Benefits of Dental Implants
Are Dental Implants a Good Solution for You?
A dental implant is a titanium post inserted into the jawbone that acts like a tooth root. The implant is used to support a crown, dental bridge, or denture. At A+ Family Dentistry, we are proud to offer a number of comprehensive dental implant services to patients who have lost their teeth in the San Diego County area. From single and multiple dental implants to full-mouth implants, there are dental implant solutions for all patients who are looking for a tooth replacement option.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer many benefits. They:
- Prevent bone loss in the jaw, which occurs when missing teeth are not replaced
- Look and feel like natural teeth (it’s hard to tell the difference!)
- Function like real teeth, allowing you to talk, chew, and exert pressure
- Don’t require healthy adjacent teeth to be altered, whereas dental bridges require these teeth to be ground down
- Prevent gum disease by stopping the accumulation of bacteria in the gaps left behind by missing teeth
- Are the most durable and long-lasting tooth replacement option
Dental Implants vs Dental Bridges for Single Missing Teeth
With a dental bridge, the patient’s teeth on each side of the gap have to be ground down to support the new restoration. Dental implants are much more conservative, as they don’t require altering your healthy teeth. For this reason, our doctors prefer to replace single missing teeth with an implant in the vast majority of cases.
There are certain isolated cases where a bridge would be a suitable option—for example, if the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth are broken down and in need of crowns. Your doctor will determine which option is right for you.
A Viable Alternative to Dentures
In the past, wearing dentures was the only option for people who lost their teeth. Today, dentures are still widely used, but there are now many other options available thanks to advancements in implant dentistry. At A+ Family Dentistry, we offer competitively priced dental implant services and financing options to make your implant treatment even easier to obtain.
The Disadvantages of Dental Implants
- Dentures lead to bone loss in the jawbone; when there is a lack of chewing pressure, the bone is actually reabsorbed by the body.
- Upper dentures cover the roof of your mouth, which can be uncomfortable and interfere with your sense of taste.
- Dentures provide only 10% or less of normal chewing power, making it difficult to eat what you want.
- Dentures can make a clicking sound while you eat.
- Dentures often require adhesives to keep them in the mouth.
- Dentures have to be removed for cleaning.
Dental Implants vs Dentures
In the first year after a tooth is lost, 25% of the bone volume is reabsorbed into the body, and the process continues. Dentures actually accelerate this bone loss by wearing down the boney ridges where the teeth sit. This loss of jawbone density eventually causes the lower third of the face to collapse, resulting in sagging skin around the mouth, drooping jowls, thinning lips and a pointier chin. This can make people look much more advanced in age. Implant-supported teeth replacement options such as implant-supported bridges and dentures keep the jawbone stimulated with enough chewing pressure to preserve bone mass.
Who Can Receive Dental Implants?
In the past, people with insufficient bone were not candidates for dental implant treatment. Now, thanks to advanced bone grafting techniques and the ability to locate available bone through 3D imaging technology, most people can receive implants regardless of their bone volume. Smokers and people with certain health conditions such as diabetes were previously not able to get dental implants because of an increased risk of infection and implant failure. However, recent developments in dentistry have enabled many of these people to be safely treated.
Schedule a Complimentary Dental Implant Consultation
Come in for a free dental implant consultation with one of our doctors to find out if dental implants are right for you. To make an appointment, visit our contact page and fill out our form or give the location closest to you a call today!
Common All-on-4 Questions
What Do All-On-4 Dental Implants Do?
All-on-4 dental implants are used to support a full arch of replacement teeth. The replacement teeth are usually made from porcelain and they look just like natural teeth. All-on-4 dental implants are placed in the jawbone and they fuse with the bone over time. This helps to provide a strong foundation for the replacement teeth and provides a lasting solution to restore a beautiful smile.
What To Expect When Getting All-on-4 Dental Implants?
If you are considering all-on-4 dental implants, it is important to know what to expect. First, you will need to consult with your dentist to see if all-on-4 dental implants are the right solution for you.
If you are a good candidate for all-on-4 dental implants, the next step is to have the implants placed. The implants will be placed in your jawbone and will fuse with the bone over time, usually a few months. Once the implants have fused with the bone, you will need to return to the office to have the replacement teeth placed.
After you have all-on-4 dental implants placed, it is important to practice good oral hygiene and to see your dentist regularly. With proper care, all-on-4 dental implants can last for many years.
Are All-on-4 Dental Implants Painful?
All-on-4 dental implants should not be painful. Anesthesia or sedation will be used during the procedure to ensure that you are comfortable. After the implant procedure is complete, you may experience some swelling and tenderness, which should subside after a few days. You can take recommended over-the-counter medication or prescribed medication to combat any discomfort. Any extreme pain is not normal and should be reported to your dentist right away.
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Your Next Visit Starts Here
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After you explore your options, our team makes the next step feel clear. From forms and financing conversations to appointment timing, we'll help you understand what comes next before you arrive.
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Reviews
From the patients who know us best.
We're proud of the relationships we build — here's what our San Diego, Sorrento Valley, and Poway patients are saying.
"A+ dentistry has been awesome! I hadn't been to the dentist in over a year, so they took a full scan of my mouth and explained in detail every step I should take to improve my hygiene and any procedures they recommended. They were transparent on each service and did not try to sell me anything."
"10/10. The best dentist I've ever been to, and I've been to quite a few considering I move around a lot. Dr. Victor, Jahaida, and staff are very kind. They take pretty good care of you."
"I've been coming to A+ for years for cleanings, fillings, and Invisalign. Everyone has been amazing, from the dental hygienists to dental assistants, the doctors and the front desk staff."
"Was recommended by a friend and it was the best recommendation to date! Dr. Justine and assistants were all so kind. They spoke about costs upfront and earned my trust with their transparency."
"I cannot recommend this place enough. Went here for a 2nd opinion. Their office was so nice, clean, and well equipped. The staff is amazing — they made me feel so comfortable."
"If you're looking for the best, you found it. I feel very lucky that my wife and I found this practice. They have an amazing staff and the latest and greatest technology."