Understanding Your Options With Dental Implants Solutions
Tooth loss impacts not just your smile but also your ability to enjoy your meals and even how you pronounce words when you speak. The good news is that replacing either one missing tooth or an entire dental arch is easier than ever. With Drs. Julie and Joseph Boulos at All Coast Dental, you can restore your smile with natural-looking dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants, and How Do They Work?
Dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement option that’s designed to look and function nearly identically to natural teeth. They’re made with a small titanium post that your dentist implants surgically in your jawbone. As the post heals, it fuses with the jaw through the osseointegration process.
Once the post is fully healed and fused with the bone, a small abutment is placed over it. The abutment is then topped off with a porcelain crown to complete your new tooth.
What Materials Are Used in Dental Implants to Ensure They Look Natural?
The post is made from medical-grade titanium. This metal is biocompatible, and it naturally fuses with bone. The crown to finish off your prosthetic tooth is made from premium-quality porcelain. Porcelain matches beautifully with your natural teeth in color, shape, and translucency.
Can Dental Implants Be Used to Replace a Single Missing Tooth?
Absolutely! With nature-looking dental implants, you can replace one missing tooth. This is how they’re designed. However, a dental implant can also be used to support a bridge or even implant-supported dentures.
Can Dental Implants Support Bridges and Dentures?
If you need to replace several teeth, the most effective way to do that is with a bridge or implant-supported dentures. For a bridge, the dental implants flank a bridge to hold it in place. Similarly, an entire dental arch can be replaced with four implants supporting the prosthetic teeth.
What Are the Benefits of Choosing Dental Implants Over Other Restorative Options?
Dentures have an adjustment period. Patients have to learn to eat with them, and they’re known for slipping and sliding. With dental implants, this isn’t an issue because the implant is a permanent fixture in your mouth. Your eating will feel completely natural, and so will your speech.
What Should I Expect During the Dental Implant Procedure at All Coast Dental?
The dental implant process is completed in multiple steps, all of which are catered to your unique situation.
- Initial consultation: The team will evaluate your oral health, take X-rays, and plan your treatment.
- Placing the implant: A surgical procedure is done to place the post into your jawbone.
- Healing and osseointegration take place: You’ll need several months for the implant to heal and fuse with your jawbone.
- Abutment placement: Your dentist attached the tiny abutment to your implant.
- Final restoration: Your custom-designed crown, bridge, or full denture is secured in place.
How Can I Learn More About Dental Implants Solutions in San Diego, CA?
Are you ready to restore your smile? If so, it’s time to get in touch with Drs. Julie and Joseph Boulos at All Coast Dental. You’ll receive optimal care at our office at 2180 Garnet Ave #1-K, San Diego, CA 92109, from consultation to the placement of your crown. To get started, call (858) 264-3002 today.