Dental Implants in San Marcos

A dental implant has two main components: the post and the restoration. The post is a screw-shaped titanium rod that is surgically placed into the jawbone — it comes in a range of pre-manufactured sizes to fit different patients. The restoration — usually a crown, bridge, or arch — is custom-made. After your implant heals and fuses with the bone, Dr. Shridhar takes impressions of your teeth and sends them to a dental lab. The lab crafts your restoration from high-quality porcelain or ceramic material, matched precisely to the color and contour of your natural teeth. When it arrives, Dr. Shridhar attaches it to the post with a small connector called an abutment.

The titanium post itself, when well cared for, can last 25 years or more — and many patients keep their implants for the rest of their lives. The crown or other restoration attached to the implant is subject to daily wear and may need to be replaced every 10–15 years. Maintaining optimal oral hygiene and attending regular checkups at Tree of Life Dentistry are the most important factors in the long-term success of your implant.

Implants can develop an infection called peri-implantitis, but it is uncommon when proper hygiene is maintained. The condition typically occurs when bacteria build up around the implant post beneath the gumline. To avoid it, follow Dr. Shridhar’s post-surgery care instructions carefully, brush and floss consistently, and keep your six-month checkup appointments. Caught early, peri-implantitis is very treatable.

Yes — and this is one of the most important reasons to choose implants over other options. When a tooth is lost, the jawbone at that site no longer receives stimulation from chewing and begins to resorb. An implant post transmits chewing forces directly into the bone, just like a natural root does, keeping the bone active and preventing the shrinkage that occurs with bridges and dentures.

Some cases allow for a temporary restoration to be placed on the same day as implant surgery, letting you leave with a functional tooth while osseointegration takes place. However, the permanent, custom restoration is placed after the healing period — typically 3–6 months later. Dr. Shridhar will let you know at your consultation whether same-day placement is appropriate for your situation.

No — once osseointegration is complete, a properly placed implant is firmly anchored in the jawbone and should not move at all. If you ever notice any movement or feel that something is wrong, contact Tree of Life Dentistry right away. Movement in an implant is rare but can indicate an issue that needs to be addressed promptly.

Implant care is very similar to caring for natural teeth. Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes. Floss once a day — interdental brushes are particularly effective for cleaning around implant posts. An antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce bacteria between brushings. Come in every six months for a professional cleaning and checkup. There is no special maintenance beyond what you should already be doing.

Most patients with metal allergies are sensitive to nickel — not titanium. Titanium is a biocompatible material with an extremely low rate of allergic reaction, which is why it is also used in hip and knee replacements. If you have a known metal sensitivity, Dr. Shridhar recommends getting a skin patch test with your doctor or an allergist before proceeding. If titanium is a concern, we also offer zirconia implants, which are ceramic-based and carry an even lower risk of any allergic response.

Coverage varies significantly depending on your plan and provider. Some insurance companies classify implants as cosmetic and exclude them entirely; others cover them as a restorative procedure at 30–50%. Even when the implant itself is not covered, the crown or restoration attached to it often is. If you do not have implant coverage, Tree of Life Dentistry offers flexible financing options to help make treatment accessible. Our team will help you understand your benefits clearly before any treatment begins.