Have you experienced tooth loss? Do you want a permanent option that does not require daily attention? Are you interested in a long-lasting treatment that does not involve loose appliances such as partial dentures? Patients of the La Mesa, California area, who want to restore the smile using dental implants are strongly advised to book a consultation appointment at Summit Dental of La Mesa to find out if they are a proper candidate.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a way to restore your smile with a biocompatible, metal post that is placed during oral surgery into the bone of the jaw. It stimulates bone growth through a process called osseointegration, which allows the implant to be held firmly in place within the mouth. Once the bone has grown around the dental implant, the portion of the implant above the gum line is then restored with a crown, bridge, or denture over the abutment. Dental implants are incredibly versatile, making them a highly desirable option for many of our patients.

Why choose dental implants?

Dental implants are:

  • Permanent and long-lasting
  • Easy to care for
  • Non-removable
  • Stable and strong
  • Versatile
  • Biocompatible with the body

Who is a candidate?

Not everyone is a good choice for dental implants. This is because the dental implant requires a strong and sturdy foundation of bone to successfully stay in place. During an evaluation, our dentists will take a series of x-rays, which allow them to visualize the patient’s bone structure and decide if there is enough for the successful placement of the dental implant. If not, the patient may want to consider alternative options or think about undergoing bone grafting to prepare the area for dental implants at a later time.

Learn more about dental implants

Call Dr. Richard Evans and the team at Summit Dental of La Mesa to discuss your needs and find out if you are a proper candidate for placing dental implants. Our team is located at 8530 La Mesa Boulevard, Ste. #204, and accepts new and current patients around the area of La Mesa, CA. Call (619) 494-2492 today.  

Implants FAQs

What is a dental implant?

Patients of the La Mesa, California, area who are ready to replace one or more teeth in their smiles may want to ask our staff at Summit Dental of La Mesa about the benefits of dental implants. Dental implants are best described by our team as titanium posts surgically implanted into the jawbone and act as artificial roots for replacement teeth. They are a popular long-term solution for restoring missing teeth because of their natural appearance, durability, and ability to promote healthy bone growth.

How does the process of getting dental implants work?

The journey of restoring the smile with dental implants begins with a comprehensive consultation and initial evaluation with our experienced dentist at Summit Dental of La Mesa, Dr. Richard Evans. During this visit, he evaluates your oral health and determines if you are a good candidate for dental implants. This might involve taking X-rays or other imaging scans to assess the density and condition of your jawbone.

If you are deemed a suitable candidate, the first step in the implant procedure is placing the titanium posts into your jawbone. The surgery is performed with local anesthesia and can take one to two hours for a single implant and longer for multiple implants. Once the posts have been placed, you will need to wait three to six months for the bone to heal and fuse with them, providing a stable foundation for your replacement teeth.

After this healing period, abutments (connector pieces) are attached to the implanted posts, which serve as anchors for your new teeth. Your custom-made replacement teeth will then be attached to these abutments using dental cement or screws, depending on how they were designed.

How long do dental implants last?

Patients love the ability to permanently replace their missing teeth without worrying about removing, replacing, or breaking appliances like dentures. With regular evaluations and proper care, most of our patients at Summit Dental of La Mesa will enjoy their dental implants for many years- and sometimes even a lifetime!

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Patients love dental implants because they are:

  • Natural-looking and feeling
  • Durable
  • Best for promoting healthy bone growth
  • Non-invasive to neighboring teeth
  • Secure and stable

Who is a proper candidate for quality dental implants?

The best implant candidates are those with sufficient jawbone structure to keep the implant in place. This is determined by taking x-rays of the mouth and evaluating the bone where the implant will be inserted.

How do I take care of my dental implants?

The best care for implants starts with education from Dr. Richard Evans and his team after placement. Dental implants look and function like natural teeth and are cared for just the same. Brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups and cleanings will ensure the longevity of your placed implants.

Who can I call near La Mesa, California, to learn more about the advantages of getting dental implants?

If you want to work with Dr. Richard Evans and his team to get dental implants for your smile, we invite you to call the office today at (619) 494-2492. Our practice, located at 8530 La Mesa Boulevard, Suite 204, is open to new and established patients and families seeking comprehensive dental care and restorative dentistry.