Dental Implants

Our skilled dentist may recommend replacing your missing teeth with dental implants. Implants are the ideal solution for restoring your smile, as they not only give you back a beautiful smile but also restore your ability to speak and eat normally and promote better long-term oral health and function. Contact La Jolla Dental Image today at (858) 202-0481 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Wali Hamidy and find out if you are a candidate for dental implants in La Jolla, California!

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are lasting, stable tooth replacements that can be used to replace one missing tooth, several missing teeth, or complete arches of teeth. The dental implant post, which is a screw made of titanium, is surgically placed in the jawbone at the site of the missing tooth. It replaces the missing tooth root and ensures that your dental restoration is stable. A period of healing is then often required to allow the bone to begin to bond with the biocompatible post.


The Dental Implant Procedure

Following this healing period, our dentist will place the dental implant restoration, or replacement tooth, which fits on top of the implant post. Depending on which teeth are missing and your personal dental needs, your implant restoration might be a dental crown, dental bridge, or a complete or partial denture. Each dental implant restoration is custom-made to fit your smile comfortably and aesthetically.


Benefits of Dental Implants

  • Improved Appearance:

    Dental implants are designed to look and feel like your natural teeth. They are custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your existing teeth, ensuring a seamless and aesthetically pleasing result. Because implants fuse with the bone, they provide a permanent solution that not only restores your smile but also helps maintain your facial structure, preventing the sunken appearance that can occur with missing teeth.


  • Enhanced Comfort:

    Unlike removable dentures, dental implants become a permanent part of your mouth. This eliminates the discomfort and inconvenience associated with dentures, such as sore spots and the need for adhesives. Implants provide a stable and secure fit, allowing you to speak and eat with confidence and comfort.

  • Better Speech:

    Dentures that do not fit well can slip and slide, causing you to mumble or slur your words. Dental implants are securely anchored in your jawbone, ensuring that they stay in place. This stability allows you to speak clearly and confidently without worrying about your teeth shifting or falling out.


  • Easier Eating:

    Sliding dentures can make chewing difficult and uncomfortable. Dental implants function like your natural teeth, allowing you to bite and chew your food with ease. You can enjoy your favorite foods without pain or discomfort, and there are no dietary restrictions typically associated with dentures.


  • Improved Oral Health:

    Dental implants do not require reducing or altering adjacent teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. This means that more of your natural teeth are left intact, which improves your long-term oral health. Additionally, implants make it easier to maintain good oral hygiene because they do not need special cleaning routines like dentures.

  • Durability:

    Dental implants are made from high-quality, durable materials like titanium. With proper care, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, implants can last a lifetime. This longevity makes them a cost-effective solution in the long run compared to other tooth replacement options.

  • Convenience:

    Removable dentures require regular removal for cleaning and often involve messy adhesives to stay in place. Dental implants eliminate these inconveniences. Once placed, implants do not need to be removed, and they require the same care as your natural teeth, simplifying your oral hygiene routine.


  • Bone Preservation:

    When a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone can begin to deteriorate over time due to lack of stimulation. Dental implants mimic natural tooth roots, providing the necessary stimulation to the jawbone. This helps preserve bone mass and prevent the bone loss that can occur with missing teeth, maintaining your facial structure and oral health.


  • Improved Self-Esteem:

    Dental implants can give you back your smile, boosting your confidence and self-esteem. With a complete and natural-looking set of teeth, you can smile, speak, and eat without hesitation, positively impacting your social and professional interactions.


  • Prevents Teeth Shifting:

    When a tooth is lost, the adjacent teeth can shift towards the gap, leading to misalignment and bite problems. Dental implants fill the gap, keeping your teeth properly spaced and aligned. This helps maintain your bite and prevents the complications associated with shifting teeth.


  • No Special Care Needed:

    Dental implants require the same care as natural teeth. This includes regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups. Unlike dentures, implants do not need to be removed for cleaning or require special solutions, making them easier to care for and maintain.


  • Support for Adjacent Teeth:

    By filling the gap left by a missing tooth, dental implants provide support for the surrounding teeth. This helps prevent them from shifting out of place and maintains the alignment and function of your bite. Implants help distribute the forces of chewing more evenly across your teeth, reducing the risk of damage to adjacent teeth.


  • Permanent and Stable Solution:

    Dental implants are securely anchored into the jawbone, providing a stable and permanent solution that won’t shift or move. This stability allows you to enjoy a reliable and lasting result that functions just like your natural teeth. Implants are not prone to the movement or slippage that can occur with dentures, giving you peace of mind.


