Your Dental Implant Expert
Is your smile less vibrant and joyful because of missing teeth? At Whitlow Dental Care in Fresno, CA, Dr. Kurt Whitlow creates beautiful, life-like teeth on dental implants to replace missing teeth and restore patient’s ability to eat, speak, and laugh without embarrassment.
50+ Years of Trusted Dental Implant Care in Fresno
For more than five decades, families across Fresno and the Central Valley have trusted our office to permanently replace missing teeth with dental implants designed for comfort, stability, and a confident smile that lasts.
Who Qualifies for Dental Implants
You may be a candidate to have one or more of your teeth replaced with dental implants if you have advanced tooth decay or infection that cannot be treated with fillings, root canals, or other restorative procedures. Implants may also be recommended if gum disease has caused irreversible tooth loosening, or if bone loss has led to tooth detachment and lack of support. Additional factors include missing teeth due to injury, congenital conditions, or other health-related issues.
What are Full & Partial Dentures?
Full and partial dentures are custom-made, removable dental appliances designed to replace missing teeth using durable acrylic or flexible resin. Partials fill gaps from one or more missing teeth and attach to remaining teeth with precision clasps, while full dentures replace an entire upper or lower arch. Both are crafted to match gum color and facial contours for a natural, comfortable fit. With proper care, they can restore function and confidence for 10 years or more.
Frequently Asked Dental Implant Questions
What are dental implants, and how do they work?
Dental implants offer a lasting solution for missing teeth, designed to resemble and perform like your natural ones. At Whitlow Dental Care, we use top-grade implants that are surgically embedded into the jawbone, creating a sturdy base for crowns, bridges, or dentures.
What are my options for replacing a missing tooth?
Tooth replacement options such as dental implants, bridges, and dentures are available to restore your smile. The ideal choice varies based on your oral health, budget, and individual needs. At Whitlow Dental Care, our experienced team will guide you in selecting the most suitable option.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants are designed to be a long-term solution for missing teeth. In many cases, implants can last 20 years or more, and some patients keep them for a lifetime with proper care.
Several factors can influence how long dental implants last, including good oral hygiene, healthy gums and jawbone support, and regular dental visits. Brushing, flossing, and keeping up with professional cleanings helps protect the implant and surrounding tissue.
Lifestyle habits like smoking or teeth grinding can also affect the lifespan of dental implants. When placed by an experienced dental professional and properly maintained, dental implants remain one of the most durable and reliable options for replacing missing teeth.
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
If you have one or more missing teeth, healthy gums, and adequate bone density, you might be an excellent candidate for dental implants. At Whitlow Dental Care, we’ll assess your oral health during a personalized consultation and recommend the most effective treatment to restore your smile.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
The cost of dental implants can vary depending on your specific needs and the complexity of the treatment. In Fresno, the price of a single dental implant typically ranges from about $3,000 to $5,000 when it includes the implant, abutment, and crown.
However, the total cost can be influenced by several factors, such as the number of teeth being replaced, whether bone grafting is needed, and the overall health of your gums and jawbone. Some patients may also require additional procedures before the implant can be placed.
The best way to determine the exact cost is through a personalized consultation. During your visit, your dentist will evaluate your oral health, discuss your treatment options, and provide a clear estimate so you know exactly what to expect. Many Fresno dental offices also offer financing options to help make dental implants more affordable.
How often should I visit Whitlow Dental Care?
We recommend scheduling a routine checkup and cleaning every six months. However, depending on your specific oral health needs, more frequent visits may be necessary to maintain optimal dental health.
What Are the Different Types of Dental Implants?
Dental implants aren’t one-size-fits-all. The type of implant treatment you need depends on how many teeth you’re missing, the health of your jawbone, and your overall dental goals. Your dentist will recommend the best option after evaluating your smile and discussing what you’d like to achieve.
Here are some of the most common types of dental implant treatments:
Single Tooth Implants: If you’re missing just one tooth, a single dental implant can replace it with a natural-looking crown. The implant acts like a tooth root, providing strength and stability while helping preserve the surrounding bone.
Implant-Supported Bridges: When several teeth in a row are missing, an implant-supported bridge can fill the gap without relying on nearby natural teeth for support. A small number of implants hold the bridge securely in place.
Implant-Supported Dentures: For people who are missing most or all of their teeth, implant-supported dentures offer a more secure alternative to traditional dentures. They attach to dental implants, which helps prevent slipping and makes eating and speaking more comfortable.
All-on-4® Dental Implants: This popular option replaces an entire arch of teeth using just four implants. It’s designed to provide a full, stable smile with fewer implants and often a shorter treatment timeline.
During your consultation, your dentist will walk you through your options and help you choose the implant solution that best fits your needs, lifestyle, and budget.