Implant Dentistry

Oakland, San Francisco

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are like tooth roots permanently implanted in the jawbone. The first ones were placed back in 1964 and since then there have been vast improvements in their design and techniques.

They're made of titanium, a substance that is very compatible with bone, so that the jawbone grows around them, making them part of itself. They look like small cylinders with grooves for the bone to grow into, and they come in different sizes.

Tooth roots support the bone around them, so when they're missing, the bone gradually deteriorates and disappears. This is known as bone resorption, and can have a drastic effect on your facial shape. Dental implants are an excellent way to preserve that bone tissue, and give you a new tooth, or even an entire set of new teeth, as well.

Uses for dental implants

Since they become very strongly integrated into the jawbone, they can firmly support:

• A single replacement tooth
• A dental bridge-replaces many missing teeth
• An overdenture

As an expert restorative and cosmetic implant dentist, Dr. Schwarcz has special accreditation in implant dentistry. He serves patients throughout San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland, San Pablo and the surrounding areas. If you are missing one or more teeth, please contact us today for a free consultation.

To view before and after photos of patients who have undergone implant dentistry, please visit our Smile Gallery.