What Are Dental Implants?

Long-Term Missing Tooth Solution

A dental implant is a tooth replacement option that replicates the aesthetics and function of a natural tooth. When dental implants are placed into the jaw bone, they fuse to the bone over time, creating a permanent and solid foundation for your replacement tooth. Three parts make up the design of a dental implant: a titanium implant post, a connecting abutment piece, and a custom-made crown. These parts all work together to restore and allow you to regain functionality in your smile.

Dental implants are the only restorative solution for one or more missing teeth that preserve the jaw bone because the implants are surgically inserted into the jaw. Removable dentures or bridges sit on top of the bony ridge on the mouth to cosmetically replace missing teeth, but they do not prevent bone loss or fuse to the jaw. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, 3 million people in the US have dental implants, and that number grows by about 500,000 every year.

The Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Specialists of San Diego has helped many patients achieve a happier and healthier smile. Dr. Paul Koshgerian and Dr. Jonathan Shelton are board-certified oral surgeons who specialize in implant dentistry and restorative treatments. If you have a failing or badly damaged tooth or have been missing an adult tooth for a while, we invite you to contact our East or Coastal office to schedule an appointment.

What Are Dental Implants Made Of?

Replacement teeth can be tailored to your exact needs. The dental implant post is typically made of a medical-grade titanium or titanium alloy. This is similar to the material that makes up hip, shoulder, and hip implants. It’s very rare to have an allergy to titanium, but in these cases, zirconia implants are an option. Zirconia implants are made of a ceramic material and are great for patients with sensitivities to titanium or metal.

The crown of your dental implant can be made from a variety of materials. This can include ceramic, porcelain, silver, gold, or metal alloy. Your restorative dentist fabricates the crown and designs it to match the size, shape, and color of your other teeth. Many people aren’t able to tell which tooth is the implant.

Types of Dental Implants We Offer in San Diego, CA

Dr. Koshgerian and Dr. Shelton will evaluate your oral health and discuss your restorative goals with you. We will walk you through your treatment options and educate you of the benefits and risks associated with every procedure. That way, you play an active role in designing your dental implant treatment plan and are able to have any questions answered by our team.

The Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Specialists of San Diego make it possible for more patients to achieve a complete smile by offering many types of dental implants, including:

• Single Tooth Replacement. Dental implants are versatile and can replace a single tooth anywhere in the mouth. This includes front teeth, canine teeth, and molars.
• Immediate Implants. To reduce the number of appointments needed to restore a missing tooth, we can place a dental implant post at the same surgical visit as a tooth extraction.
• Implant-Supported Bridges. Your natural teeth must be sanded down to fit a traditional bridge. By using dental implants to support the bridge, you protect your healthy teeth.
• Full-Arch Restoration. This treatment is ideal for patients missing many or all of their teeth. By using only a few dental implants to secure a fixed prosthesis, you can walk out of our office with a complete and fully functioning smile.

If you have been missing teeth for a long time, our surgeons can use bone grafting to help regrow the jaw bone. There must be enough bone in the jaw to support the implant, and bone grafts make it possible for more patients to become candidates for tooth restoration. Bone atrophy associated with tooth loss can damage your healthy tooth or teeth and gum tissue, which puts you at risk for more severe bone loss or periodontal disease and other oral complications.

Find Us in San Diego

We have an office in Coastal San Diego near Pacific Beach and another office in East San Diego near La Mesa, CA. Both of our offices proudly serve the San Diego community and these surrounding areas: