. It helps Dr. Baldwin to:
- Accurately plan for the dental implants’ integration into the alveolar bone
- Find the location relative to neighboring teeth
- See the distance from the nerve canal, sinus walls, and cortical borders
Dental Implant FAQs
Read answers to common questions about dental implants in Truckee, CA:
How painful is a dental implant?
For many patients, there is little to no pain or discomfort throughout the procedure. We use a local anesthetic so you feelcomfortable throughout the procedure. Many patients report they feel less pain than with a tooth extraction.
How should I prepare for dental implants?
You can prepare for dental implant surgery by rinsing your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash, which helps eliminate germs and prevent infection. Make sure to take any antibiotics prescribed to you before the procedure. It also helps to eat a good breakfast before your appointment unless you use IV sedation.
Will I be under sedation for dental implants?
For most implant procedures, you will most likely not need full sedation with general anesthesia. If your procedure is more complex, your dentist can recommend a general anesthetic. Our dentist or oral surgeon will decide on a case-by-case basis. You will need a local anesthetic in most cases.
How long after dental implants can I eat normally?
Once the anesthesia wears off, you will likely not have to wait long to eat. Within a couple of hours of your appointment, you can start eating soft foods. Take your time before you eat hard or crunchy foods as you get used to your new teeth.
Can your dentist or oral surgeon complete a dental implant procedure in one day?
Yes. A dentist or oral surgeon can provide dental implants in one day for a single implant post. Dentists and oral surgeons refer to it as immediate load or same-day tooth implants.
Same-day tooth implants are not for all patients. Factors such as your dental health, the state of your jawbone, and the location of the tooth implant you need will determine if you’re a good candidate. We can assess your situation to find the best approach for you.
Do dental implants get cavities?
No, dental implants will not develop cavities. Unlike natural teeth, tooth implants contain titanium, which is resistant to decay. This makes them more resistant to bacteria that can cause cavities. Even though tooth implants can’t decay, gum disease can still occur around them.
So you should still brush and floss regularly and have regular dental check-ups and exams. Your tooth implants will depend on the health of the gums and bones around them.
Schedule a Dental Exam & Consultation
If you have one or more missing teeth, Dr. Baldwin provides consultations for dental implants in the Lake Tahoe, CA, and Truckee, CA areas. Schedule an appointment today to discuss your oral health, concerns, and budget. We’ll see if dental implants are the right choice for you.
Learn more about dental implants on our website: