Dental Implants FAQ, Fremont CA

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are changing the way people live. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. Patients with dental implants can smile with confidence.

The dental implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts that protrude through the gums are then attached to the dental implant. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.

Dental implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.

More questions about dental implants?

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How are dental implants placed?

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, dental implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the dental implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your dentist is forming new replacement teeth.

After the dental implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Stephen T. Wat, DDS will uncover the dental implants and attach small posts that protrude through the gums and will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. When the artificial teeth are placed, these posts will not be seen. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.

Dental Implants Presentation

To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed.

How long do dental implants take to place?

Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Norman G. Wat, DDS & Stephen T. Wat, DDS are able to place single stage dental implants. These dental implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of six weeks of healing time before artificial teeth are placed. There are even situations where the implants can be placed at the same time as a tooth extraction further minimizing the number of surgical procedures.

Dental Implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. While Dr. Norman Wat & Dr. Stephen Wat perform the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary, the restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.

What types of prosthesis are available?

A single prosthesis (crown) is used to replace one missing tooth each prosthetic tooth attaches to its own implant. A partial prosthesis (fixed bridge) can replace two or more teeth and may require only two or three implants. A complete dental prosthesis (fixed bridge) replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of implants varies depending upon which type of complete prosthesis (removable or fixed) is recommended. A removable prosthesis (over denture) attaches to a bar or ball in socket attachments, whereas a fixed prosthesis is permanent and removable only by the dentist.

Drs. Norman & Stephen Wat perform in-office implant surgery in a hospital-style operating suite, thus optimizing the level of sterility. Inpatient hospital implant surgery is for patients who have special medical or anesthetic needs or for those who need extensive bone grafting from the jaw, hip or tibia.

Why dental implants?

Once you learn about dental implants, you finally realize there is a way to improve your life. When you lose several teeth whether its a new situation or something you have lived with for years chances are you have never become fully accustomed to losing such a vital part of yourself.

Dental implants can be your doorway to renewed self-confidence and peace of mind.

A Swedish scientist and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark, developed this concept for oral rehabilitation more than 35 years ago. With his pioneering research, Dr. Branemark opened the door to a lifetime of renewed comfort and self-confidence for millions of individuals facing the frustration and embarrassment of tooth loss.

Why select dental implants over more traditional types of restorations?

There are several reasons: Why sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge a space? In addition, removing a denture or a partial at night may be inconvenient, not to mention that dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and rather embarrassing.

Are you a candidate for dental implants?

If you are considering dental implants, your mouth must be examined thoroughly and your medical and dental history reviewed. If your mouth is not ideal for dental implants, ways of improving outcome, such as bone grafting, may be recommended.

What type of anesthesia is used?

The majority of dental implants and bone grafting can be performed in the office under local anesthesia, with or without general anesthesia.

Do dental implants need special care?

Once the dental implants are in place, they will serve you well for many years if you take care of them and keep your mouth healthy. This means taking the time for good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and keeping regular appointments with your dental specialists.

Wat Oral Surgery & Implant Center

5 out of 5 stars based on 6 Dental Implants reviews.

Patient Review

Great service& my implant has been successful a year after. I'll continue for follow up. I never had any pain & the fit & color of my implant is perfect.

- Eva B

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

Dr. Steve and Charly and Denise are are great team. They made my visit enjoyable, easy, and all nerves went away went sat in the chair. Good for family and friend care. Their front office is always nice and prompt to help you.

- Kimberly P

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

Friendly and nice place. Very efficient staff . Dr Watt is very skillful, known Ledge able and has great bed side manners .

- Maria N

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

I would certainly recommend Dr. Wat. He doesn't hurt you and if I ever need another tooth removed I will definitely come back to this office

- Dorothy jee

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

The staff is fantastic.

- Gary R

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

I'm just beginning a lengthy procedure, but if the whole process is as easy as the first steps have been then I have nothing but high praise for Dr. Wat and his staff.

- Brenda M

5 out of 5 stars on