Dental Implants · Walnut Creek, CA

Dental Implants in Walnut Creek, CA

Restore your smile with a permanent, natural-looking solution. Dr. Addison Yu provides expert dental implant care.

Book Appointment (925) 934-8668

The Basics

What You Need to Know

01

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a permanent, medical-grade titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as an artificial tooth root to support a crown, bridge, or denture.

02

Why is this beneficial?

Implants prevent jawbone loss, require no grinding of neighboring teeth, and fully restore chewing power. They look, feel, and function exactly like natural teeth.

03

Will the process hurt?

No. Surgical placement uses profound local anesthesia for a pain-free experience. You may feel pressure but no pain. Minor post-operative swelling is easily managed at home.

Why It Matters

Benefits of Treatment

From your very first visit, you’ll feel the difference of a practice that puts people before procedures. No pressure, no surprises — just clear guidance and gentle, expert care.

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Prevents jawbone resorption and maintains facial structure

No impact on neighboring healthy teeth.

Functions and looks exactly like a natural tooth.

Functions and looks exactly like a natural tooth,

Restores full chewing power and bite alignment

Easy to clean — just brush and floss normally

Patient Candidacy Notice

Please note that not everyone is a good candidate for implants. For some patients, implants may not take or properly fuse with the natural jawbone structure. If that happens to be the case, alternative treatment options (such as dentures or a dental bridge) will be thoroughly discussed with you to achieve the best functional outcome.

Night Guard Recommendation

Once your implant crown is placed, a custom night guard is highly recommended. Unlike natural teeth, which have a shock-absorbing ligament, implants are rigidly anchored to bone and do not flex under pressure. A night guard helps reduce excessive biting and grinding forces, lowering the risk of chipping, cracking, or fracturing the implant crown and helping protect your restoration for years to come.

The Process

Your Treatment, Step by Step

01

Visit 1 — Consultation & 3D Imaging

  • Thorough visual exam and 3D CBCT bone scan
  • Dentist evaluates jawbone density, thickness, and nerve locations
  • Precise digital surgical guide generated to plan exact implant path

20–30 min

02

Visit 2 — Surgical Placement

  • Area numbed with local anesthesia for total comfort
  • Small incision made, titanium post threaded into bone
  • Small healing cap placed, tissue closed with dissolvable stitches

45–60 min

03

Home Care (Post-Surgery)

  • Apply ice packs for first 24 hours
  • Eat soft, cool foods; do NOT chew on surgical area
  • Take OTC ibuprofen as directed
  • Do not spit forcefully, use straws, or smoke for 72 hours

Ongoing

04

Visit 3 — Post-Op Check (2 Weeks)

  • Surgical site evaluated for healing
  • Dissolvable stitch fragments cleared
  • Implant sits undisturbed 4–6 months for osseointegration

15–20 min

05

Months 4–6 — Implant Impression

  • Once integrated, implant stability verified
  • Digital scan or mold captured for custom abutment and crown
  • Records submitted to lab for fabrication

60 min

06

Final Step — Crown Delivery

  • Temporary healing cap removed, custom abutment connected
  • Permanent porcelain crown precisely fitted and locked into place
  • Carbon paper used to balance chewing alignment perfectly

60 min

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Most healthy adults with adequate jawbone density are good candidates. Dr. Yu will evaluate your bone structure and health history during a consultation.

With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. The crown may need replacement after 15–20 years depending on wear. Both implants and implant crowns are designed for long-term durability, but their ultimate lifespan depends entirely on how well they are maintained.

Most PPO plans offer partial coverage. We also offer flexible financing options and our membership plan. Contact us to review your benefits.

Not everyone is a candidate. If implants aren’t feasible, Dr. Yu will discuss alternatives such as dentures or a dental bridge to achieve the best outcome.

RELATED SERVICES & LINKS

Crowns & Bridges Dentures Extractions & Bone Grafts Home Emergency Dentistry

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We look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve a lifetime of healthy smiles in Walnut Creek, CA.

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