Dental Implants in Newbury Park
A dental implant is a small post placed in the jawbone where a tooth's root used to be. Once it is in place, it serves as the anchor for a crown, a bridge, or a full set of replacement teeth. For many of our patients in Newbury Park, implants are a way to fill a gap that has been bothering them for months or years, or to move past dentures that never felt quite right. At 805 Dentistry in Thousand Oaks, we plan, place, and restore implants under one roof, so your care stays in one office from the first consultation through your follow-up visits.
Most people come to us with one of a few situations. Some have lost a single tooth to decay, a crack, or an injury and want something that looks and functions like a natural tooth. In that case, one implant topped with a crown fills the space without reshaping the healthy teeth on either side, which a traditional bridge would require. Others are missing several teeth in a row. For them, an implant-supported bridge can replace multiple teeth using fewer posts than teeth.
Then there are patients who are missing most or all of their teeth, or who are tired of loose dentures. For these cases we offer All-on-4, All-on-6, and other All-on-X approaches, along with implant-supported and snap-in dentures. These options secure a full arch of teeth to a set number of implants. Some patients also come in with a tooth that can't be saved. We can handle the extraction and plan the implant as part of the same treatment.
Implants work differently from removable options, and patients often notice the difference in everyday life. Here are some of the reasons Newbury Park patients choose them:
- They are anchored in the jaw, so they don't shift when you eat or speak.
- A single implant doesn't require reshaping neighboring teeth.
- Implant-supported dentures snap securely into place instead of relying on adhesive.
- Crowns and prosthetics can be shaped and shaded to blend with your smile.
- Implants can be combined with other restorative or cosmetic treatment as part of a larger plan.
Who places your implant also matters. We have a board-certified periodontist on staff, a specialist in the gums and supporting bone around teeth. Our periodontist places dental implants and provides ongoing implant maintenance. Our on-site dental lab also supports the restorative side of your treatment.
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
Many adults who are missing one or more teeth are candidates, but the answer depends on your gum health and the bone available to support an implant. We start with an exam and imaging to find out. Our office provides CBCT imaging, a 3D scan that shows bone height, width, and nearby structures in detail. A board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist on our team interprets these scans.
If the scan shows there isn't enough bone, that doesn't automatically rule you out. We perform bone grafting and sinus lift surgery to build up areas that need more support before an implant is placed. If you have gum disease, we can treat it first. We offer scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery, and gum grafting so your implant has a healthy foundation.
What happens during the implant process?
The process moves in stages, beginning with a consultation and imaging so we can map out where each implant should go. If you need an extraction or grafting, we complete that first. Next, the implant post is placed in the jaw and given time to integrate with the bone. After that, we attach the final crown, bridge, or full-arch prosthetic.
Many patients ask about comfort, especially if dental visits make them anxious. We have a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on staff and offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. We'll discuss which option fits your procedure and your comfort level during planning, so you know what to expect before treatment day.
How do I care for my implants, and how can I pay for them?
You care for implants much like natural teeth: brush, floss, and keep up with regular professional visits. Implants can't decay, but the gums and bone around them still need attention. Our periodontist provides implant maintenance, and we'll set up a cleaning schedule that fits your needs. Because we're a family practice, your household can also see us for cleanings, exams, and other dental care in the same office.
For payment, we accept all major PPO insurance plans and welcome self-pay patients. Financing is also available if you'd like to spread out the cost of treatment. We'll go over your plan and your options at your consultation. If you live in Newbury Park and are ready to talk about replacing missing teeth, contact our Thousand Oaks office to schedule a visit with our team.