Dental Implants in Chico, CA

Missing teeth can impact your confidence, oral health, and overall quality of life. At Ashley Harrison DDS, we understand how important a healthy, complete smile is. That’s why we offer high-quality dental implants in Chico, CA, to help you restore both the function and aesthetics of your smile. Our experienced team provides personalized care to ensure each patient feels comfortable and well-informed throughout the process. Whether you need a single-tooth implant or a solution for full-mouth dental implants, we will create a customized treatment plan designed to meet your specific needs.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of biocompatible materials, such as titanium, that are surgically placed into the jawbone. Once the implant is positioned, it undergoes a process called osseointegration, where it fuses with the bone. This creates a stable foundation for artificial teeth or other tooth replacements like a bridge or denture.

A typical dental implant consists of three components:

Implant: The titanium post that is inserted into the jawbone to act as a replacement for the natural tooth root.
Abutment: A small connector that is attached to the implant and serves as the anchor for the prosthetic teeth.
Crown: The custom-made artificial tooth that resembles your natural teeth in color, shape, and size.

Because dental implants are integrated into the jawbone, they provide unmatched stability and strength compared to other tooth replacement options. They function like natural teeth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.

Why Choose Dental Implants?

Dental implants offer several advantages over traditional tooth replacement methods, such as dentures or bridges. Dental implants require careful planning and expert placement, but the benefits they provide make them one of the most effective solutions for missing teeth.

Long-Term Durability: Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care. Unlike traditional removable dentures or bridges, which may need to be replaced every 5 to 10 years, dental implants provide a more permanent solution.
Preservation of Jawbone and Facial Structure: When you lose a tooth, the underlying tooth roots no longer stimulate the jawbone, which can lead to bone deterioration over time. Dental implants stimulate the bone, helping to maintain your facial structure and prevent bone loss. If significant bone loss has already occurred, a bone graft may be necessary to create a strong foundation for the implant.
Improved Oral Health: Because dental implants do not rely on adjacent teeth for support, they help preserve the health of surrounding natural teeth. Unlike a bridge, which requires the alteration of nearby teeth, implants protect the integrity of your existing teeth.
Enhanced Comfort and Functionality: Since the implant is fused with the jawbone, it remains securely in place. This means you can eat, speak, and smile without worrying about slipping or discomfort — a common issue with removable dentures. Implant-supported teeth feel and function like your own natural teeth.
A Natural Appearance: The artificial tooth or prosthetic teeth attached to the implant are custom-designed to match the color and shape of your natural teeth. This creates a seamless and natural-looking smile.

a medical rendering of an implant sitting in the gumline

Types of Dental Implants We Offer

At Ashley Harrison DDS, we offer a range of dental implant procedures to accommodate different needs and goals. Whether you need to replace a single tooth or require a more complex restoration, we have the expertise to develop a tailored treatment plan.

Single Tooth Implants: If you are missing a single tooth, a single implant can be placed in the gap left by the missing tooth. After the implant integrates with the bone, a custom crown is placed on top, providing a natural-looking and functional solution. Single tooth implants help prevent bone loss and maintain the alignment of surrounding teeth.
Implant-Supported Bridges: An implant-supported bridge is an excellent solution for patients missing multiple teeth in a row. Instead of relying on adjacent teeth for support, the bridge is secured to two or more implants. This provides greater stability and helps preserve the health of surrounding teeth and jawbone.
Full Arch Implants (All-on-4 & All-on-6): For patients missing an entire arch of teeth, complete dental implants using the All-on-4 or All-on-6 technique provide a permanent solution. Four to six implants are strategically placed in the jawbone to support a full arch of prosthetic teeth. This method offers improved comfort, function, and aesthetics compared to traditional removable dentures.

Dental Implants vs. Other Tooth Replacement Options

If you are considering alternatives to dental implants, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures, our team will guide you through your options and help you determine the best solution for your oral health and lifestyle.

Dental Implants vs. Dentures: Traditional removable dentures are a common solution for tooth loss, but they come with limitations. Dentures can slip or cause discomfort while eating or speaking. They also do not stimulate the jawbone, which can lead to bone loss over time. In contrast, dental implants provide a secure and stable fit, promoting better long-term oral health and comfort.

Dental Bridges vs. Implants: A dental bridge relies on adjacent natural teeth for support, which requires the modification of those teeth. This can weaken the surrounding teeth over time. Dental implants, however, are independent of surrounding teeth and provide a more stable and long-lasting solution. They also help maintain bone health by stimulating the jawbone.

The Dental Implant Procedures – What to Expect

Initial Consultation and Treatment Planning: The process begins with a thorough consultation where we assess your oral health, take digital scans and X-rays, and discuss your goals. We will determine if you have enough bone density to support an implant. If not, a bone graft may be necessary before proceeding with dental implant surgery.

Surgical Procedures: During dental implant surgery, the titanium post is carefully inserted into the jawbone under local anesthesia or sedation. The post serves as a replacement for the natural tooth root. Over the next few months, the implant will fuse with the bone through osseointegration.

Abutment and Restoration Placement: Once the implant is secure, an abutment is attached to the implant. This serves as the foundation for the final restoration. A custom-designed crown, bridge, or denture is then placed, restoring both function and appearance.

Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation in Chico, CA

If you are considering dental implants in Chico, CA, Ashley Harrison DDS is here to help. Our team will work closely with you to develop a customized treatment plan that meets your specific needs. We are committed to providing high-quality care in a warm and welcoming environment. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.

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FAQ

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants can last 20 years or more with proper care — and often a lifetime. The titanium post integrates with the jawbone, creating a stable foundation. While the implant itself is permanent, the attached crown, bridge, or denture may need replacement after 10 to 15 years due to normal wear. Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups helps extend the life of your implants.

How expensive are dental implants?

The cost of dental implants varies based on the number of implants, procedure complexity, and additional treatments like a bone graft. While implants cost more upfront, their durability and long-term benefits make them a cost-effective solution. Payment plans and financing options are often available.

How painful is getting a dental implant?

Dental implant surgery is performed under local anesthesia or sedation, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Afterward, you may have mild swelling or soreness for a few days, which is manageable with over-the-counter pain medication and cold compresses. Most discomfort subsides within a week or two.