Dental Implants
La Jolla, CA
Missing teeth have numerous consequences. Not only are your abilities to eat and speak properly affected, so, too, is the beauty of your smile. With gaps in your smile left behind by missing teeth, your confidence can also take a serious hit. Under your gums, the bone that once held the missing teeth begins to resorb and grow weak. Eventually, the bone begins to alter its shape, which can affect the alignment of the rest of your healthy teeth. At La Jolla Dental, we can restore the functions of your missing teeth, the aesthetics of your smile, and your quality of life with dental implants.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a modern treatment for replacing missing teeth, providing you with another option other than dental bridges or dentures. This treatment consists of three components. The implant itself is a small titanium post. This post is surgically implanted into your jawbone, where it is gradually integrated into the jaw. Known as osseointegration, this process stabilizes the post in the bone, turning it essentially into a root. An abutment or connector is placed on the top of the post. It provides stability for your replacement tooth. The replacement tooth is a ceramic crown.
Versatility for Different Needs
Dental implants are a highly versatile treatment that can be used to meet a variety of needs. There are several different types of dental implants to meet your tooth replacement needs.
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Single tooth implants. A single tooth implant replaces a single missing tooth. It uses one post to support one crown.
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Multiple tooth implants. Known as an implant supported bridge, one or more posts are used to replace two or more ceramic crowns, replacing two or more consecutive missing teeth.
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Full arch replacement. Commonly referred to as an implant supported denture, this type of restoration replaces an entire arch of missing teeth, whether it is the upper arch or the lower arch. Your replacement crowns are supported by 6 to 8 posts. |
Dental Implant Procedure
Unlike bridges and dentures, getting dental implants is a much more involved procedure. It involves a surgical procedure, during which the titanium posts are implanted into your jaw. Surgery is done under a local anesthetic and sedation. It begins with incisions made in your gums, exposing the bone underneath. Holes are then drilled into the bone, and the implant posts are placed inside. The gums are sutured closed around the posts and temporary teeth are set in place.
Healing after surgery varies based on several factors. Typically, it can take anywhere from several weeks to several months. As you heal, your jawbone gradually fuses to the posts, integrating them into the jaw. After you have fully healed, we then begin the process of placing your final crowns. The temporary teeth are removed, and the abutments are placed. Impressions of your mouth are taken and then sent to a dental lab. There, your crowns are designed and created. Once they are ready, we check them for fit and bite and screw them into place on the posts.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants provide some significant benefits.
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They look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth.
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They are more comfortable than traditional treatments, with your replacement teeth supported by the posts.
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They can be brushed and flossed just like your natural teeth.
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The posts stimulate your jawbone like the roots of your natural teeth, which stops and prevents the bone loss that occurs after you lose your teeth. This aids in preserving the integrity and shape of your jaw. |
If you are missing teeth, even just one, it is essential that you have those teeth replaced right away. Moreover, right now, we are offering single implants, including the crown and the post, for only $3,195.
Are you are interested in getting a dental implant? Give us a call at (858) 935-8589. We are happy to help you learn more about your smile or other tooth replacement options like six month smiles! Book an appointment with us online today!
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