Visit a San Diego Dentist to Complete Your Smile with Dental Implants

Dr. Gary Sigafoos • Mar 22, 2015

A missing tooth can be more than just an embarrassment. An incomplete set of teeth can make it difficult for you to chew your food or even speak. In the past, the only option for replacing missing teeth was getting dentures. However, nowadays, a visit to an experienced San Diego dentist practice like A+ Family Dentistry can present you with a better solution: dental implants.

Benefits

Natural-looking San Diego dental implants have several advantages over having dentures. First is the obvious fact that implants are not going to suddenly pop out of your mouth. Once in place, implants can last you a lifetime, though occasional adjustments might be needed.


Second, dental implants have a positive effect on your jaw bone. Leaving a space between teeth can lead to bone tissue deterioration and loss because the jaw isn’t supporting a tooth. An implant stimulates bone growth and preserves the jaw’s integrity.


Third, an implant doesn’t imperil the surrounding teeth. Bridges and dentures sometimes require that neighboring teeth need to be ground down to get a proper fit or support. Dental implants go directly into the bone, ensuring a proper fit and stopping them from shifting without the presence of other teeth.


Finally, you can eat and speak in a more natural manner. No need to be careful about crunching down on tough foods or speaking too fast, as you can be assured of the replacement’s durability.

The Procedure

Installing a dental implant is a complicated process. This is why you’ll want a skilled dentist to do it. The first step is a thorough evaluation of whether your jaw can receive an implant. This usually involves an x-ray to check the state of your jaw bone along with the preparation of a full treatment plan. If your jaw bone is too thin or too soft, a bone graft may be needed before the procedure.


Once your bone is ready and the treatment plan is finalized, your surgery can start. Once a hole has been drilled into the jaw, a metal post (usually made of titanium) is then inserted into the opening. The post is then usually covered by your gums to facilitate the healing process and letting the implant integrate with your bone.


The next step usually happens months after the implantation. Dentists regularly check on the post whether it has properly healed and adapted. Once it has, the gum covering is removed and an abutment is placed into the post; this is what will actually hold the replacement tooth. More healing is required until the last step, which is the final placement of a replacement specifically crafted for the job.


(Source: Dental implant surgery, Colgate Oral and Dental Health Resource Center)

DR. JUSTINE DOAN, DDS

General and Restorative Dentist

Dr. Justine Doan has considerable postgraduate training including a fellowship program and a year-long surgical externship in implantology. She was elected as one of the 40 Top Dentists Under 40 in the U.S. for 2015 by Incisal Edge magazine. Dr. Justene is a highly trained general dentist and focuses on dental implants and restorative cases.

DR. Janice DOAN, DDS

General and Cosmetic Dentist

Dr. Janice Doan practices general and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Janice received her Doctor of Dental Science degree from the University of Southern California. Since graduating, she has completed a number of continuing education programs in a variety of subjects. Dr. Janice was named a Top 40 Under 40 dentist by Incisal Edge magazine in 2015.

DR. Roger Tran, DDS

General, COsmetic & Restorative Dentist

Dr. Roger Tran practices general, cosmetic and restorative dentistry. He graduated with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Southern California. Since graduating, he has received advanced training in many areas of dentistry. He has also volunteered through the Los Angeles County+USC Medical Center.

Find a Location

If you are looking to become a patient of A+ Family Dentistry you can start by searching our website for a location closest to you. We provide patients with and pride ourselves on Advanced Dental Technology, General, Family & Emergency Dentistry, Comfortable, Caring Treatment, Flexible, Non-Insurance Payment Options, Three Convenient Office Locations, and Cost-Saving New Patient Specials. Find a location and take advantage of our new patient special of $165 Exam, X-Ray, and Cleaning for the insured and non insured.

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