Dental Implants

Dental implants are titanium posts surgically inserted into the jawbone beneath the gum line by our dentist in Cajon, CA, serving as artificial tooth roots for supporting replacement teeth or bridges. This process involves several stages: initial consultation, placement of the implant into the jawbone, healing period allowing for osseointegration (fusion of the implant with the bone), and finally, attachment of a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture to the implant.

Dental implants offer a durable, long-term solution for replacing missing teeth, providing stability, functionality, and aesthetics akin to natural teeth. They prevent bone loss in the jaw, maintain facial structure, and enable comfortable chewing and speaking. Additionally, they don't rely on neighboring teeth for support, preserving overall dental health.

Types of Dental Implants

Endosteal Implants

Endosteal implants are the most common type of titanium dental implants. They resemble small screws or cylinders and are surgically placed directly into the jawbone.

Benefits:

• Endosteal implants offer superior stability and durability, providing a solid foundation for replacement teeth.
• They can support single crowns, bridges, or implant-supported dentures, making them suitable for various tooth replacement scenarios.
• Endosteal implants can last a lifetime with proper care, offering a long-term solution for missing teeth.

Subperiosteal Implants

Subperiosteal implants are placed on the jawbone but underneath the gum tissue. They consist of a metal framework that protrudes through the gums to support the prosthetic tooth or teeth.

Benefits:

• Subperiosteal implants, which sit atop the bone rather than being inserted into it, are suitable for patients with inadequate bone density or height in the jawbone.
• Unlike endosteal implants, subperiosteal implants do not require drilling into the jawbone, making them a less invasive option for tooth replacement.
• The metal framework of subperiosteal implants can be customized to fit the unique shape and contours of the patient's jawbone, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.

All-On-4 Implants

All-on-4 implants, also known as full arch implants, are designed to replace an entire arch of missing teeth using only four strategically placed implants. They typically support a fixed denture or bridge.

Benefits:

• All-on-4 implants offer a quicker and more streamlined treatment option than traditional implant-supported dentures, as they require fewer implants and typically do not necessitate bone grafting procedures.
• By minimizing the number of implants needed, all-on-4 treatment can be more cost-effective than traditional implant-supported dentures, making it a more accessible option for many patients.
• All-on-4 implants distribute biting forces evenly across the dental arch, providing enhanced stability and preventing denture slippage or discomfort.

The Dental Implant Procedure

The dental implant procedure involves several carefully planned stages to ensure a successful outcome. It begins with a comprehensive consultation where our dentist evaluates your oral health using X-rays or CT scans to assess your jawbone structure and determine the appropriate treatment plan. Any necessary preparatory treatments, such as bone grafting, are also scheduled during this initial phase.

On the day of the procedure, local anesthesia is administered to ensure comfort. The dentist makes an incision in the gum to expose the jawbone and drills precise holes for the titanium implant fixtures. These implants are inserted into the bone, acting as artificial tooth roots. The gums are sutured closed, and in some cases, temporary restorations may be placed to protect the implants during healing.

The healing phase, known as osseointegration, lasts several months, during which the implants gradually fuse with the jawbone, providing a stable foundation for the prosthetic teeth. After osseointegration, a minor additional procedure might be necessary to attach abutments to the implants. These abutments serve as connectors for the final prosthetic teeth.

Impressions are taken to fabricate custom-made crowns, bridges, or dentures that match your natural teeth. Once the prostheses are ready, they are securely attached to the abutments, completing the restoration process. Proper aftercare and regular dental check-ups are essential to maintain the health and longevity of the implants, ensuring a functional and aesthetically pleasing result. Contact us today to learn more!

The Advantages of Dental Implants

• Dental implants in Cajon, CA, are designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth. They are custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your existing teeth, ensuring a seamless integration with your smile. This natural appearance boosts confidence and allows you to smile and interact with others without feeling self-conscious about your teeth.
• Because dental implants are securely anchored in the jawbone, they offer superior stability and functionality compared to removable dentures. This stability allows you to easily chew various foods and speak clearly without worrying about your teeth slipping or clicking.
• When a tooth is lost, the underlying jawbone can deteriorate over time due to lack of stimulation. Dental implants mimic the function of natural tooth roots, providing necessary stimulation to the jawbone and helping to preserve its density and strength. This, in turn, maintains the integrity of your facial structure and prevents the sunken appearance that can occur with bone loss.
• Dental implants are easy to clean and maintain, requiring no special adhesives or cleaning solutions like dentures. Brush, floss, and visit our dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings, just as you used to do. Additionally, because implants integrate with the jawbone, they help prevent bone loss and maintain overall oral health.
• Once the dental implants are in place, you can forget about them. Unlike dentures, removing them for cleaning or soaking overnight is not necessary. With implants, you can eat, speak, and smile confidently, knowing your teeth are secure and stable.

Dental implants offer a permanent, natural-looking solution for tooth replacement that provides numerous benefits for oral health and quality of life. Visit Ali Haeri D.M.D., M.H.S. at 1297 W Main St., Suite A, El Cajon, CA 92020-4135, or call (619) 579-0505 to learn how dental implants can transform your smile.