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Dental Implants in San Diego, CA
Dental trauma, gum disease, and tooth decay can result in one or more missing teeth. Tooth loss negatively impacts your smile’s function and aesthetics, often affecting your confidence. At La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics, we focus on restoring the beauty and functionality of your teeth so your bright smile will reflect your vibrant self.
We provide custom dental implants to replace missing teeth, giving you a natural, healthy smile. Your oral health is our top priority, and we work hard to ensure our care meets your dental needs, time frame, and budget expectations.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into the jawbone beneath the gum line. They are typically made of titanium and provide a sturdy foundation for the replacement of teeth, such as dental crowns or bridges. The dental implants fuse with the jawbone, offering stability, durability, and natural functionality, making them an excellent solution for missing teeth.
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“At our practice, we do not cut corners. We only use the most advanced, cutting-edge equipment available.”rn— Dr. Kohani
How It Works
What Is the Process for Dental Implants?
Step One
Contact La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics at (858) 295-0603 or use our online contact form to schedule your consultation.
Step Two
Meet with Dr. Kohani to discuss your tooth replacement goals, receive an examination to assess your candidacy, and learn about your dental implant options.
Step Three
If needed, you will receive supportive services, like bone grafting, before implant placement, which will require time to heal, or if your jawbone is healthy, undergo implant placement.
Step Four
After your dental implant fuses with the jawbone (a few weeks to months), our dentist will place the abutment and obtain a digital impression to fabricate your crown.
Step Five
Your permanent, natural-looking, porcelain crown will be attached to the implant abutment, revealing a beautiful and healthy smile.
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Dental Implant Consultation
To get the most out of your dental implant procedure, it’s important that your dental provider is qualified, experienced, and attentive. You can count on Dr. Kohani to listen carefully to your concerns and explain your options thoroughly to create a customized treatment plan that meets your dental needs and aesthetic goals.
A big part of your consultation is determining if dental implants are the best treatment for you. At La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics, our office is equipped with advanced 3D imaging technology, which allows Dr. Kohani to clearly assess your candidacy for dental implant placement and plan the most effective technique if you are eligible.
Some patients are ineligible for dental implants. If your gums or jawbone have been compromised due to periodontitis or resorption, you will need supportive services to strengthen them enough to receive the implants. In some instances, a bone graft may be necessary to strengthen the jawbone for the implant.
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Dental Implant Placement
The implant consists of a titanium screw that is inserted into the jawbone through a small incision, and a temporary covering is put in place. Local anesthesia is used to ensure your comfort during the procedure. You will have to wait two to four months before the permanent crown can be attached. This time allows the implant site to heal and the implant itself to fuse with the jawbone in a process known as osseointegration.
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Osseointegration—Implant Fusion
Osseointegration is a healing process in which your bone grows around the titanium implant, fusing them together for a secure and natural hold. This process begins after the implants are placed and can be prolonged by several factors, including smoking, prior medical conditions, or poor oral hygiene.
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Dental Crown Placement
After the osseointegration is completed and the area is fully healed, your custom-made crown will be placed on the implant. The crowns we create at La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry are made of a strong and durable ceramic capable of sustaining high pressure. Additionally, these crowns are of similar shape and color to your surrounding teeth to preserve the natural aesthetic of your smile. The crown is securely attached to the dental implant.
After your new dental crown is placed, you can speak, chew, and eat just as you would with natural teeth and practice regular oral hygiene without having to remove any dental hardware. The final result is an artificial tooth that looks and functions exactly as a natural tooth would. Your new ceramic crown can be stained to match your enamel’s natural coloring. Or, if you desire a brighter smile, the ceramic crown can be color-matched to your professionally whitened teeth.
Testimonials
Our patients LOVE us, and you will too!
Dr. Kohani changed my smile by using his special veneering technique with minimal alteration of my own teeth. He is an absolute perfectionist and does unbelievable work. No one can tell I have veneers; they just notice my bright and shining smile.
I have gone to Dr. Kohani a few times now and have had nothing but great experiences. I was impressed with the friendly staff that is welcoming and organized. We all know these visits aren’t necessarily ones we look forward to, but Dr. Kohani makes this experience quite pleasant…
I was new to La Jolla, out looking for a dentist and I actually walked into Dr. Kohani’s office by mistake. Well, it was one of the best mistakes I made. My teeth needed a ton of work and Dr. Kohani did a beautiful job. I needed fillings, root canals and veneers. Dr. Kohani was able to do it all…
What Is Recovery From Dental Implant Placement Like?
