Why Choosing the Right Dentist That Does Implants Can Transform Your Life
When you're looking for a dentist that does implants, you're taking the first step toward restoring your smile, confidence, and quality of life. Missing teeth can impact your ability to eat, speak, and feel comfortable in social situations. A skilled implant dentist offers a permanent solution that looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth. Dental implants are designed to preserve your jawbone and do not require altering healthy adjacent teeth, making them an ideal choice for long-term health. With success rates reaching up to 97%, this proven technology has helped countless patients. Key factors to consider include the dentist's experience, use of advanced 3D imaging, a comprehensive approach, and sedation options for comfort.
As Dr. Mohammad Aghiad Kandar DDS at UNO DENTAL SAN FRANCISCO, I've helped hundreds of patients steer their implant journey using advanced techniques and personalized care. My experience as a dentist that does implants includes comprehensive treatment planning, surgical placement, and final restoration - all under one roof for your convenience.
At UNO DENTAL, we understand the profound impact a healthy, complete smile has on your overall well-being. We are committed to providing exceptional care, guiding you through every stage of your dental implant journey with expertise and compassion. Find more about our dedicated Dental Implants services and how we can help you achieve the smile you've always wanted.
What Are Dental Implants and Why Are They the Gold Standard?
Picture this: you're missing a tooth, and you want a replacement that looks, feels, and works exactly like the original. That's where dental implants come in. When you visit a dentist that does implants, they're offering you what's widely considered the gold standard of tooth replacement – and for good reason.
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made from biocompatible titanium. A dentist that does implants surgically places this post into your jawbone. Over a few months, the bone fuses with the implant in a process called osseointegration. This creates a strong foundation that mimics a natural tooth root, allowing you to chew and speak with confidence.
Crucially, implants preserve your jawbone and support your facial structure. When a tooth is lost, the underlying bone begins to shrink, which can alter your appearance. Dental implants provide the necessary stimulation to keep the jawbone healthy and strong, restoring natural function so you can eat your favorite foods and laugh without worry.
You can learn more about how this life-changing technology developed by reading about The Evolution of Dental Implants. For an independent overview, see Dental implant.
Types of Dental Implants
Every smile is unique, which is why a skilled dentist that does implants will carefully evaluate your specific situation to recommend the best approach. The beauty of modern implant dentistry is that we have solutions for almost every scenario.
- Single Tooth Replacement: One implant supports one custom crown, preserving adjacent healthy teeth.
- Multiple Teeth Replacement: An implant-supported bridge can replace several teeth in a row using just two or more implants, offering a cost-effective and stable solution.
- Full Arch Replacement: For patients missing all teeth in an arch, we offer transformative solutions like Full Mouth Dental Implants, often using just four to six implants to support a full set of new teeth.
The most common type is the endosteal implant, a screw-like post placed directly into the jawbone, which has a long history of success. The goal is always to restore natural function and a beautiful smile.
The Dental Implant Journey: From Consultation to Recovery
At UNO DENTAL, your implant journey is a partnership focused on your comfort and success. Our patient-centered care combines high-tech planning with genuine human support. We ensure you understand each step, feel confident in your decision, and are supported throughout the entire process.
Step 1: The Initial Consultation and Planning
Your journey starts with a comprehensive exam and holistic health review to understand your smile goals and overall wellness. We use advanced 3D imaging technology (CBCT scans) to create a detailed map of your mouth, allowing us to measure bone density and plan the precise placement of your implants. This technology enables us to create a personalized treatment plan, showing you what to expect and answering all your questions. To learn more about candidacy, review our guide: Do You Need Dental Implants San Francisco?.
Step 2: The Implant Placement Procedure
The surgical placement is often quicker and easier than patients expect. We use local anesthesia to ensure you feel no pain. For anxious patients, we offer sedation options like nitrous oxide or IV sedation for complete comfort. Thanks to our precise 3D planning, the procedure duration is efficient, typically 30 to 60 minutes per implant. For more complex cases, learn about our Full Mouth Implant Procedure.
Step 3: Healing and Osseointegration
The healing period lasts 3 to 6 months, allowing for osseointegration—the process where your jawbone fuses with the implant. This bone fusion creates the stable foundation that makes implants so successful. We monitor your progress with check-ups to ensure proper healing. To maintain your appearance and confidence during this time, we provide temporary tooth options, so you never have to go with a visible gap in your smile.
Step 4: Placing the Final Restoration
After healing, we proceed with the final restoration. This involves abutment placement, where a connector is attached to the implant. We then begin custom crown fabrication, using precise measurements and color matching for a seamless look. Our aesthetic matching ensures your new tooth is indistinguishable from your natural teeth. During the final fitting, the crown is securely attached, completing your new, fully functional smile. For qualifying patients, we offer Same Day Dental Implant options to accelerate this final phase.
The Unmatched Benefits of Dental Implants
Investing in a dentist that does implants is an investment in your overall oral health and a permanent solution for missing teeth. Dental implants offer significant, life-changing advantages that contribute to your long-term health and confidence.
