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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 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.

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.

Multiple implants »

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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  1.  We are having all patient’s wait in their car until they are called in for their appointment. To maintain social distancing, we are not utilizing our waiting room. Until your appointment time, you'll be asked to wait in your car until we have a room sanitized and ready for you. Our front desk staff will call you to give you permission to enter the practice, and we will proceed with the following steps.
  2. CDC approved masks for patients and PPE for staff must be worn at all time To further prevent the spread of bacteria all patients have to wear CDC approved masks in the office, besides when you are getting your teeth worked on in your private dental room. Additionally, every staff member is suited up in PPE for their and your safety throughout your visit. 
  3. Temperature checks for all patients and staff are mandatory upon entrance to the office Every staff member and every patient will have a temperature check at the onset of their arrival to the practice, to ensure they are not running a fever.
  4. Medical mouthwash to rinse and clean mouth out Once you have had your temperature checked, our team will direct you to our restroom to use chlorhexidine mouthwash, to prevent spread of bacteria.
  5. All patients and staff need to wash hands for 20 seconds upon entry of office While in the restroom you will also be directed by our team member to wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds. 
  6. Covid screening questionnaire that covers the last 14 days of each patient’s activity Every patient must complete a questionnaire letting us know how you have spent your last 14 days, in order to ensure you were following the safety precautions for Covid. 
  7. Sanitation of common areas handles and treatment rooms in between each patient In between patients leaving and entering the office, a staff member will thoroughly clean and sanitize any common area handles and treatment rooms as an extra measure to prevent the spread of Covid.
  8. Private dental rooms for every patient To make sure there is less contact with other patients, everyone will have a clean and sanitized private dental room during their appointment.
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