Tooth loss can lead to severe consequences, affecting your bite, changing or declining the jawbone structure, and even the placement of your remaining teeth. Each of these concerns can impact the vital functions of your mouth. The loss of even a single tooth can adversely affect your oral cavity. At Aesthetic Dentistry in San Diego, California, we can restore your mouth functions and improve your oral health with the surgical implantation of a dental implant.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a prosthetic device that can be surgically inserted into your jawbone as a replacement tooth root. Once embedded, the implant can serve as a solid post in your mouth that can be topped up with artificial teeth, including a dental crown, bridge, partial or a full denture. The dental implant can be made of titanium metal which can be ideal for patients with metal sensitivity.
Types of Dental Implants
Single Dental Implant
A single dental implant can reinstate a single missing tooth with a crown restoration. The implant is surgically placed in the jawbone and allowed to fuse with the surrounding tissues.
Multiple Dental Implants
Multiple implants can be used with numerous crowns in various locations in the mouth. They can also be used to anchor both sides of a dental bridge or at strategic points to retain a fixed denture.
Implant-Retained Dentures
An implant-retained denture is an overdenture that rests directly on your gums and is supported and retained by implant restorations in your upper or lower jawbone. It consists of a removable set of false teeth and gums, which help restore the function and appearance of your smile.
Dental Implant Placement
The placement of a dental implant will require a lot of preparation. Before the surgery, X-rays and scans are taken to determine the patients’ jawbone density. If necessary, a bone grafting procedure will help augment the jawbone structure.
During the placement of the dental implants, we will first give local anesthesia to make the patient comfortable. Then an incision is cut on the gum tissue to expose the bone. An opening is drilled into the jawbone, and the implant is placed. The gum tissue is then sutured closed around the implant, leaving a small portion visible above the gumline. As the bone heals, it will grow around the implant restoration, and this process can take several months. Once the implant is firmly rooted, a prosthetic appliance such as a dental crown is placed over it to complete your smile.
To learn more about our dental implant solutions, visit our office, Aesthetic Dentistry, at 11515 El Camino Real #160, San Diego, CA 92130. You can also reach Dentist in San Diego CA at (858) 866-9692. 
