Dental Implants
Regardless of how many teeth you are missing, you must work with a dentist in the Mira Mesa, San Diego, CA community to discuss your options. Dental implants continue to be a highly desirable option for patients who are faced with tooth loss and are often requested by those who visit our team at Scripps West Dental. Our implant dentists utilize these restorations to transform the smile and provide a replacement option that does not compromise surrounding teeth. This stand-alone restoration can permanently restore the smile’s function, health, and appearance.
If you’re interested in learning more about dental implants with the dentists at Scripps West Dental, we encourage you to continue reading on!
How do dental implants work?
San Diego, California area patients who visit our dental team at Scripps West Dental often ask how dental implants work. These restorations are essentially a permanent artificial tooth root placed in the jaw of the bone. The top of the implant rests above the gum line, where an abutment is placed before connecting a crown. Oral surgery is needed to place the implant, as well as time to allow the area to heal. Healing takes several weeks as the bone grows around the implant and holds it where it is needed. This process is known as osseointegration. After this has occurred, the dental implant is ready for the abutment and crown.
What types of restorations can be used with dental implants?
The most common use of the dental implant is to replace a single tooth. When looking to do this, the implant is placed into the bone and restored over the top with an abutment and dental crown. But there are other ways in which the implant can be used. The implant might be placed on one or both sides of lost teeth to support a dental bridge, or several may be used along the dental arch to hold a complete denture. These implant-supported dentures are highly effective in replacing an entire arch of teeth conservatively while ensuring proper placement of the denture in the smile and stabilizing it to allow patients to enjoy all their favorite foods without concerns of losing their restoration. This gives patients improved confidence and avoids the look of “fake” dentures that use acrylic to create teeth and gum tissues.
What are the benefits of dental implants in the Mira Mesa, San Diego area?
At Scripps West Dental, we are committed to providing patients with restorative solutions to enhance the health and beauty of the smile. When it comes to dental implants, patients will find many advantages to using them to restore the smile. Dental implants:
- Look and feel like natural teeth
- Are durable, often lasting a lifetime for most patients
- Support and maintain facial bone structure
- Restore confidence and overall appearance of the smile
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
During an evaluation with our team at Scripps West Dental, we can examine a patient to see if they are a good fit for these restorations. Dental implants require patients to have adequate bone in the jaw, which is still required for placement of the implant itself prior to osseointegration. X-rays and CT scans can be used to decide if a dental implant is proper for an individual ready to restore their smile after tooth extraction or loss.
How do I schedule an implant consultation at Scripps West Dental?
Our team is located at 9420 Mira Mesa Boulevard, Suite D, and accepts new patients who are seeking restorative solutions in the community. Call (858) 695-1776 to connect with our friendly front office team and schedule a visit with our staff to learn more!