Implant Dentist San Luis Obispo, CA
An implant dentist is a dental professional who is qualified to place surgical fixtures that anchor dental prostheses. Implant dentistry offers patients a permanent, comfortable, and effective way to improve their mouths' look and function. Implants allow placement of dental prostheses such as replacement teeth, crowns, and bridges in the jaw.
Implant dentistry is available at Islay Hill Dentistry Co. in San Luis Obispo and the surrounding area. Our team can help you restore your smile's appearance and function. Call us today at (805) 316-4968 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Implant Dentist Qualifications
According to the American Dental Association, all dentists are qualified to place dental implants. While it is legal for any licensed dentist to place dental implants, implant dentists have more advanced training and experience. Dentists who specialize in implants receive more formal training and education to perform these procedures with a high degree of success.
Implant dentists have additional training and experience with anticipating, diagnosing, and treating surgical complications. Since implant dentists focus on implant procedures, they perform them more often than general dentists. Their extensive experience provides patients with a safety and comfort level that does not exist when dentists with less training and experience perform these procedures.
“While it is legal for any licensed dentist to place dental implants, implant dentists have more advanced training and experience.”
Dental Implants Procedures
Dental implant procedures involve inserting an implant to act as an artificial root, anchoring a custom restorative device. There are two major types of dental implants, endosteal and subperiosteal. Endosteal implants are the most commonly used dental implant and placed in the jawbone. They are usually made of titanium and shaped like small screws.
Subperiosteal implants are implants that we put under the gum but not in the jawbone. This type of implant is best for patients who do not have enough healthy natural jawbone and cannot undergo a procedure to rebuild it. In other cases, we can rebuild the bone through a bone augmentation, a sinus lift, or a ridge expansion to provide a sturdy foundation for an implant.
“Dental implant procedures involve inserting an implant to act as an artificial tooth root, anchoring a dental restoration.”
The Difference Between Dentures and Implants
First and foremost, implants are permanent, whereas removable dentures can be taken out. Dentures sit atop the gum line and should be removed on a nightly basis to avoid irritation to the gums and jawbones. Implants, on the other hand, become part of the mouth. Once the titanium screw has fused to the jawbone, it should function just like a real tooth root and support the artificial tooth for a lifetime.
Implants also provide jawbone and muscle support, whereas dentures do not. Patients who opt for dentures over implants may experience premature aging of the face due to bone density loss. Finally, implants are more comfortable than dentures. Once fully healed, most patients cannot tell the difference between their real teeth and faux ones. Removable dentures require more specialized care and maintenance.
“Implants also provide jawbone and muscle support, whereas dentures do not.”
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Alternative Options An Implant Dentist Provides
The purpose of dental implants is to provide an artificial replacement for missing or severely damaged teeth. As such, implant dentists can perform other alternative treatments that fulfill the same goal. Alternative treatments will most likely require a tooth replacement option such as a crown.
Alternative implant treatments include, but are not limited to, dentures and bridges. Partial dentures are used for patients with one missing tooth, whereas permanent or full dentures are used for those with many missing teeth. Bridges are placed when a patient has several missing teeth in a row.
“Alternative implant treatments include, but are not limited to, dentures and bridges.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What qualifications does an implant dentist have?
Q. What dental implants procedures does an implant dentist perform?
Q. When should people seek an implant dentist?
Q. What is the difference between dentures and implants?
Q. What alternative options does an implant dentist provide?
People Also Ask
Q. What should a patient do after dental implant surgery?
Q. What are the implant-supported options to replace teeth?
Q. What does the implant recovery process look like?
Q. What factors enable a patient to receive dental implants?
When To Seek an Implant Dentist
According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, almost anyone missing at least one tooth can receive a dental implant once facial growth and development are complete. To qualify for an implant, the person should be in good general health with healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implant. They must also have good oral hygiene and attend regular dental visits.
People with one or more missing teeth can benefit from receiving treatment from an implant dentist. In some severe tooth loss cases, an implant dentist can replace all of a patient's teeth. Dental implants can significantly improve the quality of life of a patient with missing teeth. These restorations can improve the appearance, function, and feel of teeth and help people eat, speak, and feel confident.
“People with one or more missing teeth can benefit from receiving treatment from an implant dentist.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What other options does an implant dentist provide?
A. Though implants are the superior tooth replacement option, an implant dentist understands that many people do not make great candidates for this procedure, whether due to cost, health, or other factors. For those patients, a less invasive method may be ideal. Four additional options include fixed bridges, which use a few implants and a bridge of faux teeth; a resin-retained bridge, which affixes to neighboring teeth; removable partial dentures; and full dentures.
Q. How many teeth can a dental implant replace?
A. While a single implant typically replaces one tooth, implants can also treat the loss of multiple teeth. Multiple implants may suffice. A fixed bridge or implant-supported dentures can also be used to replace multiple or even an entire mouthful of teeth.
Q. What can I expect after an implant dentist performs implant surgery?
A. Following dental implant surgery, a patient may experience some discomfort. Symptoms may include bruising of the gums and skin, swelling, pain at the site of the implant, and minor bleeding. The dentist may prescribe minor pain relievers and antibiotics.
Q. How might an implant dentist advise a patient to care for dental implants?
A. To ensure the longevity of implants, a dentist may advise a patient to follow a few recommended practices. Those include practicing excellent oral hygiene and avoiding teeth-damaging habits, such as chewing on hard items and opening things with one's teeth. The dentist may also recommend more frequent dental visits.
Q. Can an implant dentist guarantee the success of implants?
A. Implants have a very high success rate, but no procedure is 100% effective. Unfortunately, it is impossible to predict certain complications. However, an implant dentist can assess possible risks and take measures to prevent them before beginning surgery.
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Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
An implant dentist can help correct issues with missing and damaged teeth. Our team at Islay Hill Dentistry Co. can help you achieve the smile you have always wanted. Call us today at (805) 316-4968 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
About our business and website security
- Islay Hill Dentistry Co. was established in 2019.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: San Luis Obispo County
- We serve patients from the following cities: San Luis Obispo, Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Pismo Beach and Shell Beach
- CA (License #63695). View License Information and Specifics
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