Choosing how to replace missing teeth is a big decision. At Capital Dental Group, our team wants you to feel informed, confident and clear about your options before moving forward with treatment. Dental implants in Bakersfield, California, can replace one tooth, several teeth or a full arch of missing teeth with stable, natural-looking support.
Dental implant consultations are free and include complimentary CT scans. During your visit, our team can evaluate your oral health, review your goals and explain whether dental implants, implant-supported dentures, bridges or another treatment option may be right for you.
To learn more about dental implants, contact our team today or call 661-861-8000.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are placed in the jawbone to support replacement teeth. Once an implant heals and bonds with the bone, it can support a custom dental crown, bridge, denture or full-arch restoration.
A dental implant typically includes three parts:
- Implant post: The part placed in the jawbone to act like a tooth root
- Abutment: The connector between the implant and the restoration
- Restoration: The visible replacement tooth, bridge or denture
Because implants replace the missing tooth root, they can provide strong support for your restoration and help maintain jawbone health where teeth are missing.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
Dental implants are often recommended because they restore more than the appearance of your smile. They can also help improve chewing strength, bite stability and long-term oral health.
Benefits of dental implants may include:
- Replacing missing teeth with stable, natural-looking restorations
- Helping restore chewing ability and bite support
- Reducing movement compared with some removable options
- Helping prevent nearby teeth from shifting
- Supporting jawbone health where teeth are missing
- Protecting healthy neighboring teeth from unnecessary alteration in some cases
- Improving confidence when eating, speaking and smiling
Across the practice, documented implant experience includes more than 11,000 implants placed, more than 4,600 implant restorations and more than 500 implant-supported or snap-in denture cases.
Dental Implant Options
Dental implants can be used in different ways depending on how many teeth are missing and where they are located.
- Single-tooth implants: Used to replace one missing tooth with an implant and custom crown
- Implant-supported bridges: Used to replace several missing teeth in the same area
- Full-arch tooth replacement: Used to replace most or all teeth in an upper or lower arch
- Implant-supported dentures: Used to add stability to dentures for improved comfort and function
If your case is more complex because of bone loss, failing teeth, denture instability or full-arch needs, our team can help coordinate the right level of implant care.
What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?
Implant-supported dentures are dentures that attach to dental implants for added stability. They may be used when a patient is missing many or all teeth in an upper or lower arch.
Some implant-supported dentures are removable, while others are fixed in place. Full-arch options may include All-on-4®-style dental implants, implant-supported dentures or fixed full-arch implant restorations. The right option depends on your bone support, oral health, bite and smile goals.
During your consultation, complimentary CT imaging helps our team evaluate your jawbone and explain which options may be appropriate.
What Needs to Happen Before Dental Implant Treatment?
Your implant treatment begins with a consultation and exam. Our team will review your dental history, medical history, oral health and goals for your smile. Complimentary CT imaging may be used to evaluate your jawbone, surrounding teeth and implant placement options.
Before receiving dental implants, some patients may need treatment for gum disease, tooth decay, infection or bone loss. If your jawbone does not have enough support for an implant, additional planning may be needed. Our team will explain your options clearly before treatment begins.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Many patients with missing teeth are candidates for dental implants, but the right treatment depends on your health and oral structures. Good candidates usually have healthy gums, enough bone to support implants and overall health that supports healing.
You may still have implant options if you have bone loss, loose dentures, failing teeth or other dental concerns. These situations may require more detailed planning, which is why a consultation and CT scan are important.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants are designed to provide long-term support when they are properly planned, placed and maintained. Good oral hygiene, regular dental visits and healthy gums all play an important role in implant success.
The implant post may last for many years with proper care, but the crown, bridge, denture or other restoration attached to the implant may eventually need repair or replacement due to normal wear.
How Do I Take Care of Dental Implants?
Dental implants should be cared for much like natural teeth. Brush twice a day, floss or clean around the implant as instructed and visit our team for routine dental cleanings and exams.
Keeping your gums healthy is one of the most important parts of protecting your dental implants. Our team can show you how to clean around your implant restoration and recommend the right maintenance schedule for your needs.
How Many Appointments Does Dental Implant Treatment Take?
The number of appointments depends on your oral health, the number of teeth being replaced, your bone support and the type of restoration being used. Some cases are more straightforward, while others require additional planning or treatment before implants can be placed.
In many cases, dental implant treatment includes a healing period before the final restoration is attached. During your consultation, our team will explain the estimated timeline based on your specific treatment plan.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
The cost of dental implants depends on several factors, including the number of implants needed, the type of restoration, whether additional treatment is required and the complexity of your case.
After your consultation, our team can provide a clearer estimate and review available payment options. We also offer a Membership Club option for patients without insurance.
Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation
If you are considering dental implants, our team can help you understand your options and choose the right treatment path for your smile. Capital Dental Group offers free dental implant consultations with complimentary CT scans for patients in Bakersfield, California.
Call 661-861-8000 today to schedule your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Are dental implants better than dentures?
Dental implants can offer more stability than traditional removable dentures because they are supported by the jawbone. However, the best option depends on your oral health, bone support, goals and whether you want a fixed or removable restoration.
Can dental implants replace all of my teeth?
Yes. Dental implants can support full-arch tooth replacement options for patients missing most or all teeth in an upper or lower arch. These options may include implant-supported dentures, fixed full-arch restorations or All-on-4®-style treatment.
Can I get dental implants if I have bone loss?
Bone loss does not always rule out dental implants, but it may make treatment more complex. Complimentary CT imaging helps our team evaluate your bone support and explain which options may be appropriate.
Do dental implants look natural?
Yes. The visible restoration attached to a dental implant is custom designed to match your smile. Depending on your needs, this may be a crown, bridge, denture or full-arch restoration.
Do dental implants hurt?
Our team prioritizes your comfort throughout treatment. Local anesthesia is used during implant placement, and additional comfort options may be discussed when appropriate. Some soreness after treatment is normal, and our team will provide instructions to support healing.
Do you offer free dental implant consultations?
Yes. Capital Dental Group offers free dental implant consultations that include complimentary CT scans. This helps our team evaluate your needs and explain your options before treatment begins.