dental implants

Dental implants are composed of two unique parts: one screw-shaped titanium “post”, and the restorative component, which is usually a dental crown and abutment. A wide selection of pre-selected post sizes are available to ensure each patient gets an implant that suits their needs. The restoration, on the other hand, is a custom-made appliance. Once your dentist secures your dental implant, they will administer impressions of your teeth and send them to a dental lab.
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The lab will create a long-lasting, resilient dental implant restoration. Most are crafted out of porcelain or another high-quality, durable material. Once the restoration is complete, the lab will send it back to our office in San Marcos, and your dentist will complete the procedure by securely attaching your dental implant in place.

When properly placed and maintained with care, dental implants can last up to 30 years or more. It’s very common for patients to keep their implants for the rest of their lives.
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The dental implant restoration, on the other hand, may not last this long. Restorations such as dental crowns or overdentures are exposed to regular wear and tear from chewing, biting, and more. Over the years, the restoration may need to be replaced a few times to keep your smile healthy and functional.

Dental implants can become infected, but it is a very rare complication. Known as “peri-implantitis,” a dental implant infection usually only occurs if the implant is not kept clean or cared for after surgery.

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To avoid peri-implantitis and maintain a healthy implant, follow your dentist’s instructions while recovering, and be sure to brush and floss regularly after your implant has healed.

Yes. When your jaw is no longer stimulated by the natural pressure of chewing and biting, bone loss will occur. Losing a tooth stops this process, causing the jaw bone to weaken.

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When the dental implant post is bonded directly into the jaw bone, it acts as an artificial tooth root and transmits the force of chewing and biting through the root and into your jaw bone, keeping it healthy and strong.

There are a few types of dental implants that can be done in one day. The restoration your dentist provides is a temporary appliance to keep your tooth healthy and functional until you have fully healed from your dental implant placement surgery. With your restoration, you can speak and eat normally throughout the healing process.

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Your dentist will schedule a series of follow-up appointments to track your healing process and take impressions of your teeth. These impressions will help the lab create your custom-made restoration, which will be a more permanent, durable, and natural-looking prosthetic than your temporaries.

Dental implants fuse with the jawbone to securely hold your tooth replacement in place. This sturdy foundation means that there should be no movement of any kind with your dental implants. 

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If you notice any movement, you should contact us right away because it is a sign that something is wrong. Movement in the implants suggests implant failure which is rare but can happen for a variety of reasons, including inadequate bone density to support the implant. 

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Until you can reach the dentist, you should apply a cold compress to the area to reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain. Removal of the dental crown along with x-rays will help us determine what the problem is and will determine the appropriate fix.

Dental implants are low maintenance, especially compared to tooth replacements like dentures. You can expect your oral hygiene routine for your natural teeth to be the same for your implants. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste. 

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You should brush for 2-3 minutes twice a day and floss once a day. We recommend using interdental brushes, which thoroughly remove food particles from between the teeth. This makes it easy to thoroughly clean those hard-to-reach crevices. 

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You can also use an antibacterial mouthwash to eliminate bacteria in your mouth in between teeth cleanings. Don’t skimp out on your bi-annual dental visits. You should attend a dental cleaning and checkup once every 6 months.

Yes, you can still be a candidate for dental implants despite having a metal allergy. Traditional dental implants are made of titanium, which is a biocompatible material that takes well to the jawbone. 

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However, those with metal allergies may have concerns about their ability to undergo implants because of the presence of this material. Most patients who have a metal allergy have a sensitivity to nickel. 

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We recommend that you get a skin patch test done with your doctor or an allergist to determine if you have a sensitivity to titanium. If so, there’s no need to worry. You can still get implants. We offer zirconia implants which have a very low chance of allergic reaction.

This depends on the specific type of dental coverage you have and your insurance provider. Unfortunately, dental implant coverage can vary greatly from company to company. Some insurance companies consider implants to be a purely cosmetic procedure, while others will cover them as part of a restorative cover.

The amount that they will cover also varies greatly, but you can expect it to range up to 50%. Even if your insurance doesn’t cover implants, they may cover the crown or other restoration that is attached to the implants. If you do not have insurance, we offer flexible payment plans to help you afford your treatment.