What Can You Expect from a Dental Implant Procedure?

At 3rd Avenue Complete Family Dental, we understand the importance of a perfect smile and the confidence it can instill. We offer dental implants to our patients, which are a highly effective and natural-looking solution for replacing missing teeth.
 
A good candidate for dental implants should be in good overall health. Uncontrolled diabetes, cancer, and heart problems can all impair the body’s ability to heal, compromising the implant procedure’s success. Furthermore, smoking can impede recovery and raise the likelihood of implant failure. Hence, we strongly advise our patients to quit smoking before and after implant placement.

Secondly, good bone health is crucial. The implant is placed into the jawbone, and it’s important that there’s enough bone to support it. At 3rd Avenue Complete Family Dental, we conduct thorough examinations to assess bone health.

Healthy gums free from periodontal disease are also key to maintaining the stability of dental implants. Periodontitis can damage the bone surrounding the teeth and compromise implant placement. Regular dental check-ups with us and good oral hygiene habits are essential in maintaining healthy gums.
Moreover, we encourage our patients who are considering dental implants to commit to a high standard of oral hygiene. This is vital for the long-term success of dental implants.

While age is not a primary factor in determining suitability for dental implants, we do not typically recommend them for children or adolescents whose jawbones have not yet finished growing. Older adults, however, are often excellent candidates for dental implants. At 3rd Avenue Complete Family Dental, we take into consideration your overall health, including general well-being, nutrition, and lifestyle factors when evaluating candidacy for dental implants.

The process of acquiring dental implants begins with an initial consultation with one of our qualified and experienced dentists. During this visit, we take the time to analyze your general oral health. through dental X-rays and an examination of your jawbone density. We also discuss your overall health and any medications you are currently taking.

Based on our findings, we will develop a unique treatment plan tailored to your individual requirements. We will explain the number and location of implants required, the type of implants we will use, and provide an expected timeline for the procedure.

We want to ensure your dental implants are successful and long-lasting. If essential, we may suggest bone grafting to strengthen your jawbone and ensure it can support the dental implants.

The next step in your dental implant journey is the surgical placement of the implants. Our experienced dental surgeons make small incisions in the gum tissue and insert the implants into the jawbone. These implants serve as artificial tooth roots, ensuring a solid foundation for the prosthetic teeth.

Following implant insertion, there is a healing period in which the implants fuse to the jawbone using a process known as osseointegration. This can take several months, but it’s a crucial step in ensuring the longevity and stability of your dental implants. During this time, we can place temporary teeth to replace your missing teeth and restore function.

While the journey to getting dental implants may seem long and challenging, the end result is worth it. At 3rd Avenue Complete Family Dental, we aim to provide you with a durable, natural-looking replacement that will restore both your smile and your confidence.

At 3rd Avenue Complete Family Dental, we understand how important your smile is. Whether you’re missing one tooth or several, dental implants can offer a permanent, natural-looking solution to restore your smile. The dental implant process may appear to be long enough but we ensure that each stage is completed with the highest precision and care, with your comfort and pleasure being our first priority.
 
When you visit our practice, we begin the dental implant process with a comprehensive examination. This initial stage, which typically takes one to two weeks, allows us to create a personalized plan that caters to your unique dental needs.

If dental implants are deemed suitable, we move on to the surgical phase. Our skilled dentists prepare a surgical site in your jawbone and place the titanium implant. This implant is left exposed to the gums to promote attachment. The subsequent healing phase, known as osseointegration, can take anywhere from three to six months. This crucial period allows the implant to integrate with your bone, forming a sturdy base for your new tooth.

Once the implant is securely integrated, we proceed to the abutment placement surgery, where a small connector is attached to the implant. This post connects the implant to your new tooth. The gum tissue then needs a few weeks, typically 2-3, to heal around this abutment.

The final stage involves the delivery of the final restoration. At 3rd Avenue Complete Family Dental, we pride ourselves on creating crowns, bridges, or dentures that seamlessly match your natural teeth in color, size, and shape. This final stage can take anywhere from two to six weeks.

While the dental implant process can take from six months to over a year, we assure you it’s a worthwhile investment for a lifetime of beautiful smiles.

At 3rd Avenue Complete Family Dental, we understand the importance of ensuring our patients’ comfort during dental implant procedures. We utilize a variety of anesthesia methods, tailored to the individual needs and medical history of each patient.
 
Local Anesthesia

Local anesthesia is the one that is commonly used for dental implants in our practice. This method allows us to numb a specific area of your mouth, typically around the implant site, making the procedure pain-free. This method is similar to the one you might have experienced during a filling or a root canal.

Sedation Anesthesia

For patients who feel anxious about dental procedures, or for more complex or extensive procedures, our team offers sedation anesthesia. This method will make you feel relaxed and less aware of your surroundings, but will not put you fully to sleep.

General Anesthesia

In rare cases, we may recommend general anesthesia for dental implants. This is typically used for complex or lengthy procedures, or for patients who cannot tolerate other types of anesthesia.
Our dentists will have a thorough discussion with you about the anesthesia options and their associated risks to ensure your comfort and understanding.

Our use of anesthesia for dental implant procedures offers numerous benefits. These include eliminating pain and discomfort, reducing anxiety and fear, and facilitating a more comfortable and efficient procedure.

At 3rd Avenue Complete Family Dental, your comfort, safety, and health are our top priorities. For more information, contact us, or request an appointment online today! We are located at 3330 3rd Avenue Suite 302 San Diego, CA 92103. We serve patients from San Diego CA, Downtown San Diego CA, Hillcrest CA, Mission Valley CA, University Heights CA, North Park CA, and surrounding areas.