Smile Again
Dental Implants
Dental Implants
Serving All of North San Diego County - Dental Implants in Oceanside
Dental implants are the permanent solution for replacing missing or failing teeth. No other tooth replacement option looks more real and functions as naturally.
Dental implants are placed in the jawbone below the gumline, so all you see is a beautifully crafted tooth. After healing, the implant and your bone have fused, with the implant becoming a part of your body, with the strength of a real tooth and root.
Call to schedule a consultation.
(760) 433-0393
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a titanium post which is surgically inserted into a jawbone. The implanted post encourages bone growth so that after a healing period, the bone and the implant fuse together in a process called osseointegration.
During the surgery, and after the implant is placed, a piece called an abutment is attached to the implant acting as a connector for the crown. The crown is the new tooth.
How do dental implants work?
One of the purposes of a tooth’s root is to stimulate bone growth. This keeps your jawbone healthy and retains the structure of your face. When a tooth is lost, so is the root, and eventually your bone weakens and wears away, leaving a sunken, older appearance.
A dental implant becomes a new tooth “root”, reestablishing growth and maintaining the integrity of your jawbone.
Because the implant goes into the bone, having adequate bone is crucial. Without a tooth root, new bone won’t grow, instead wearing away. The longer you go with missing teeth, the more difficult it may be to successfully place an implant. In cases like this, it is not uncommon for a patient to receive a bone graft to add bone to the thinning area.
the parts that make up a dental implant
There are 3 primary parts that make up a dental implant.
- TITANIUM SCREW
This screw is the implant, even though the word “implant” is often used to describe all 3 components.
The implant goes into your jawbone, below the gum line, and cannot be seen. - ABUTMENT
The abutment is a connector that connects the implant to the tooth. It’s attached to the implant above the gum line. Eventually, it will be covered by the crown. - CROWN
The crown is the “tooth” and attaches to the abutment, covering the abutment.
You go through life spending money on other things for other people. I’m gonna do it for me! And I wish I would have done that earlier because, you deserve it, right?
Are Dental Implants Safe?
Yes. The earliest modern dental implant procedures were performed in the late 1960’s and have only been improved upon since then. The implants are made from titanium, a biocompatible metal which is regularly used in the body for all kinds of bone and joint replacement surgeries. Titanium is lightweight and incredibly strong.
Choosing an experienced and knowledgeable implant doctor is important part in the safety of any dental implant procedure. Dr. Jordan Colby and his team at Oceanview Dental have the experience, the skill, and the compassion you’re looking for, whether you live in the surrounding area or are specifically looking for dental implants in Oceanside.
Dental Implant Procedure
Now, that you know what a dental implant is, let’s take a look at the steps to getting one.
The Consultation - Are Dental Implants Right For You?
At your consultation you’ll meet Dr. Colby who will perform an exam. After a discussion about your dental goals and what was observed during the exam, you and Dr. Colby will decide if dental implants are right for you.
Before Surgery - Pre-op
After accepting treatment there will be another appointment where we take photos, bite impressions, discuss once again your goals, prescribe any necessary medication, and select the shape and color for your teeth.
The Big Day - Surgery
An hour before you come in, you’ll take a doctor prescribed pill to help you feel relaxed and calm, so you’ll need to have a responsible party drive you to and from your appointment today. Once at the office we will take you to the back, get you comfortable, and then sedate you. The next thing you’ll remember, is waking up after the procedure is complete.
You will leave our office today with a brand new smile. The teeth you leave with today are your healing teeth or “temporaries” and they’re nearly indistinguishable from how your final set or “finals” will look. These teeth will be worn during your healing period.
The amount of time you can expect to be at the office varies depending on the complexity of your procedure. A single implant may be anywhere from 1.5 – 3 hours. For an upper and lower All-on-4® dental implant procedure, you’re looking at 5 – 7 hours. The surgery doesn’t take all that time, you’ll be spending a bit of it sleeping off the anesthesia until you’re awake enough to go home.
After Surgery - Healing Period
Your first post-op is the day after your procedure. This is so Dr. Colby can make sure everything looks as it should. Some bruising, swelling, and tenderness can be expected over the next few days.
The healing period lasts between 4 – 6 months and during this time, osseointegration is taking place, which is when the implant and your bone fuse together. A successful fusion is the foundation for new teeth.
At the end of your healing time, you’ll come in to receive your final and permanent teeth!
Please fill out the form to request an appointment and we will get back to you shortly.
If you need to talk to someone right away, please call our office at (760) 433-0393.
Our office hours are:
Monday 9 – 5
Tuesday 8 – 6
Wednesday 8 – 5
Thursday 8 – 4
Friday 9 – 12
We are located in 2125 S. El Camino Real, Suite 101, Oceanside, CA 92059
Request an appointment
We can’t wait to meet you!
the benefits to dental implants
appearance
Dental Implants Help Prevent Premature Aging
Dental implants help maintain the structure of your face keeping you looking younger. The implant replaces the lost tooth root. The tooth root was what stimulated healthy bone growth, and without it, bone begins to erode leaving you with a sunken, older appearance. The implant encourages new growth much like a root.
Dental Implants Look Like Real Teeth
A nice smile communicates confidence and trust, and when you hide behind your hands you can give the wrong message. Dental implants will help you light up a room with your smile.
No other tooth replacement option looks or functions as naturally as dental implants.
confidence
A Better Quality Of Life
It’s difficult to want to talk or smile or open your mouth big when you’re embarrassed by the state of your teeth. By withholding a big laugh or smile, you’re robbing yourself of feeling as good as you can.
Smile confidently with dental implants! They look real and they’re permanent. They won’t slide in your mouth at an inopportune time. And you can eat all your favorite foods, just like anyone else.
Feel your confidence soar with dental implants.
health
Whole Body Health Starts At Your Mouth
You may not have realized this, but the health of our bodies begins in the mouth. That’s where food enters our body to be broken down and used for its nutrients and vitamins. Without the proper nutrition we become susceptible to illness and disease.
Better Eating Habits
If you’re avoiding foods because it’s painful to chew or you can’t chew at all, you’re putting yourself at risk. Removing infected teeth from your mouth and replacing them with dental implants will restore your ability to chew, so you can enjoy all your favorite healthy foods!
Eat healthy, live healthy with dental implants.
convenience
Dental Implants Take Away the Constant Worrying About Your Teeth
- Your teeth won’t hurt anymore. You won’t even get a cavity!
- No more worrying about what other people will think. You won’t have gaps or unsightly tooth decay. They look just like your own healthy, natural teeth.
- You don’t have to decline social engagements for fear of not being able to join in at dinner or a group selfie.
Dental Implants Are Easy To Take Care Of
Caring for implants is easy. Unlike dentures, which need to be removed and soaked overnight every night, dental implants stay in place and only require regular brushing and flossing—like real teeth.
With dental implants you can simply live your life.