The Dental Implant Procedure

Serving San Diego, La Jolla, and Coronado

For many patients, the prospect of having dental implants placed can be slightly intimidating. Most people simply do not know what to expect from the procedure as a whole. Whatever your concerns, you should be aware that dental implants have a 95% success rate and close to 50 years of clinical research backing them up. Dentists overwhelmingly consider dental implants the best possible way to replace a missing tooth.

In order to ensure their stability, longevity, and functionality, dental implants will only be placed if you have enough bone at the site of your missing tooth to support the artificial root. If you do not, Dr. Strober may recommend a bone grafting procedure or an alternative tooth replacement option, such as dental bridges.

Placing the Artificial Root

The first step in installing dental implants is to surgically place the titanium root into your jawbone at the site of your missing tooth. Dr. Strober will apply a local anesthetic before placement to minimize your discomfort. Most patients experience very little pain during the root placement procedure. Any mild soreness experienced after the procedure can be controlled with over-the-counter medications like Motrin or Tylenol.

Once the root has been placed, you will need to wait for the root to fuse itself to the bone through a process called osseointegration. During this process, your surgery site will begin to heal, causing your jawbone to bond to the implant post. This fusion process can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months to complete.

Placing the Dental Crown

After the titanium root has fully anchored itself to your jawbone, Dr. Strober will be able to place a custom dental crown over the implant post. Your dental crown will be matched to the color of your natural teeth, allowing it to seamlessly blend with the rest of your smile.

Dental implants come with several significant advantages, including:

• Improved comfort
• Improved speech
• Easier eating
• Better oral health
• Durability
• Convenience

By having dental implants placed, you are preserving the functionality of your smile and preventing many of the dental health problems that plague patients with missing teeth – including bone loss, tooth shifting, gum recession, and fractures.

If you have further questions about dental implants and whether or not you are a candidate, please contact experienced implant dentist Dr. Rod Strober today to schedule a consultation. Our practice provides patients throughout the San Diego area with beautiful, healthy smiles they can take pride in.