Losing a permanent tooth can be a significant life event. While a missing tooth may seem like a minor issue, it can affect your confidence, comfort, and oral health. Thankfully, modern dentistry offers a permanent and effective solution to restore your smile and chewing function. For those seeking dental implants in Encinitas or searching for dental implants near me, All Smiles Dental Studio provides comprehensive solutions to address tooth loss with stunning, long-lasting results.
Dr. Ali Shahrokh and the team at All Smiles Dental Studio understand that tooth loss can be both physically and emotionally challenging. We are dedicated to providing personalized care and advanced implant procedures to help you regain what you've lost. From replacing a single tooth to full-mouth reconstruction, our clinic offers a variety of implant options tailored to your specific needs.
For decades, the only options for replacing missing teeth were removable dentures and dental bridges. While these solutions are still used today, the introduction of dental implants in the 1960s revolutionized restorative dentistry. Dental implants are a popular choice for both dentists and patients because they are a stable, permanent, and highly realistic alternative to natural teeth.
So, what does the process of getting a dental implant entail? The procedure is typically broken down into several distinct phases to ensure a successful and durable outcome.
The process begins with a thorough consultation with Dr. Shahrokh. This is a crucial first step where we will conduct a comprehensive examination of your oral health, review your medical history, and assess your jawbone density. A healthy jawbone is essential to support the titanium implant post. If your jawbone lacks the necessary volume, a bone grafting procedure may be recommended to build a strong foundation. After this initial evaluation, a detailed treatment plan is created. This plan meticulously maps out the precise location, angle, and depth for each implant, ensuring the highest level of accuracy and predictability for the final result.
During this surgical phase, a biocompatible titanium post is meticulously placed into the jawbone at the pre-determined location. This is an intricate procedure that requires a high degree of precision to ensure the implant is positioned optimally for both function and aesthetics. Although the procedure is surgical in nature, you can rest assured that patient comfort is our top priority. We utilize highly effective pain management techniques to ensure a comfortable and stress-free experience.
Following the placement of the implant, a vital healing period begins. Over the next few months, a process known as osseointegration occurs. During this time, the titanium implant post fuses directly with the jawbone. This biological fusion creates an incredibly strong and stable foundation, much like the root of a natural tooth. Once osseointegration is complete, the implant is ready to support the new, permanent tooth.
After the implant has fully integrated with the jawbone, you will return to our office for the placement of the abutment. This minor procedure involves gently exposing the top of the implant. A small connector, known as an abutment, is then securely attached to the implant. This component will protrude just above the gumline and serve as the anchor for the final dental restoration.
This is the final and most rewarding phase of the dental implant process. A custom-fabricated, natural-looking restoration—which can be a crown, bridge, or denture—is securely placed on the abutment. This new tooth is meticulously designed to match the color, shape, and size of your existing teeth, providing a seamless and natural appearance. The result is a fully functional and beautiful new smile that feels and performs just like a natural tooth.