Dental Implants –
The Permanent Solution for Replacing Lost Teeth

Can you imagine if you were to lose any other part of your body, being able to replace it so comfortably and effectively that no one could discern the difference while you had full and confident use of the restored area?  Recent advancements in Dental Implant technology based on decades of use do just that and are truly a breakthrough for your comfort, your health and your smile. Replacing missing teeth with dental implants can dramatically improve your health, self-esteem and quality
of life.

What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants provide a permanent solution for replacing a single tooth, several teeth, or all your teeth. They are among the most successful dental treatment options available. The implant consists of a small, sturdy metal post that anchors the tooth, and it is capped with a dental crown. A full denture or fixed bridge can also be anchored for better stability and comfort.

What are the Benefits of Implant Dentistry?

• Strong, Durable and Natural in Appearance – Dental implants offer the same biting force as a natural tooth, because the implant is anchored in the bone.  Smile, speak and eat with confidence with teeth that are natural in appearance and function.

• High Success Rate – With decades of research, the overall success rate for dental implants is around 95%. Implants are often the best treatment options for replacing missing teeth.

• Permanent Solution – Dentures and bridges may require replacement.
  With proper dental hygiene, a dental implant can last a lifetime.

• Easily Maintained – Implants are cared for in the same manner as natural teeth, with brushing, flossing and routine dental exams.  Implants that anchor dentures or bridges allow for removal and cleaning, and then easy replacement.

• Preserves Healthy Teeth – Healthy adjacent teeth aren’t harmed or affected since neighboring teeth are not used for support (as they are for bridges).

• Comfortable Way to Anchor Denture or Bridge – Implant dentistry
  can securely anchor a removable denture or bridge, increasing comfort and function.

How is the Dental Implant Placed?
After meeting with Dr. Jeff Gray to determine if you are a good candidate, the doctor will carefully position the implant in the jawbone, duplicating the stability and strength the natural tooth root would provide. Over a few months the implant will fuse with the jawbone. Then our on-site Master Ceramist, Mike Milner, will create the replacement tooth or crown, which is then placed on top of the implant, replicating the beauty and functionality of your natural tooth.   

What are Mini Dental Implants?
Mini dental implants are smaller and are much easier to place.  The one-step procedure takes only about an hour and doesn’t require an incision or stitches.
This minimally invasive surgical technique can be completed in one visit, without the typical months of healing required for traditional implants.

The mini dental implant was developed to anchor dentures, but it is now also used to replace an individual tooth or multiple missing teeth in some cases.

Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are often the first choice to replace a missing tooth or teeth, due to disease or injury.  The following factors will help determine if you are a candidate:

• General Good Health – If you are well enough for routine dental treatment, you are probably a candidate for dental implants, as long as there is enough healthy jawbone.

• Age – Dental implants are an ideal option regardless of age, whether you are young, middle-aged or a senior.  Implants are usually postponed in children until the jawbone has matured, although there are exceptions.

• Dentures – Anchoring with dental implants provides greater stability and better function, making dentures more secure, stable and comfortable.

• Smoking – While being a non-smoker increases the success rate, smoking doesn’t eliminate the possibility of receiving dental implants.

• Commitment to Dental Hygiene – Implants have a 95% success rate
  when the patient is committed to good dental hygiene.  Daily brushing and flossing, along with routine dental exams, helps ensure that implants can last a lifetime.

Questions About Dental Implants?
Schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Jeff Gray at our San Diego Sedation & Cosmetic Dentistry office by calling (619) 337-7700 or by sending the simple form on this page. Dr. Gray will answer your questions, help determine your needs, and suggest the best solution.