Dental Implants
Having missing teeth is a true challenge. There’s the cosmetic aspect, which can hurt confidence in your smile. But there is also an impact on your oral health and function. Dental implants provide a lasting solution for replacing missing teeth with a natural-looking restoration. Every dental implant at TruGlo in La Jolla is made to exact specifications and carefully placed for optimal results.
Dental Implants in La Jolla
Overcome Tooth Loss for a Lifetime
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are metal posts placed into the gums that we can anchor a replacement tooth or dentures to. The post naturally fuses to your jawbone, creating a stable point for your tooth restoration. Most commonly, patients have a single custom-made crown attached to a dental implant.
Why Choose Our La Jolla Practice for Dental Implants
- Premier quality materials built to last
- Surgical placement by a skilled implant specialist
- Long-term patient support and follow-up
- Advanced implant/crown fabrication with micromillimeter precision
Getting Dental Implants: Step By Step
Consultation & Assessment
The first step is to assess your situation and provide appropriate recommendations. Dental implants are often the top choice for replacing a missing tooth, but we still don’t rush the process. We want to be sure your selected procedure is safe and ideal for your needs.
Preparation
Some patients might not need any preparatory work. But others might need treatments like a tooth extraction or bone grafting. Bone grafting is essential for patients who have lost some jawbone density, as it rebuilds bone mass to better support the implant.
Placing the Implant
Our designated dental implant specialist surgically places the implant into the gum. The procedure itself is rather brief, often taking only about 1 hour. Don’t worry, we thoroughly numb the area to ensure a painless procedure.
Impressions
Whether you are getting implant-supported dentures or a crown, impressions give us the blueprint for making your restoration. We take full 3D impressions of your mouth, which we use to fabricate your dental appliance. Our partnered lab uses advanced fabrication technology to ensure micromillimeter precision for an optimal fit.
Placing the Crown (or Dentures)
Lastly, you come in for one last visit to try on the crown or dentures. We double-check that the crown fits properly and matches the shape and color of your natural teeth. From there, we permanently affix it to the implant.
Dental Implants Treatment Quick Facts
- Procedure Duration: Average of 3 visits over 6–9 months
- Treatment Type: Cosmetic, restorative dentistry
- How Long Results Last: 15+ years (crowns); 25+ years (implant post)
- Tooth Replacement Options: Dental crown, implant-supported dentures, all-on-4 dentures
Testimonials
Ready to Start?
No matter its state, we can rebuild your smile. Whether you are missing one tooth or all of them, dental implants can pave the way back to a full smile. As the top dentist in La Jolla for dental implants, TruGlo is committed to patient safety, health, and satisfying outcomes. Call or use our form to schedule a consultation to start the process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are dental implants right for me?
Dental implants work best for patients who want to replace individual teeth or entire rows of teeth. But the biggest qualification for candidates is having enough jawbone mass to support the implant. Even if you do not initially, bone grafting can get you there. Additionally, you will need currently stable oral health. That means we would need to treat any significant decay, gum disease, or infections before moving forward.
How much does a dental implant cost?
Most dental implant treatments cost about $4,000–$5,000 for a full restoration. However, this cost can go up or down based on individual plan details. Factors like materials, number of implants, and type of restoration can all influence final costs. Likewise, if you need bone grafting first, that can add to the total cost. As part of the consultation, we provide each patient with a clear quote for their procedure’s cost, no commitment needed.
Does getting a dental implant hurt?
We always use local numbing for placing an implant, so the procedure should not hurt at all. Some soreness after the implant placement is expected. But the gums heal notoriously quickly, so any discomfort should fade within a few days. You can absolutely use over-the-counter pain relievers as instructed to help manage the soreness.
How long does it take to get a dental implant?
We’ll be frank with you: getting dental implants is a multistep process spread over 6–9 months for most patients. That might sound intimidating at first, but it is well worth the time and investment. Also, you only need about three 1-hour visits during that time. Patients still prefer implants over other restorations because of their durability and long-term benefits. Most patients will never need to replace a dental implant! You may eventually need to replace the crown or dentures affixed to the implant. Crowns tend to last about 15 years, while you need a new set of dentures every 10–15 years.
Will I still be able to eat and drink normally after treatment?
It depends. After implant placement, you will want to be careful about chewing on that side of the mouth. However, once your crown is placed, you can immediately chew on that side.
What are implant-supported dentures?
Most people think of dental implants with crowns when picturing the procedure. But patients with significant tooth loss can also benefit. Implant-supported dentures are specially designed prosthetics that attach to a series of dental implants. You can get removable dentures that snap on and off the implants. Or you can choose all-on-4 implants, which we permanently affix to a set of four dental implants.
