There is no question dental implants are one of the leading treatment options for missing teeth. Whether you lost a tooth from trauma or tooth decay, the experience can be traumatizing. There are changes cosmetically, but also tooth loss can affect surrounding areas of mouth like your gums and bone quality. Dental implants in Downtown San Diego are an incredible option because it is the only way to permanently restore natural tooth function while providing the highest quality in cosmetic treatment.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are the closest replacement to your actual tooth. A biocompatible implant screw, usually composed of titanium is gently screwed into the jawbone to provide support of the surrounding structures.
Once an implant is successful and osseointegrated, a new tooth or prosthetic will be custom-made for your implant: Your dentist at Fifth Avenue Dental Arts will take an impression of your teeth (including your new implant and abutment) and bite to create a replacement crown. Your dentist will match the shade to your natural teeth, so it will function and look just like a natural tooth.
Dental Implants are permanent
Not everyone is ready for dental implants. It is a financial investment and is not an overnight procedure. Some people choose to use a denture or bridge as a stepping stone prior to getting a dental implant. For those with dentures, you know how uncomfortable they can be to speak and eat. Dental implants replace the need for removable dentures by providing a permanent solution.
If you are missing one tooth or all of your teeth, dental implants are the best solution for a permanent, comfortable prosthetic. Instead of worrying about a denture slipping or becoming loose, an implant supported denture will always remain in place. Your dental office in Downtown San Diego is confident to offer various types of dental implants to treat your individualized needs.
What are the benefits of dental implants
There are endless perks of getting implants when one is missing a tooth. Some of the benefits include:
- Implants are tooth decay proof because they are composed from titanium and porcelain so no need to worry about new cavities.
- Your jawbone will remain healthy and preserved instead of deteriorating and receding.
- Maintains a youthful look because it preserves jawbone
- An implant crown will look so natural adjacent to your teeth, you won’t know the difference.
- Avoid replacing prosthetic after prosthetic which can be timely and costly.
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
Most people are eligible for dental implants, but some conditions would cause implants to be less successful. Those with uncontrolled medical disorders like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer are not good candidates for a dental implant. Anyone with an uncontrolled medical condition may cause increased inflammation, which can lead to failure of implant osseointegration. Fortunately, your dental clinic in Downtown San Diego will help determine the proper course of treatment for you.
What is the dental implant process?
The dental implant process varies slightly if you are receiving one or multiple implants and what type of restoration you need. Regardless, your dentists at Fifth Avenue Dental Arts will review the pre-operative and post-care instructions with you to ensure the greatest success of the implant. The steps to receive an a dental implant include:
Dental imaging: We offer the highest level of technology to guarantee we have precise imaging of your teeth and jaw. A 3-D Cone Beam x-ray will help determine the exact site the dental implant will be placed and all surrounding structures to ensure it is placed safely and precisely.
Dental extraction: Some patients require a gentle extraction if your tooth is not previously missing. This is usually the first surgical step of your dental implant process.
Bone graft: Most people will require an alveolar bone graft to help create a solid layer of bone for the implant to be placed once a dental extraction is complete. This is necessary for the implant screw to successfully osseointegrate into the jawbone. This procedure usually requires up to 6 months of healing before the dental implant can be placed.
Dental implant placement: Once your bone is strong enough for an implant to be placed, a titanium screw is drilled into the bone of the missing tooth site. A healing cap is then screwed to the implant screw and your gum is sutured to heal anywhere from 2-6 months. This healing time will allow the implant screw to properly secure to the jawbone.
Dental prosthetic: Once the dental implant is secured to the bone and osseointegration takes place, a custom abutment is placed. An abutment is a prosthetic that will attach to a dental crown, bridge, or denture. Your dentist in 92101 uses the finest laboratories to help ensure we correctly match the shade of your adjacent teeth.
We are confident to offer the highest quality dental implants in Downtown San Diego. With proper maintenance, you can be guaranteed your dental implant to last a lifetime. Call our office to schedule a consultation so we can discuss your personalized needs.