The key benefits include:
- Bone Loss Prevention: Implants are the only tooth replacement option that actively stimulates and preserves the jawbone, preventing the bone deterioration that can alter your facial appearance over time.
- No Damage to Adjacent Teeth: Because they are self-supporting, implants do not require grinding down healthy neighboring teeth for support, keeping more of your natural smile intact.
- Natural Feel and Function: Implants are designed to look, feel, and function just like natural teeth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with total confidence and without worry.
- Long-Term Value: While the initial investment is higher, implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care. This makes them a cost-effective solution over the long run, avoiding the recurring replacement costs associated with less durable options.
These advantages lead to renewed confidence, improved nutrition, and a better quality of life. Explore all the advantages in our guide on The Benefits of Dental Implants San Francisco.
Finding the Right Dentist That Does Implants and Understanding the Investment
Choosing the right dentist that does implants is a crucial decision for your health and happiness. It's an investment in years of confident smiles and comfortable living. At UNO DENTAL, we understand the importance of this choice and are here to guide you. We provide exceptional value through our expertise, technology, and genuine care, creating a unique treatment plan that will transform your daily life.
What to Look for in a Dentist That Does Implants
When selecting a dentist that does implants, prioritize these factors:
- Experience and Training: Our team has years of specialized training and has successfully placed hundreds of implants.
- Advanced Technology: We use state-of-the-art 3D imaging (CBCT scans) for precise planning, ensuring the safest and most predictable outcomes.
- Patient Reviews: The positive experiences of our patients speak to our commitment to quality care and excellent results.
- Comprehensive Approach: We handle everything under one roof, from consultation to final restoration, providing seamless continuity of care.
- Holistic Philosophy: We use biocompatible materials and consider your overall health in every treatment decision.
For more guidance, see our Best Dental Implant Center Guide.
The Cost of a New Smile
Dental implants are an investment in your health. Cost factors include the number of implants, the quality of materials used (high-grade titanium and porcelain), and any additional procedures like bone grafting needed to ensure long-term success. The average price range is $3,698 to $6,159 per implant, which typically covers the implant, abutment, and crown. We provide complete pricing transparency with no hidden fees, so you understand the full investment in your new smile.
Financing and Payment Options
We believe cost should not be a barrier to a healthy smile. We help make treatment accessible through:
- Insurance Coverage: We work with your provider to maximize your benefits. Many plans now offer coverage for implants.
- Financing Plans: We partner with trusted companies to offer flexible payment options, including low-interest plans for qualified patients.
- Transparent Communication: Our team helps you steer costs and payment methods, ensuring treatment fits your budget.
Learn more about our commitment to affordability in our Affordable Dental Implants San Francisco guide.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Implants
When you're considering dental implants, it's completely natural to have questions. As a dentist that does implants with years of experience helping patients in San Francisco, I've heard these concerns countless times. Let me address the most common questions with honest, straightforward answers that will help put your mind at ease.
Is the dental implant procedure painful?
Patient comfort is our top priority. The vast majority of patients report minimal discomfort. During the procedure, the area is completely numbed with local anesthesia, so you won't feel pain. For anxious patients, we offer sedation options, including nitrous oxide and IV sedation, to ensure you are relaxed. Post-procedure discomfort is typically mild, similar to a tooth extraction, and easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. We provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. They have a success rate of up to 97%, making them a durable and reliable long-term investment. Longevity depends on excellent oral hygiene, including daily brushing and flossing, as well as regular six-month dental check-ups and cleanings. Avoiding habits like chewing ice or grinding your teeth (for which we can provide a nightguard) will also protect your investment and ensure your implants serve you for decades.
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
Most people with missing teeth are good candidates for dental implants. Ideal candidates have good general and oral health, including healthy gums. Adequate jawbone density is necessary for the implant to fuse properly. However, even if you have experienced bone loss, a bone grafting procedure can often make you eligible. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or heavy smoking can affect success rates, but they don't automatically disqualify you. A comprehensive examination with 3D imaging during your consultation will allow us to determine the best treatment plan for your specific situation.
Conclusion: Take the First Step Towards a Confident Smile
Living with missing teeth can diminish your quality of life, but it doesn't have to be permanent. Dental implants are a life-changing investment in your health and confidence. By choosing a skilled dentist that does implants, you are opting for a permanent solution that preserves bone, restores natural function, and protects adjacent teeth.
At UNO DENTAL, our mission is to provide patient-centered care that combines advanced technology with genuine compassion. Our comprehensive, under-one-roof approach ensures you receive the personalized treatment you deserve. Imagine laughing freely, enjoying your favorite foods, and smiling confidently—this can be your reality.
Your journey to a restored smile starts with a single step. We invite you to our complimentary virtual smile consultation to discuss your goals and learn how we can help.
Ready to reclaim your confidence? Schedule your consultation for Dental Implants in San Francisco today and let UNO DENTAL help you refind the joy of a complete, beautiful smile.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Mohammad Aghiad Kandar, DDS.