At Rancho Bernardo Dental Arts, we offer advanced dental implant solutions to restore your smile and oral health. A dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth’s root. Once healed, a custom crown or bridge is attached, creating a secure, natural-looking tooth that functions like your own. Implants are adjustable, long-lasting, and an excellent way to enhance your smile with confidence.
Dental implants can be placed on the same day as a tooth extraction or years after tooth loss. With over 30 years of clinical use, modern implant technology has improved healing times, success rates, and versatility, making it an exciting time for implant dentistry.
The videos below give a quick overview of different types of dental implants available:
Standard Implants
All-on-4® Implants
Why Choose Dental Implants?
Dental implants offer numerous benefits, including:
- Replacing missing teeth without affecting neighboring teeth
- Relieving jaw joint pain (TMJ) or bite issues caused by tooth loss
- Restoring facial structure and enhancing your smile
- Improving denture fit by replacing removable options
- Boosting confidence with a natural, secure solution
The Dental Implant Process
The journey to a restored smile typically takes several months and involves 5–6 visits:
- Consultation: We take X-rays and impressions to assess your teeth, gums, and jawbone.
- Implant Placement: Under local anesthesia, the titanium implant is surgically placed into your jawbone. Healing can take up to 6 months, with periodic checkups to monitor progress.
- Post Placement: In some cases, a second surgery adds a healing cap “post” to shape the tissue that will hold the artificial tooth. This heals in about one weeks.
- Crown Attachment: Custom artificial teeth are secured to the implant, requiring several fittings over 1–2 months.
Throughout the process, we provide detailed care instructions to ensure optimal results. The outcome? A durable, confidence-boosting smile that lasts for years.
Risks to Consider
While dental implants are highly successful, certain risks exist:
- Smoking: Smokers face a higher risk of implant failure, infection, and jawbone loss.
- Allergies: Implants contain titanium alloy with traces of nickel. Rare allergic reactions can occur. If concerned, ask us about the MELISA test to confirm titanium sensitivity.
Complications are rare (affecting less than 5% of patients), and we prioritize your safety with personalized care. Discuss your specific risks with our team.
Implant-Supported Dentures
For denture wearers, implants offer transformative benefits:
- Jawbone Preservation: Unlike removable dentures, implants prevent bone loss by mimicking natural tooth roots. Severe bone loss may require a graft.
- Durability: Enjoy your favorite foods without dietary restrictions or discomfort.
- Stability: Securely anchored dentures eliminate slippage during meals or conversations.
- No Adhesives: Skip the mess and cost of dental adhesives with a permanent solution.
Cost of Dental Implants
Implant costs vary based on factors like type, location, and jawbone condition, typically ranging from $2,500 to $4,500 per implant. Most insurance plans classify implants as cosmetic and may not cover them. Contact your provider or consult with us to confirm coverage and explore financing options.
Ready to Transform Your Smile?
At Rancho Bernardo Dental Arts, we’re committed to delivering exceptional implant care tailored to your needs. Schedule a consultation today to learn how dental implants can enhance your smile and quality of life!