There are actually two phases to implant dentistry.

Phase 1: Using very accurate surgical techniques, an incision is made in the gum tissues and implants are placed into dimensionally controlled sites (depth and width) in the jawbone.

First, the gum tissue is opened and the jaw bone is tapped with a small drill and then drilled with a wider drill. The implant is inserted into place. The gum tissues are then closed and the healing phase begins. This may take anywhere from 3-6 months to ensure a strong base.

Phase 2: An abutment is secured to the top of the implant placing a new tooth crown onto the implant abutment. Implants can replace a single tooth, several teeth or your dentures.

1. Eliminates the need to "cut down" the neighboring teeth to make a bridge.
2. Maintains the jawbone structure.
3. Feels and functions like natural teeth.
4. Does not rely on other teeth for support.
5. Replaces partial plates and may be used to secure loose dentures.
6. Cleaned and flossed like a natural tooth.

Mini dental implants (MDI) were developed in order to provide greater denture stability for those patients who:

1. Cannot withstand the rigors of conventional dental implant surgery.
2. Do not have enough bone to allow full-size implants to be placed.
3. Are in on-going therapy from one prosthetic system to another.

The head of the mini implants are shaped like a ball, and the retaining fixture acts like a socket that contains a rubber o-ring. The o-ring snaps over the ball when the denture is seated and holds the denture at a predetermined level of force.

Mini implants can generally be placed start to finish in one to two visits. There is no waiting time for the bone to heal. In many cases, mini implants are placed and the patient walks out with their dentures secured on the same day.

When therapeutically possible, we offer to remove diseased or loose teeth and replace them with dental implants during the same visit. This approach saves you time and accelerates the overall process, allowing the implants to be ready to place caps or crowns more quickly.

Simultaneous bone grafting is a crucial aspect of this treatment method. By performing bone grafting at the same time as implant placement, we can ensure optimal support and stability for the implants. This technique helps to enhance the success and longevity of your dental implant restoration.

Our goal is to minimize the number of surgical visits while maximizing the efficiency of your treatment. Combining tooth extraction, implant placement, and bone grafting, we streamline the process, reducing the overall treatment time and allowing you to enjoy your new smile sooner. Our team will assess your needs during your consultation and determine the most suitable treatment plan. We will provide detailed information and personalized recommendations to ensure you comprehensively understand the process.

At Golden State Smiles, we are committed to delivering exceptional care and utilizing advanced techniques to provide you with the best possible outcomes. Trust our expertise and dedication to guide you through your dental implant journey, making it as convenient and efficient as possible. Contact our Concord dental office or San Leandro dental office today to schedule a consultation and explore the possibilities of same-day dental implants with simultaneous bone grafting. Let us help you achieve a beautiful and functional smile.

At Golden State Smiles, your comfort and well-being are our top priorities, especially during dental implant procedures. To ensure a smooth and stress-free experience, we have some helpful guidelines for your appointment:

On the day of your appointment, we kindly ask that you arrive 15-20 minutes before your scheduled time; this allows you to settle in and alleviate any pre-surgery nervousness. Rest assured that our friendly team will make every effort to make you as comfortable as possible during your visit.

For your peace of mind and safety, we recommend bringing a friend or relative along on the day of your treatment. Depending on the procedure, you may receive anesthesia and other medications during the surgery. Having a responsible adult accompany you provide support and ensures someone can stay with you during the procedure and drive you home afterward.

We will provide detailed instructions regarding medications, dietary restrictions, and any necessary preparations before your treatment to prepare you fully. Please carefully follow these instructions to ensure the best possible outcome. Additionally, we will provide you with comprehensive post-surgery instructions, including guidelines for cleaning and maintaining your implant. If required, we will prescribe medications to manage post-surgery discomfort and support your speedy recovery.

Do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. There will be a metal healing abutment protruding through the gingival (gum) tissue.

BLEEDING. Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding area for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues please call the office for further instructions.

SWELLING. Swelling around the mouth, cheeks, eyes and sides of the face is not uncommon as it is the body's normal process in repairing itself. Swelling does not always appear immediately. It may take 12 to 24 hours before swelling becomes apparent. Swelling may not reach its maximum until 2-3 days post-surgery. Swelling may be minimized by the immediate use of ice packs post-surgery. Two baggies filled with ice, or ice packs should be applied to the sides of the face where surgery was performed. The ice packs should be left on continuously while you are awake. After 36 hours, ice has no beneficial effect. If swelling or jaw stiffness has persisted for several days call the office.

DIET. Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or hot food. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.

PAIN MEDICATION. You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. For moderate pain, 1 or 2 Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every 3-4 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) may be taken instead of Tylenol. Ibuprofen, bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 2-3 tablets may be taken every 3-4 hours as needed for pain. For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed. Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection. Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic, or have been instructed by Golden State Smiles not to take it.

HOME HYGIENE CARE. The night of surgery, use the prescribed Peridex Oral Rinse before bed. The day after surgery, the Peridex should be used twice daily, after breakfast and before bed. Be sure to rinse for at least 30 seconds then spit it out. Warm salt water rinses (teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used at least 4-5 times a day, as well, especially after meals. Brushing your teeth and the healing abutments is no problem, but be gentle initially with brushing the surgical areas. Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY. Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. Physical activity could cause throbbing or bleeding of the surgical implant area.

WEARING DENTURES. You will always have teeth during your recovery period. Temporary partial dentures or full denture arches should not be used immediately after surgery and for at least 10 days.

Before making the decision in going the implant route, ask yourself if there is another option. We offer many different implant alternatives.

The different alternative options to implants that we provide are:

• Tooth Supported Bridge
• Removable Partial Denture
• No Treatment