Following the placement of your dental implants, you will be instructed to eat soft foods for several days. The implant is usually buried under the gum while it heals. While the complete osseointegration process usually takes two to four months, this time can be significantly extended if you smoke or fail to take care of your new smile.
You should be able to return to work and other everyday activities soon after placement.
How Do I Take Care of My Dental Implants?
Maintaining your smile after receiving dental implants depends on the quality of your dental hygiene habits. Practicing a consistent, healthy oral hygiene regimen can improve the health of your natural teeth and dental implants. While dental implants are highly durable, you can maintain your results and oral health by doing the following:
- Brush at least twice per day
- Floss at least once per day
- Visit the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings
- Avoid harmful habits, such as biting your nails or using your teeth as tools
- Avoid smoking
Why Should I Choose La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry in San Diego, CA, for High-Quality Dental Implants?
Dr. Kohani can evaluate your teeth, gums, and jaw to determine the best dental implant option for you near San Diego. We also serve Murrietta and Temecula, California. Call us at 858-295-0603 to schedule a consultation today!
Dental Implants FAQ
How much do dental implants cost in San Diego?
The precise cost of dental implants in San Diego, CA, varies according to individual needs and the extent of correction required. The price can also be affected if other dental work is needed or multiple teeth need to be replaced. Some insurance companies may cover a portion of the expense. Dr. Kohani will be happy to provide a detailed price quote for your dental implant procedure during your consultation.
Are dental implants painful?
An anesthetic is used during the procedure to minimize surgical pain. Afterward, you may experience some temporary symptoms, such as bruising of the gums, pain at the implant site, and minor bleeding. These symptoms will dissipate over time and can be easily managed with prescription or over-the-counter medication.
How long will my dental implants last?
With proper care, dental implants should be permanent, and unless any complications arise, they should not need to be replaced.
Do I have to be a certain age to get dental implants?
Dental implants can be a solution for any patient who has lost their adult teeth. You can get dental implants at virtually any age with the recommendation of your dentist.
How long will it take for me to get my dental implants?
Dental implants require a multi-step process. From the beginning of the process to the final stage, dental implants can sometimes take up to nine months, depending on the condition of your gums and jawbone and any treatment required before the implants are placed. Healing time may also vary based on your health, any habits that impact your oral health, and the expediency of your appointments.
Will I be able to eat normally with dental implants?
Yes. After completing the healing process, most patients can eat normally and often with more ease than before. If pressure is put on the implants before the healing process has finished, there may be some soreness, and it may prolong the healing time. You can prevent this by following Dr. Kohani’s instructions.
Can my body reject dental implants?
Dental implants are made of titanium, which is very biocompatible, so they should not cause issues unless you have a rare allergy to titanium.
Can I still undergo treatment even if my jawbone has atrophied?
In many cases, Dr. Kohani can implement a pre-treatment tissue and bone grafting procedure to return your jaw to a healthy enough state to receive dental implants.
Will the crown match the color of my existing teeth?
Yes. Dr. Kohani will color-match your implant crown to your existing healthy teeth. If you want a brighter smile, you can have your natural teeth whitened before choosing the new crown’s color, as restorations cannot be whitened later.
Why should I choose dental implants over traditional bridges or dentures?
Fixed bridges and dentures only replace the visible portion of the tooth (crowns), while dental implants replace both the crown and root. Because tooth roots maintain the density of the jaw, replacing the root is essential to prevent resorption. This condition leads to the loss of your natural jaw contour and a prematurely aged appearance.
Will I have to go without a tooth while waiting for the implant to fuse with my jawbone?
After placing the implant, a temporary partial denture may be used until the final crown is attached. However, you will be instructed not to chew heavily, as this may prolong your healing time.
What if I need more than one tooth permanently replaced?
If you have two or three teeth missing in a row that need to be replaced, an implant-supported dental bridge may be the best solution.
If you are missing most or all of your teeth, implant-supported dentures can replace them and restore your bite. This multi-tooth replacement option is superior to traditional dentures as implant-supported dentures provide reliable stability with no need for adhesives and can be cared for much like your natural teeth were.
Depending on the number of missing teeth, you can also choose individual dental implants to replace each tooth.
Completing the whole process may take several weeks or months, depending on the condition of your gums and jawbone. Replacement with implant-supported dentures usually takes less time. While that doesn’t offer the same natural feel as individual implants, they are a far better option than adhesive-based dentures.
Either way, your mouth will heal, and bite function will be restored, resulting in the smile of your dreams.
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