Dental Implants

The loss of even one tooth can impact an individual’s ability to eat and speak with comfort. Dental implants are a unique restoration that replaces your lost tooth root with a titanium implant. There are many oral health benefits associated with this treatment, and the implants are designed to last for a lifetime.

Our Escondido dental practice partners with a group of talented maxillofacial oral surgeons who hold dual degrees in dentistry and medicine. Once your implant has fully healed, one of our doctors can will place a custom dental crown over your titanium post.

dental implant explanation from Lifetime Smiles of Escondido

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants provide superior stability for your crown, bridge, or denture. Traditional restorations are supported by nearby teeth or the surface of gums. Removable dentures are particularly prone to wobbling or slipping. If you desire a secure replacement for lost teeth, dental implants can restore natural chewing function. Unlike traditional prosthetics, dental implants are anchored directly to the jawbone.

Other benefits of dental implants include: 

  • Prevention of jawbone atrophy: Tooth roots stimulate jawbone growth, and maintains surrounding bone. This is why tooth loss in older individuals eventually leads to jawbone atrophy and sunken-in cheeks. Dental implants prevent loss of jawbone density and preserve bone health.
  • A long-term solution to tooth loss: Titanium implants do not degrade or get cavities. Once the post integrates with your surrounding bone tissue, it will effectively become part of your jaw. With regular dental visits and good oral hygiene habits, your dental implants can last for the rest of your life. If your dental crown or prosthetic does need to be replaced, one of our doctors can handle that straightforward procedure at our dental practice.

Are you a dental implant candidate?

Most of our Escondido patients are good candidates for receiving dental implants. To receive one or more implants, patients must have sufficient jawbone density. If you have suffered jawbone atrophy due to tooth loss, trauma, or other factors, a bone graft may be necessary, and would be discussed during your consult. The oral surgeon will go over specific candidacy requirements. In general, patients should be in good oral health and free from gum disease. Certain medical conditions, medications, and tobacco use can pose risk factors for undergoing dental implant placement and will be reviewed.
 

How Does the Treatment Work?

 
Dental implant placement is a straightforward procedure that will be completed by a trusted maxillofacial surgeon. We believe that the surgical placement of implants should be completed by a specialist who has undergone several years of advanced training following dental school. These surgeons hold dual degrees (M.D. and D.M.D.). Working with medical doctors also allows patients to benefit from the use of general anesthesia. Once your surgeon has used anesthesia and possibly sedation to ensure that you are comfortable, an incision will be made in your gums. Then, a small hole will be drilled and your dental implant will be placed in your jawbone. Once your implant is securely in place, your gums will be sutured and you will be monitored as the effects of the anesthesia wear off. You will be provided with recovery guidelines that should be followed closely. In the two to three months following surgery, the implant will integrate with your jawbone tissue through a natural process called osseointegration. Once your implant and jawbone have fully healed, you will be fitted with a small metal attachment called an abutment. The abutment will connect your crown, bridge, or denture to your implant. After your new prosthetic arrives at our dental practice, one of our doctors will fit and place your new restoration.
 
Schedule Your Implant Consultation Today
 

Lifetime Smiles is proud to offer the skill and experience of two of Escondido’s best dentists, Dr. Christo Mallakis and Dr. Rabee McDonald. To schedule your consultation for dental implants, please contact our office online or call (760) 747-1811