At Millennium Dental in Tracy and Stockton, CA, Dr. Rodriguez and Dr. Chicchon provide the latest in dental implants and restorative dentistry technology. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that serve as anchors for replacement teeth. When a patient is missing one or more teeth, dental implants are the most permanent (and often the most comfortable) solution. Visit our smile gallery to view some before-and-after photos of the results enjoyed by dental implant patients.
Steps for Dental Implants
The first step in the dental implants process for our Tracy and Stockton dental implant patients is a consultation with Dr. Rodriguez or Dr. Chicchon, during which all possible tooth replacement options will be discussed. To be a good candidate for dental implants, the dental patient must have sufficient bone in his or her jaw to support the implants. Once it is determined that the patient is a good candidate for dental implants, Dr. Rodriguez or Dr. Chicchon will surgically implant the titanium screws that serve as anchors into the patient's jaw. The next step in the dental implants process will occur three to six months later, after the titanium tooth roots have completely fused to the patient's jaw bone. Once this has occurred, the patient can return to our Tracy or Stockton restorative dentistry office where Dr. Chicchon will fit the custom-crafted replacement teeth onto the patient's artificial tooth roots.
Implant Options
The 4- Implant Bar Overdenture
In this option, four implants are placed in the jaw and after healing they are connected with a metal bar. The denture is made to "snap-on" to the bar. This are provides significantly improved support for the denture, allowing you to bit much strong and practically immobilizing the denture during all movements to withstand the increased forces, the denture is often reinforced with a metal framework. This treatment is available for the upper and/or lower jaws.
The Acrylic-Titanium Hybrid
This prosthesis is called a hybrid because it is essentially made up of two distinct materials: the acrylic teeth and gums, and an underlying titanium framework. While standard denture teeth are used in this prosthesis, and acrylic hybrid will feel significantly stronger than a regular denture because it is tightly secured to several implants. It is not removable by the patient but the dentist can remove it as needed. This is a relatively cost-effective choice for patients who want teeth that feel natural and allow them to bite harder.
The Monolithic Zirconia Prosthesis
This prosthesis is machine-milled from a block of solid zirconium. After milling it is colored, stained, and glazed to attempt to capture a more natural appearance. Zirconia is the strongest material available in dentistry today, so this prosthesis is as durable as it gets. The compromise is that it lacks the translucency of natural teeth. Also, being difficult to color, it often results in a "too white" or mono-chromatic appearance.
The Veneered Procera Implant Bridge (PIB)
The Veneered Procera Implant Bridge consists of a zirconium base over which a highly esthetic layer of porcelain is applied. The porcelain adds translucency, depth, and color tones to the opaque zirconium. The biting surfaces are in a zirconium to minimize tooth wear or fracture of porcelain. The PIB is a combination of durability and a beautiful porcelain finish.
The crowned Procera Implant Bridge
This prosthesis is the "Ferrari" of implant dentures. It consists of a base which can be made out of zirconium or a metal alloy, over which is cemented a whole row of individual highly-esthetic ceramic crowns. The use of individual crowns is desirable because they allow for the best cosmetic result. Also, in the event of physical trauma or grinding of teeth, it is more likely that a crown will become dislodged, rather than fractured. In this case, the patient can simply come to the office where the crown can easily be re-cemented.
Dental Implants Preferred Over Dentures
Many of Dr. Rodriguez's and Dr. Chicchon's Tracy and Stockton area dental implant patients prefer permanent dental implants over traditional removable dentures for several reasons. Dental implants are nearly indistinguishable from a patient's natural teeth, unlike dentures which look artificial. While traditional dentures need to be removed nightly for cleaning, dental implants are a permanent tooth loss solution that require no additional maintenance outside of a good oral hygiene routine. Dental implants also allow patients to feel more comfortable while speaking and eating because dental implants are permanently affixed to the patient's jaw and won't shift or slip as with traditional dentures.
Get Started Today!