Dental Implants

Dental implants are changing the way people live. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth which look, feel and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved they can smile with confidence. If you'd like to schedule a dental implants consulation at our Escondido office, please call us at 760-432-8888.

For a brief narrated overview of the dental implant process, please click the image on the right. It will launch our flash educational MiniModule in a separate window that may answer some of your questions about Dental Implants.

What are Dental Implants?

The implants themselves are small titanium posts, which are inserted into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts are then attached to the implant, which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth such as crowns, bridges and dentures.

Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.

The Surgical Procedure

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two procedures. First, implants are placed into the jawbone. For approximately 6-12 weeks following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft to regular diet during this time.

After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, your surgeon will attach small posts, which will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. These posts protrude through the gums. When the artificial teeth are placed these posts will not be seen. The entire procedure usually takes 3-6 months. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.

Surgical Advances

Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, we are able to offer single stage implants. Advances in dental implant technology have made it possible in select cases, to extract teeth, and place implants with crowns at one visit. This process, called "immediate loading" greatly simplifies the surgical process.

Who actually performs the implant placement?

Implants are a team effort between an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and a Restorative Dentist. Our doctors perform the actual implant surgery and initial tooth extractions and bone grafting if necessary, and the restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent crown, denture or bridge. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.

We perform your implant procedure in our technologically advanced surgery center operating suite. Even patients who may require special medical or anesthetic needs, or for those who need extensive bone grafting from the jaw or hip, can be performed in our modern facility, which has been approved by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Operations.

Why dental implants?

Once you learn about dental implants, you finally realize there is a way to improve you life. When you lose several teeth – whether it's a new situation or something you have lived with for years – chances are you have never become fully accustomed to losing such a vital part of yourself. Why sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge a space? In addition, removing a denture or a ÒpartialÓ at night may be inconvenient, not to mention that dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and rather embarrassing. Dental implants can be your doorway to renewed self-confidence and peace of mind.

Are you a candidate for implants?

If you are considering implants, your mouth must be examined thoroughly and your medical and dental history reviewed. If you mouth is not ideal for implants, ways of improving outcome, such as bone grafting, may be recommended.

Once the implants are in place, they will serve you well for many years if you take care of them and keep your mouth healthy. This means taking the time for good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and keeping regular appointments with your dental specialists.  If you would like more information about implants you may email us at implants@ncofsc.com.