Single Tooth Replacement in Walnut Creek, CA

Dental implants are a remarkable tooth replacement option that helps patients restore their smiles and confidence. Dr. Karas is a board-certified, dual-degree oral and maxillofacial surgeon who proudly offers implant-supported tooth restoration treatments to patients in Walnut Creek, CA. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that fuses to the jaw bone, creating a sturdy foundation that stimulates the bone like natural teeth roots.

At Muir Oral, Facial, & Dental Implant Surgery, we want you to love your smile and have better oral health. If you are looking to replace missing teeth with a single dental implant or multiple implants, contact us in Walnut Creek, CA, today for a consultation.

Benefits of Replacing a Missing Tooth With Dental Implants

There are many options to replace a missing or failing tooth, and we will help you select the right choice for your smile.

• Protect your other teeth. Dental implants are self-sufficient and do not rely on the support of adjacent teeth, like dental bridges. Tooth-supported options cosmetically restore your smile, but do not prevent jaw bone atrophy and damage your existing teeth.
• Fully functional. The implant replaces the tooth's crown and root, resulting in the same function and strength as a healthy, natural tooth. You can eat your favorite foods without discomfort or moving parts.
• Prevent bone loss. A tooth's root stimulates the jaw bone during chewing, which keeps the bone strong. When a tooth is missing, there is no stimulation, and the jaw bone begins to deteriorate. Implants prevent jaw bone loss by providing the necessary stimulation unlike removable partial dentures or bridges.
• Many candidates. If you have a weakened jaw bone or gum disease, you may still qualify for dental implants. We offer bone grafting and other surgical procedures to manage these conditions. Once there is enough healthy bone and gums, you will be ready for your dental implant.
• Beautiful results. Designed by your restorative dentist, the final crown will match the size, shape, and color of your other teeth. The results are natural-looking, and many people will not be able to tell which tooth is the dental implant.

Immediate Dental Implants

Also known as same-day dental implants, immediate implants are placed at the same time as a tooth extraction. Immediate implants are ideal if you plan to replace a single missing tooth and have enough jaw bone to support it. With less surgical visits, you save time, money, and will leave the office with a complete smile.

Once the tooth is extracted, Dr. Karas will insert the implant post into the empty tooth socket. He will place a temporary crown to wear while the post heals. In the meantime, your restorative dentist creates the final crown that blends with your existing teeth. If you do not plan on receiving a dental implant on the same day as extraction, we can insert grafting material into the empty socket to preserve its shape and size. This treatment is called socket preservation and makes it easier for future implant placement by maintaining a good foundation for the implant.

Can I Receive a Dental Implant Years After Extraction?

You can receive a dental implant at any age, regardless of how many years have passed since the tooth was extracted. If the tooth has been absent for many years, your jaw bone has likely deteriorated. When there is not enough jaw bone to support the implant, Dr. Karas can place a bone graft. The grafting material will stimulate the production of new jaw bone and, once healed, you will have enough bone to secure a dental implant.

If you're healthy enough to undergo any general surgery, you are likely healthy enough for dental implants. Immediately replacing an extracted tooth with a single tooth implant is an optimal way to maintain a complete smile and protect your oral health.

Find Us in Walnut Creek, CA

Muir Oral, Facial, & Dental Implant Surgery is on the east side of Walnut Creek, just off of Ygnacio Valley Rd and La Casa Via. We invite you to schedule a consultation and learn about how dental implants can benefit your smile—and your life.