Oftentimes, your smile is the first thing people notice about you. A smile is the universal sign of friendliness and happiness, and when it looks good, it can boost your self-esteem and confidence. Smiling can even trigger the release of endorphins to improve your mood and lower stress.
However, when you have shifted, damaged, or missing teeth, you may not want to smile at all. Dental implants may be the solution. At The Art of Dentistry, we have established strong relationships with the best dental implant surgeons in San Diego, whom we trust will take very special care of our patients. We also work with talented porcelain ceramists who have both a high level of cosmetic expertise and a broad knowledge of implant dentistry. Call our office today to learn more about how we can assist La Jolla patients with the implant dentistry process to improve your smile and protect your teeth.
Dental implants are a permanent solution for La Jolla patients’ missing or damaged teeth. Dental implants have many advantages, such as a natural look and feel. Compared to other options like dentures and bridges, implants most closely resemble the function of a natural tooth and offer you a strong biting force, so you do not typically notice the difference while eating.
With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a long-term investment in oral health that eventually costs less than continuously replacing dentures or bridges.
Unlike dentures, implants stimulate your bone to prevent deterioration, helping to preserve your natural facial shape and prevent the sunken appearance that sometimes occurs when teeth are missing. Additionally, dentures may slip or feel uncomfortable, causing difficulty speaking and eating, while implants are never removed and stay securely in place.
Traditional bridges may require some enamel to be removed from neighboring teeth, but with an implant, no changes are made to the neighboring teeth, so their structure and integrity are maintained.
Implant dentistry can increase your confidence with a secure, natural-looking smile that restores full chewing ability, contributing to better digestion and overall health.
Dental implants are placed during surgery, an outpatient procedure that is done in stages to allow healing time. The Art of Dentistry has forged connections with skilled dental implant surgeons in the area and will work to ensure you are referred to one who best suits your needs. During the first stage of surgery, damaged teeth are removed, and, if necessary, a metal post is placed into the jawbone. After this step, your bone needs time to grow around the post, making it structurally strong to keep it in place. The post is typically made of titanium, and it can take three to six months to fuse with the bone.
Next, an abutment or small connector post is attached to the implant. Finally, a custom-made artificial tooth is created that matches the size, color, and shape of the surrounding teeth. This is attached to the abutment, completing the process.
If a bone graft is not needed to strengthen the jaw bone, the process can take three to six months. If bone grafting is needed, the process can take up to one year. However, dental implants typically last a lifetime. If you are a patient in La Jolla and have questions about implant dentistry surgery or the referral process, contact our knowledgeable providers at The Art of Dentistry.
Dental implants are a good option for tooth replacement, but not everyone is the best candidate. The ideal candidate is in good general health and does not have conditions that could affect healing, such as uncontrolled diabetes or heart disease. Smoking also slows the healing process and can increase the procedure’s failure rate, as it affects tissue oxygenation. Because it takes months for the implant to heal naturally, one should commit to quitting smoking before considering this procedure.
A strong and healthy jaw bone is necessary to support the implant. Therefore, gum disease must be treated before getting implants to prevent infections that can cause the surgical procedure to fail.
Heavy smokers who are unwilling to quit, people who excessively grind their teeth, and those with uncontrolled illnesses, such as an autoimmune disorder or uncontrolled diabetes, are not good candidates for dental implants.
To learn more about whether you are a good candidate, schedule a consultation with The Art of Dentistry to discuss implant dentistry in La Jolla.
Implant dentistry can help repair and restore your beautiful smile, boosting your self-confidence and protecting your teeth and jaw. Call us today to schedule your consultation and learn more about how dental implants for La Jolla patients may offer the cosmetic and functional answers you have been searching for.