Dental Implants in Lodi, California

Do you suffer from having a missing tooth or missing teeth? Do you feel self-conscious in group photos or find yourself avoiding meals out with friends because chewing has become uncomfortable or embarrassing? If so, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to keep living this way. 

Implant dentistry has created a remarkable system that can restore your smile. How? With dental implants. Restore your smile with the help of The Lodi Dentist’s expertise.

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Dental Implants: A Life of Freedom

Life is too short to avoid being with the people you love, doing the things you enjoy. Dental implants can give you back your smile and might be able to give you the life you used to have, or wish you always could have.

At The Lodi Dentist, we believe that dental implants can help restore not only your smile but your freedom to eat, speak, and live without worry. Whether you’ve lost one tooth or several, implant dentistry offers a stable, natural-looking solution that can give you back the confidence and function you’ve been missing. Call today to schedule an appointment.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium that are surgically placed into the jawbone. They provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures.

The implant process works by having a metal post inserted into your jawbone. Within 3–6 months, this tooth implant will fuse, or ossify, with your jawbone, thereby basically creating a new tooth root that is durable and permanent. Once the dental implant is secure, the dentist places a dental crown on top of the dental implant.
Dental implants are a modern, permanent tooth replacement option that closely mimics the look, feel, and function of your natural teeth. Over time, these posts bond with the bone in a process called osseointegration, creating a strong and secure foundation for a dental crown, bridge, or denture.
 What makes a treatment different from a dental bridge? Unlike dental bridges, which rely on neighboring teeth for support, dental implants are entirely self-sufficient. This makes them a preferred option for many patients looking for long-lasting results without compromising the health of adjacent teeth.

Components of a Dental Implant

There are a lot of different dental treatments, and it can be hard to keep track of what each one entails. A complete dental implant restoration typically includes three parts:

Implant Post

A titanium screw that is inserted into your jawbone to replace the missing tooth root.

Abutment

A connector piece that attaches to the implant and supports the restoration.

Dental Crown, Bridge, or Denture

The visible, tooth-like portion that completes your smile.

Dental implants are versatile in the way that they offer multiple dental accessory options so you can pick what works for you, and since they are highly customizable, you can design the smile of your dreams.

There are so many benefits to dental implants, ranging from functionality to even lessening facial wrinkles. The components of dental implants are what make them so revolutionary.

Expert Implant Placement with “The Implant Ninja”

While all of our dentists are highly trained in restoring dental implants with natural-looking crowns and prosthetics, we have taken our care one step further by partnering with The Implant Ninja for surgical placement.


Dr. Ivan Chicchon is an implant-focused specialist who performs procedures right here in our office, so you do not have to travel or see an unfamiliar provider. By combining expert placement from The Implant Ninja with our team’s restorative precision, we are able to offer you a smooth, in-house experience from start to finish, with results that look and feel just like your natural teeth.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants offer several important advantages over traditional tooth replacement options like bridges or dentures. Here is why they are widely considered the gold standard in restorative dentistry:

Permanence and Stability

Implants fuse directly with your bone, making them incredibly secure and long-lasting. You will not have to worry about slipping, clicking, or removing appliances to eat or sleep.

Preservation of Jawbone and Facial Structure

Tooth loss leads to bone loss. Dental implants help prevent this by stimulating the jawbone, just like natural tooth roots do. This preserves your facial structure and helps you avoid the sunken appearance that often comes with prolonged tooth loss.

Restoration of Natural Function

You can eat your favorite foods, speak clearly, and smile with confidence. Implants allow you to chew with strength and stability, so you no longer have to avoid certain textures or temperatures.

Creation of Long-Term Value

Although implants may involve a higher initial investment, they often prove to be more cost-effective over time due to their durability and minimal maintenance requirements.

Creation of Long-Term Value

By filling the gap of a missing tooth, implants help prevent neighboring teeth from shifting out of place, which can protect overall alignment and oral health.

Are Dental Implants Right for You?

Most adults with one or more missing teeth are candidates for dental implants, but there are a few conditions we evaluate during your consultation:

  • Jawbone Health | Adequate bone is necessary to support the implant. If your jawbone has deteriorated, we may recommend bone grafting to build a stable foundation.
  • Gum Health | Healthy gums are essential. If you have active periodontal disease, we will need to address it before proceeding.
  • Overall Health | Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or heavy smoking can impact healing. However, many of these risk factors can be managed to improve your candidacy.

Is Everyone a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Most adults with missing teeth can be candidates for dental implants. During your initial consultation, we will determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants and let you know all of your options.

If you have questions about something that may affect your candidacy for receiving dental implants, call our team to set up a consultation today.

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The Dental Implant Process

If you are struggling with missing teeth, dental implants may be the ideal solution to restore your smile, function, and confidence. This advanced dental procedure offers a permanent solution that mimics the look and feel of natural teeth. Here is what our patients can expect during the dental implant process:

Initial Consultation

The dental implant process begins with a thorough consultation where we assess your dental health, discuss your goals, and create a personalized treatment plan.

We will evaluate your oral and overall health, review digital scans, and discuss your goals. If dental implants are the right solution for you, we will build a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Implant Process

Once your plan is finalized, we will place the titanium implant posts into your jawbone. This procedure is typically done under local anesthesia, ensuring your comfort. We also offer sedation options for those who need additional support during the process.

Healing

After placement, the implant requires a healing period of several months. During this time, the implant fuses with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. Healing can take anywhere from 3–6 months, depending on your body’s natural healing process.

During this time, the implant bonds with the bone, forming a solid anchor for your new restoration. We will provide detailed post-op instructions to ensure your recovery is smooth and successful.

Abutment Placement

Once the implant is fully integrated, an abutment is attached to the implant post, which will support your final restoration. This small connector, called an abutment, prepares your implant to support your final crown or bridge.

Crown Placement

A custom crown is created to match the shape and color of your natural teeth. Once it is ready, it is securely attached to the abutment. The result is a beautiful, functional tooth replacement that feels just like your own.

If you want to get started on the dental implant process, call our dental office today to schedule your initial appointment.

Why Dental Implants Over Bridges or Dentures?

Dental implants offer a range of benefits for patients with missing teeth. Here is how they can enhance your oral health and appearance:

Restoration of One or Multiple Teeth

Dental implants can replace a single missing tooth or serve as a stable foundation for multiple teeth, providing a versatile solution for various dental needs.

Preservation of Facial Structure

Since implants replace the tooth root, they help maintain gum health, reducing the risk of gum recession. This support prevents the “sunken” appearance that can occur over time when teeth are missing, helping your facial structure look natural and symmetrical.

Stability for Dentures

For those missing many or all teeth, dental implants can anchor a denture device, offering improved stability and comfort compared to traditional dentures.

Natural Look and Function

Dental implants look, feel, and function just like natural teeth. You can eat, chew, smile, and laugh confidently, knowing they blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. No worrying about slipping dentures.

Protection for Adjacent Teeth

 Unlike bridges, implants do not require filing down neighboring teeth. This keeps the rest of your natural smile strong and intact.

With these benefits, dental implants offer a reliable and lasting solution to restore both function and appearance, allowing you to enjoy a complete and healthy smile.

Implant-Supported Dentures and Full-Mouth Restorations

For patients missing all or most of their teeth, we offer implant-supported dentures as a stable, more comfortable alternative to traditional removable dentures. These restorations “snap” onto strategically placed implants, giving you a secure fit with no adhesives or slipping.

For those seeking a complete smile transformation, full-arch dental implants (often known as “All-on-4®” or “All-on-6”) can provide a permanent, fixed set of teeth supported by just a few implants. This solution is ideal for patients looking for maximum function and aesthetics with minimal downtime.

Restore More Than Just Your Smile

Dental implants are more than just a cosmetic fix, they are a functional, life-enhancing investment in your future. They allow you to eat the foods you love, speak without hesitation, and smile with full confidence. Most importantly, they help you feel like yourself again.

If you are ready to explore how dental implants can change your life, we would love to talk. Our team at The Lodi Dentist is here to answer your questions, walk you through every step of the process, and provide expert, compassionate care along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants

If you are considering dental implants, you likely have many questions. At The Lodi Dentist, we are here to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision. Here are some frequently asked questions about dental implants:

Is the Dental Implant Procedure Painful?

Most patients report minimal discomfort during the procedure, as it is performed under local anesthesia. Afterward, some discomfort is normal but can usually be managed with some over-the-counter pain relief.

How Do I Care for My Dental Implants?

Caring for dental implants is similar to caring for natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental checkups are essential to maintain your oral health and the longevity of your implants.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. The replacement teeth (crowns or bridges) may need to be replaced after 10–15 years, depending on wear and tear.

Can Dental Implants Replace Multiple Teeth?

Absolutely. Whether you are missing a single tooth, several teeth, or even a full arch, dental implants can be used in combination with crowns, bridges, or implant-supported dentures to restore your smile.

What If I’ve Been Missing Teeth for a Long Time?

Even if it has been years since you lost a tooth, you may still be a candidate for implants. The length of time since you lost your tooth typically isn’t a dealbreaker for receiving treatment. We can evaluate your bone structure and determine whether grafting or other preparatory treatments may be needed to ensure long-term success.

Enjoy the Benefits of Dental Implants

Implant dentistry is really quite miraculous and can give you not only your smile back but may restore your confidence and give you back the life you value so much. Call our office today.

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