Dental Implants San Diego

Advanced cosmetic solutions for missing or damaged teeth

Missing teeth can not only negatively affect the appearance of your smile, but can also cause self-consciousness and embarrassment. Dental implants in San Diego represent a popular and effective method of improving the aesthetics and functionality of your bite. These titanium metal rods implanted within the jawbone function as “roots” upon which replacement teeth can be hoisted. Unlike dentures or prosthetics, dental implants can last for years to come and can be maintained just like real teeth.

What are dental implants?

When a tooth is missing, it can leave a gap that causes the bite to misalign. Other teeth may shift or move into the open space, and the gap may also be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. Dental implants are not only a cosmetic solution for missing teeth, but they can also help to support a healthy bite. Implants are placed without damaging any nearby teeth, making them superior in a lot of ways to bridges which require the filing down of adjacent tooth structures.

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How does the procedure work?

The first step in receiving dental implants is for the dentist to clean and clear a viable space in the jawline where the new tooth root can be implanted. The area will be completely numbed beforehand, so you will feel nothing. Once the dentist feels the hole is deep and wide enough for the titanium screw, the implant is placed along with a protective healing cap to shield the new implant from damage.

During this stage, your bone tissue will grow up around the implant, locking it in place. This process, osseointegration, takes around 1-3 months on average.The next step is to affix the tooth replacement atop the titanium rod. The replacement teeth are colored to match your exact hues so they look natural and attractive, completing your smile and enhancing your self-image.

With over 20 years of expertise in dentistry, Dr. Fakhimi is passionate about staying abreast of the latest technological innovations in cosmetic science and delivering a dental experience that is stress-free, rewarding and aesthetically enhancing.

What are the different types of implants?

Single implants

A single tooth implant consists of a slim screw that is fused with the jawbone, and a crown that covers the artificial tooth to protect and secure it. A single tooth implant has many advantages over a bridge, including its natural look and feel, and the preservation of the surrounding healthy teeth.

A single tooth implant will not require that the adjacent teeth be ground down the way that a tooth-supported fixed bridge will. The single implant protects the bone from atrophy and reabsorption as well, keeping the facial appearance intact as the body ages. The gums are also preserved more efficiently with a single tooth implant than with a bridge.

Single Implant »

Multiple implants

Treatment for multiple missing teeth usually presents several options. The dentist can create a partial denture that is removable, or an implant-supported bridge. With the removable partial denture, the unit is affixed to the healthy teeth using specially designed dental clasps.

With an implant-supported bridge, deterioration of the jawbone (bone atrophy) is halted, and the facial bone structure is maintained. The implant-supported bridge will protect the gums, preserve the bite, and keep the surrounding healthy teeth from migrating, shifting or becoming loose. The patient can enjoy eating all the same crunchy, brittle foods, as the implant-supported bridge will act, look and feel just like the patient’s natural teeth.

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All-on-4 implants

All-on-4 implants are a unique, versatile solution for the age-old problem of tooth loss. The all-on-4 system provides just 4 implants per arch, replacing the cumbersome 6-8 implants usually required. The all-on-4 implants are comfortable and convenient, and are superior to dentures in their stability and longevity.

The implants are applied with tiny titanium screws that fuse with the jawbone and are covered with dental crowns tinted to match the precise tooth color of each patient. Bone grafting is seldom required with the all-on-4 units, eliminating costly and painful multiple trips to the dental clinic. The all-on-4 implants can be cleaned and maintained just like regular teeth, and will actually help to eliminate the threat of infection and disease by filling in the gaps left by missing teeth.

All-on-4 implants »

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Customized to match your natural teeth
Long-lasting solution
Comfortable
Sturdy and secure
Easy to maintain oral hygiene
Improved appearance of the smile

Who is a good candidate for dental implants in San Diego?

The ideal candidate for dental implants in San Diego has healthy gums free from periodontal disease and sufficient jawbone density to support the new titanium rod implants. If these attributes are not in place, your dentist may still be able to perform dental implant surgery by addressing the state of your gums and by performing bone grafting that will make it possible to place the implants. An in depth consultation with your dentist will provide the most accurate assessment of your candidacy.

What is the cost of dental implants?

