What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that provide a permanent base for fixed, replacement teeth. Compared to dentures, bridges, and crowns, dental implants are a popular and effective long-term solution for people who suffer from missing teeth, failing teeth, or chronic dental problems. Because they fit, feel, and function like natural teeth, dental implants are quickly becoming the new standard in tooth replacement. If you’re looking for a trusted dental implants dentist in San Diego, our experienced team is here to provide exceptional care.
Why Consider Dental Implants?
Losing one or more of your teeth creates a gap in your smile, affects your ability to chew properly, and can alter your diet and nutrition. While these are all serious issues, did you know that tooth loss also leads to bone loss? When a tooth is lost, the jawbone beneath it begins to shrink (or atrophy) and becomes brittle from lack of exercise. Not only does losing a tooth affect your smile, it also changes the shape of your face causing you to look prematurely aged. If you’re looking for a skilled implant dentist in San Diego, our team is here to help you restore both your smile and confidence.
Benefits of Dental Implants
The root of a tooth stimulates the jawbone and keeps it from shrinking. In the past, there was no treatment available to prevent this from happening.
Fortunately, today we have a solution. And that solution is dental implants. Dental implants act and function like the root of a tooth. Your jawbone and facial appearance will be maintained.
Benefits:
- Replaces missing teeth
- Maintains bone
- Maintains your youthful appearance
- Restores your natural smile
Dental Implant Options
SINGLE IMPLANT
If you have lost a single tooth due to an accident or from periodontal disease, that one tooth can be replaced using a dental implant.
Your new tooth will look and function just like your other natural teeth.
MULTIPLE IMPLANTS
Occasionally a patient is missing more than one tooth, but still has healthy gums and surrounding teeth, and multiple implants are the best solution.
Two fixtures are implanted and the crown is attached, leaving other natural teeth intact.
FULL MOUTH IMPLANTS
Patients who need to replace a full upper and/or lower set of teeth can now receive full mouth implants.
One of our Doctors will place 4 implants and then attach a full set of teeth on top. This procedure is commonly referred to as All-On-4.
Frequently Asked Questions
When you come in for your first appointment, you will fill out paperwork so we can get to know you better. Next you will meet a dental assistant for x-rays. An examination is then completed by the dentist. You will receive a treatment plan for any dental treatment you may need or want. You will check out with the receptionist and make your next appointment.
In our experience, most people can safely receive dental implants. Even age is not necessarily a factor when determining dental implant placement. Whether you’re missing one tooth or many, dental implants may be the best choice for you. Plus, at Smile Mission Valley Dental Center, our doctors are experienced in treating patients with complex cases that may even have been turned away by others. The best way to find out if you’re a candidate is to visit us for a free consultation.
Implant procedures are done in one visit. A single implant can be done in one hour. Procedure time varies depending on how many implants we are doing.
Recovery time differs for every patient but many patients say they don’t experience significant discomfort and don’t even need pain medication after the procedure. Many patients return to work the very next day.
No. After the procedure, you will leave our office with temporary teeth or denture that allows you to eat and enjoy your everyday life. You will return to our office some time later where we'll replace your temporary teeth with your new, permanent teeth or denture.
Recovery time differs for every patient but many patients say they don’t experience significant discomfort and don’t even need pain medication after the procedure.
Thanks to precise technology and our all-inclusive centers, the cost of dental implants is much less than it was even a few years ago. However, many of our patients still need financing options to help pay for the procedure. That’s why we work closely with leading healthcare financing companies to provide payment plans for our patients who qualify. During your consultation, we will help figure out a financing strategy that fits your budget. Together, we’ll explore every option available.
We accept many dental insurance plans and will file claims on your behalf, saving you the time and hassle. Our knowledgeable benefit coordinators can help you maximize your dental benefits and minimize your out-of-pocket cost. We will tell you upfront what your insurance plan will pay for and offer options for taking care of any remaining balance.
We offer many financing options to make quality dental care a reality for thousands every year.
- We accept most Indemnity Insurance*
- We accept most major credit cards: MASTER CARD, VISA, DISCOVER, AMERICAN EXPRESS
- CASH AND PERSONAL CHECKS accepted
- We offer 24 Month-NO INTEREST financing with Lending Club and Care Credit on approved credit.
Our doctors do everything they can to make you as comfortable as possible. Depending on the procedure, you can elect to have local anesthesia or sedation. Many of our patients opt for sedation so they don’t feel anything during the procedure. Afterward, most of our patients reported that they experienced far less pain than anticipated.
Yes. In fact, we recommend that you bring family or a friend. They’ll help you feel more at ease before the procedure and afterwards, you’ll be able to show them the new you!
We’re looking forward to meeting you!
Smile Mission Valley Dental Center
- 2650 Camino Del Rio N , #102 San Diego, CA 92108
- (619) 439-0453