Are you dissatisfied with the performance of your prosthetic? Many patients are turning to the superior support that dental implants provide. The titanium posts are surgically placed in the jawbone of patients and support dental crowns, bridges, and even dentures. If you are planning to undergo a tooth extraction, Dr. Vakilian can restore natural chewing function using this advanced restorative treatment.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are the most advanced tooth replacement option available. Traditional restorations attach to natural teeth or the surface of your gums. Implant-retained prosthetics attach to the jawbone, just like your natural teeth. This allows patients to enjoy restored natural chewing function. Many of our Encinitas patients dislike how wobbly dentures can be. Even a traditional bridge doesn’t replace the feel of natural teeth. Once your dental implants have healed and your prosthetic has been attached, you can begin eating and speaking with confidence.

Dental implants provide the further benefit of preventing jawbone atrophy following tooth loss. Tooth roots provide an important function by naturally stimulating jawbone growth. This is one reason why elderly individuals eventually develop “caved-in” cheeks.

To schedule your Dental Implants consultation, please contact our Encinitas dental practice online or by calling (760) 436-9292.

Am I a Candidate for Implants?

Many of our Encinitas patients are great candidates for dental implants. If you are dissatisfied with the performance of your dental bridge or denture, Dr. Vakilian can explain how an implant-retained prosthetic can provide superior support. Patients who are about to undergo tooth extraction should also plan for dental implant placement. Following your tooth extraction, Dr. Vakilian can place grafting material near the extraction area to ensure that you have adequate jawbone density to receive the implant post at a later time.

Dental implants are placed through oral surgery, meaning that patients should be in good oral and overall health before undergoing the placement procedure. One common barrier to candidacy for implants is a lack of jawbone density. During your examination, Dr. Vakilian will use advanced imaging technology, like our cone beam imaging, to map out your teeth and jaws. If you do not have sufficient jawbone density to safely receive a dental implant, bone graft surgery can restore your candidacy for this life-changing tooth loss solution.

How Are Implants Placed?

Once your candidacy for dental implant surgery has been established, a date will be set for your oral surgery. Your surgeon will use local anesthesia and possibly sedation to help you relax. Once you are comfortable, an incision will be made in your gums. A small pilot hole will then be drilled and your titanium post will be placed in your jaw. Following placement, the incisions will be sutured and gauze will be used to control bleeding. You will be provided recovery guidelines that should be followed closely. The outpatient procedure has a minimal risk of complications.

Over the course of the next three to six months, the implant will fuse with nearby bone through a natural process called osseointegration. At some point during the healing process, a small metal attachment called an abutment will be placed on the implant. This allows the crown or prosthetic to attach to the implant. Once your abutment is healed, your custom crown, bridge, or denture will be placed and you will be able to enjoy fully restored oral function.

Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation Today

Dental implants allow you to eat and speak with renewed confidence. To schedule your dental implant consultation, please contact our Encinitas dental practice online or call (760) 436-9292.