Dental Implants in San Diego, CA
Replacing Missing Teeth
Dental implants are solution to replace missing teeth. Both functional and cosmetic, they reestablish the way in which teeth feel and work, while creating a completely natural look. Implants are made of three components: a titanium post—placed in the jawbone, replacing the root of the tooth; an abutment—connecting the post to the crown; and the teeth (a crown, bridge, or denture)—the final piece that can be seen above the gum line.
Who will be performing the procedures?
As with any complex dental procedure, you will have a team dedicated to your care, ensuring the best possible outcome. Our doctors, at San Diego Prosthodontics, specialize in restoring the teeth after dental implants are placed. We have wonderful relationships with many surgical specialists (oral surgeons or periodontists) in the greater San Diego area, and work closely with them when planning your care. We advise that patients consult with us prior to surgery so that we can work with your surgical specialist to come up with the best plan for you.
The Process—What to Expect
- Consultation and Treatment Planning: We gather imaging, your medical history, dental history, specialized impressions of your mouth, and bite records during the initial phase of the dental implant process to ensure we have a clear picture of your current condition. If you do not already have a surgeon, we will refer you to one. With that information, we make a plan that guarantees that both your health and budgetary goals are met.
- Extraction: The next step is to have a surgical specialist extract the tooth in question, if it has not already been removed. Dr. Recksiedler, Dr. Pun or Dr. Gulbransen (Retired) work closely with local oral surgeons and periodontists to coordinate your surgical needs. The surgeon may be able to place the implant at the same time of extraction if bone grafting is not required first (See next step.).
- Bone Grafting: It is common for the jawbone to lack sufficient volume, in which case a bone graft is needed to strengthen the target area. Bone grafting is followed by several months of healing before the implant can be placed. Your surgeon will advise you if bone grafting will be necessary.
- Dental Implant Surgery: Your surgeon places a titanium post, replacing the root of the tooth, into your jawbone during the implant procedure. There are a variety of sedation options that you can discuss with your surgeon. You will be anesthetized for your comfort during the surgery, so you won’t feel a thing.
- Osseointegration: After placing the implant, the surgeon covers it with the surrounding soft tissue and allows it to fuse with the bone. This fusion of titanium to bone is called osseointegration. The length of healing time varies from person to person, depending on the quality and quantity of bone. In some cases, implants may be restored immediately after they are placed.
- Final Restoration: After osseointegration is complete, an abutment is placed on the implant that connects to the final crown, bridge, or denture. Whether it is one tooth or all of your teeth, Drs. Recksiedler, Pun or Gulbransen (Retired) will complete the restoration by fitting the replacement teeth to the dental implant.
Unmatched Longevity
Dental implants can last a lifetime when cared for properly. Consistent oral health habits—brushing and flossing twice daily—contribute to the unparalleled longevity of dental implants. Drs. Recksiedler, Pun or Gulbransen (Retired) partner with specialists and general dentists in our area to form a treatment plan that is customized to your needs and concerns, using advanced technology and the latest techniques. We go the extra mile to ensure that the dental implants we place last a very long time.
Teeth in One Day (“All on 4,” “All on X”)
This is a streamlined process that allows you to have a new set of fixed teeth the same day that your implants are placed! Instead of waiting months to heal with a removable temporary, we will immediately place abutments and an interim immediate load implant retained fixed bridge. After your jaw heals completely, we will remove your interim and deliver your final implant supported bridge.
This is a great way to forgo a removable denture during the implant healing phase. A consultation with Drs. Recksiedler, Pun or Gulbransen (Retired) is the best way to determine if Teeth in One Day is an option for you.
Cost of Dental Implants
At San Diego Prosthodontics, we know that every patient has different needs when it comes to dental implants. We tailor our treatments to your individual needs. Therefore, the first step is to make an appointment for a consultation with one of our doctors. Call us today at San Diego Office Phone Number 619-463-3773.
Schedule your Consultation
Schedule an appointment with us and find out if dental implants are an ideal solution for you.
Request an Appointment
The first step towards a beautiful, healthy smile is to schedule an appointment. Please contact our office by phone or complete the appointment request form below. Our scheduling coordinator will contact you to confirm your appointment. If you are an existing patient, this contact form should not be utilized for communicating private health information.