  • Preserves Facial Structure:

    Dental implants help maintain the natural shape of your face and smile by preventing the bone loss that occurs with missing teeth. This helps avoid the sunken, aged appearance that can result from tooth loss, keeping your facial structure intact and your appearance youthful.


Let’s Get Started!

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Comprehensive Evaluation and Personalized Treatment

During the dental implant process, a comprehensive evaluation is conducted to ensure the patient's suitability for the procedure. This includes a thorough examination of your medical history, oral structures, and bone volume. If you have underlying conditions such as gum disease or diabetes, these need to be addressed before implant surgery can proceed. Dr. Hamidy will discuss all these factors with you to create a personalized treatment plan that optimizes the success of your dental implants.


Implant Surgery and Healing Process

The actual implant surgery involves placing the titanium post into the jawbone under local anesthesia. For patients who experience anxiety or require additional comfort, sedation options are available. The healing process typically takes several months, during which the implant integrates with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. This period is essential for ensuring that the implant becomes a stable and permanent part of your mouth.


Long-Lasting and Natural-Looking Results

Dental implants are designed to be a long-lasting solution. Unlike other tooth replacements, such as dentures or bridges, implants do not rely on adjacent teeth for support, preserving the health of your natural teeth. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a worthwhile investment in your oral health and overall quality of life. They offer unparalleled stability and function, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods without worrying about slippage or discomfort.


Custom-Made Restorations for a Seamless Smile

One of the standout features of dental implants is their natural-looking appearance. The restorations are custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your existing teeth, creating a seamless and aesthetically pleasing smile. Whether you need a single tooth replaced or a full mouth rehabilitation, dental implants provide a versatile and effective solution.


Quality Patient Care and Professional Experience

The success of dental implants depends significantly on the quality of patient care and the experience of the dental professionals performing the procedure. At La Jolla Dental Image, we are committed to providing the highest quality of care, using state-of-the-art technology and techniques to ensure the best outcomes for our patients. Dr. Wali Hamidy and our team are highly trained and experienced in implant dentistry, and we strive to make your experience as pleasant and comfortable as possible.

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Enhancing Overall Oral Health

In addition to their functional and aesthetic benefits, dental implants also contribute to your overall oral health. They help maintain the alignment of your remaining teeth, preventing them from shifting into the space left by a missing tooth. This can reduce the risk of bite problems and other complications. Implants also make it easier to maintain good oral hygiene, as they do not require special cleaning routines like dentures.


Initial Consultation and Personalized Care

The first step in the dental implant process is a consultation with Dr. Hamidy. During this visit, we will discuss your treatment options, answer any questions you may have, and develop a customized plan tailored to your needs. This initial consultation is crucial for ensuring that you are well-informed and comfortable with the procedure.


Final Restoration and Long-Term Satisfaction

Once the implants are placed and have fully integrated with the jawbone, the final step is the placement of the restoration. This can typically be completed in one visit, allowing you to leave our office with a restored smile. The restoration is attached to the implant post using an abutment, which provides a secure and stable connection. The result is a natural-looking, fully functional tooth that blends seamlessly with your existing teeth.


Personalized Care for Unique Needs

At La Jolla Dental Image, we understand that every patient is unique, and we are dedicated to providing personalized care that meets your individual needs. Whether you are replacing a single tooth or multiple teeth, dental implants offer a reliable and effective solution that can significantly improve your quality of life. We invite you to contact us today to learn more about how dental implants can help you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile.

If you are missing one or more teeth, or if you are looking for a more permanent and stable alternative to dentures, dental implants could be the answer. Ideal candidates for dental implants are those who are in good overall health, have sufficient jawbone density, and are committed to maintaining good oral hygiene. Even if you have been told in the past that you are not a candidate for implants, advances in dental technology may provide new options for your treatment.


We invite you to take the first step towards restoring your smile and improving your quality of life by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Hamidy. During your consultation, we will thoroughly evaluate your oral health, discuss your goals and concerns, and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.


Don't wait any longer to reclaim your confidence and enjoy the benefits of a fully functional, natural-looking smile. Contact La Jolla Dental Image today at (858) 326-9595 or visit our website to book your appointment. Let us help you achieve the smile you deserve and experience the life-changing benefits of dental implants.


Your journey to a beautiful, healthy smile starts here. We look forward to welcoming you to our practice and providing you with exceptional care every step of the way.

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