The cost of your implants will vary depending on the type of implants that you receive. Dental implants in and around the San Diego area tend to range from $1500 to $7500. While the cost may seem high, the alternatives are difficult to imagine. If a tooth is not replaced, headaches may ensue. The surrounding teeth can incur damage, the gums can recede and bone loss may occur, making it difficult to speak or eat. It’s important that you address any missing teeth as soon as possible by making an appointment to see your dentist in San Diego.

Dentures vs. Dental Implants

Dentures are removable teeth replacements that come in a full or partial set. With advancements in technology, dentures today look more natural than ever. They are less expensive than implants and are ideal for those with unhealthy or weak jaws.

However, if not secured with denture adhesive, they can slip out of place while eating or speaking. Dentures can also lead to infection or tooth decay if they’re not fitted properly and must be cleaned regularly or replaced if they show signs of significant wear.

Dental implants are permanent teeth replacements, and while they cost more than dentures, they last longer and save you money over time. Dental implants also require fewer visits to the dentist because they’re easier to maintain than dentures. You never have to worry about them falling out while eating or speaking; they feel more comfortable and look more natural than dentures.

Recovery From Dental Implants

Recovery after getting dental implants can vary from person to person, but here are some general guidelines:

Immediate Post-Procedure: Right after the implant surgery, you may experience some swelling, pain, and minor bleeding. This is normal and can be managed with prescribed pain medications and cold packs.
Rest: It's important to rest and avoid strenuous activities for the first few days after the procedure. This will help with the healing process.
Diet: Stick to soft foods for the first few days to a week. Avoid hot and spicy foods. Gradually, you can transition to a regular diet.
Oral Hygiene: Follow your dentist's instructions for oral hygiene. This typically involves gentle rinsing with a saltwater solution and avoiding brushing directly over the implant site for a few days.
Medications: Take any prescribed medications as directed, especially antibiotics if they are prescribed to prevent infection.
Swelling: Swelling should peak within 48 hours and then gradually subside. Cold compresses can help reduce swelling.
Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription pain medications may be necessary to manage pain and discomfort. Follow your dentist's recommendations.
Follow-Up Appointments: Attend all follow-up appointments with your dentist or oral surgeon. They will monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments.
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking can interfere with the healing process, and alcohol should be avoided during the initial recovery period.
Avoid Certain Foods: Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could put pressure on the implant site and slow down healing.
Healing Time: The complete healing process can take several months. During this time, the implant fuses with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration.
Prosthetic Attachment: After the implant has fully healed, your dentist will attach the prosthetic tooth or crown to the implant.

It's important to follow your dentist's specific post-operative instructions closely to ensure a smooth and successful recovery. If you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, or any other concerning symptoms, contact your dentist or oral surgeon immediately.

Why choose Dr Fakhimi?

Dr. Ali Fakhimi founded Soft Touch Dental in order to provide outstanding oral solutions for clients in and around the San Diego area. With over 20 years of expertise in dentistry, Dr. Fakhimi is passionate about staying abreast of the latest technological innovations in cosmetic science and delivering a dental experience that is stress-free, rewarding and aesthetically enhancing.

Dr. Fakhimi graduated from the University of Nevada and Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, one of the most prestigious training institutions in the country. He earned his Doctorate degree in 1997, and also attended the Las Vegas Institute of Advanced and Cosmetic Dentistry (LVI) where he specialized in full-mouth reconstruction. Dr. Fakhimi is a member of the American Dental Association.

Dental Implant FAQs

How long do implants last?

Your titanium metal rods will last a lifetime, provided you follow proper oral hygiene protocols and attend regular dental checkups every six months. The crowns on top of your replacement teeth may last up to 15 years.

How often will I need to undergo dental checkups?

You will require professional dental cleanings and exams every 3-6 months. It’s important that you continue to brush and floss daily in order to maintain your dental implants as well as your overall health.

Is there such a thing as metal-free implants?

There are holistic alternatives to titanium such as Zirconia, a ceramic compound. Zirconia is biocompatible and white in color. Ask your dentist if Zirconia dental implants might be an option for you.

Will I Need a Bone Graft?

If you have lost bone density, such as missing teeth, your jawbone may no longer be thick enough for an implant, and you will need a bone graft. Missing teeth cause atrophy in the jawbone, which happens when the bone that is supposed to support teeth is reabsorbed.

Will Missing Teeth Affect My Facial Appearance?

When teeth are missing, your jawbone shrinks, resulting in decreased facial muscle support, which can change your facial appearance. Facial collapse, such as sunken or sagging cheeks, can make us appear older than we are.

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