Implant Dentistry FAQ
San Diego, California
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are substitutes for the roots of missing teeth. They are implanted in the jawbone and act as an anchor for a replacement tooth or crown, or for an entire set of replacement teeth. They are an alternative to dentures and removable bridges.
Are there different kinds of implants?
Yes, there are two kinds.
- Endosteal Implants – set right into the jawbone when it has normal width and height.
- Root form – small cylinders made of titanium.
- Plate form -- long and flat, and placed in the jawbone when it is too narrow for root form implants.
Implanting either root or plate form implants is dental surgery and requires anesthesia.
- Subperiosteal implants – used where there is very little jawbone width or height. They rest on top of the bone, under the gums. They are custom-made. An impression is first taken either via a surgical procedure or a CAT scan and computer modeling. Both ways, implanting the custom-made implant is a surgical procedure, and requires anesthesia.
Am I a candidate for implants?
If you are missing one or more teeth, whether because of injury or decay, you might be a candidate. They are especially practical if you can no longer wear removable dentures. We would need to examine your teeth and jawbone carefully to determine your candidacy.
How long does the procedure take?
That question has no generic answer. It would depend on your exact dental status, which type of implant was used, the nature of your jawbone, and how quickly you heal. It’s a dental surgery to place the implant, and recovery time from that is usually between three and six months. Then in a second surgery, a small abutment is placed on the implant. The implant itself is entirely within the bone, but the abutment protrudes through the gum tissue. Recovery from this is just three or four weeks, and then the artificial tooth (porcelain crown) is placed on the abutment. So there are many variables, and Dr. Loye could give you an approximate timeframe, but not an exact one.
What can I expect?
You will have a new tooth or teeth. They will be permanently and strongly anchored by the invisible implant, doing duty for the missing tooth root. The artificial tooth will be a pearly porcelain crown, placed with the skill of a highly trained cosmetic dentist. It will be superbly matched in color to your natural teeth, and will look, function, and feel like a natural tooth.
How should I care for the implant?
The implant itself will need no care, any more than your natural tooth roots need care. The teeth and gums need daily brushing and flossing, regular dental check-ups, and regular professional cleaning. Your new tooth will need that same care, to prevent bacteria from getting below the gum line and causing gum disease.
To learn more, please read our Implant Dentistry page.
We would be glad to welcome you here in our San Diego, California office for a personal consultation. You could meet Dr. Loye, meet the staff, and have a look around our comfortable facilities. Please call or email us to get your consultation scheduled. We look forward to working with you.
Contact Us
The Dentist that Makes You Smile!
3830 Valley Center Drive, Suite 702
San Diego, CA 92130
