Dental implant specialist Dr. Jeffrey Allred and the expert team at Allred Dental, your local dentist office in San Marcos, CA, have successfully treated numerous patients who have suffered the loss of a tooth. As a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry, Dr. Allred is a knowledgeable and skilled expert when it comes to dental implants. Dr. Allred and his staff are dedicated to providing an exceptional level of patient care and are proud to offer the most innovative and cutting-edge techniques and technologies available in implant dentistry.
What is a dental implant?
As a highly effective and long-lasting option for restoring missing teeth, the dental implant is one of the most popular treatments used by dentists across the country. A dental implant actually refers to the titanium screw, or post, that is implanted into the jawbone via an incision in the gumline. Once the implant is integrated with the bone, a custom restoration, or dental crown, can be attached. In addition to replacing a single missing tooth, implant-supported restorations can include bridges, partials, or a full set of teeth.
When is a dental implant needed?
Anytime a patient is facing the loss of a permanent tooth, a dental implant can be considered. The professional team at Allred Dental is committed to treating and saving a natural tooth whenever possible, but in some cases extraction or loss is unavoidable. When this occurs, Dr. Allred will discuss all of your options with you, and it is likely that a dental implant may be recommended. Some of the most common causes for tooth loss include:
- Disease or decay
- Infection
- Trauma or injury
While many teeth can be treated and saved in these instances, there are times when extraction may be deemed necessary. For patients in this situation, dental implants can offer an ideal solution for restoring a healthy and durable smile.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
The main benefit of dental implants is their ability to replace a missing or damaged tooth. However, when compared to other options such as partials and bridges, implant-supported restorations have a long list of advantages. One of the most compelling attributes of dental implants is their durability. Unlike traditional crowns and dentures, which are susceptible to falling out of place, dental implants are extremely reliable. Patients who undergo the placement of dental implants can enjoy laughing, talking, and even eating difficult foods without worrying about the integrity of their smile.
A lesser-known feature of dental implants is the benefit they bring to a patient’s overall oral health. The implanted titanium screw acts like a dental root, stimulating healthy tissue growth and stability. When patients lack a native tooth root or implant, they often suffer from a sunken facial appearance or compromised gum health. For this reason, dental implants are considered to have more than just aesthetic benefits.
What is the process of getting a dental implant?
Dr. Allred and his team are proud to offer a streamlined process for getting dental implants. Rather than sending impressions to a lab, Allred Dental manufactures implants and restorations in their own San Marcos, CA, state-of-the-art facility, cutting down the time between your first appointment and your final result.
After an initial consultation, during which Dr. Allred will evaluate your case and discuss your options, an appointment to place the implant will be scheduled. Using local anesthesia, the titanium post will be carefully placed into the jaw via an incision in the gum. Once Dr. Allred is satisfied with the placement, the incision will be closed with sutures. In most cases, a temporary restoration can be placed at the time of the initial implant. Over the next several months, Dr. Allred will monitor your progress until it is determined that the implant has successfully integrated with the bone. This process can take up to six months, but it is important that full integration and healing are complete before moving to the next stage of the process.
What happens next?
Once the implant has fully integrated with the bone, a custom restoration can be fitted onto the post. The restoration, or crown, is created to match the size, shape, and color of your other teeth, making it fit seamlessly into your smile. Whether it is a single tooth, a partial, or a full bridge, implant-supported dental restorations can give patients a new smile that will last for years to come.
How do I get started?
If you are facing the loss of a tooth and think dental implants may be right for you, the first step is to be evaluated by a qualified and experienced dentist. Dr. Jeffrey Allred is an expert in implant dentistry and one of the most sought-after providers in San Marcos, CA, for men and women interested in dental implants. Call Allred Dental to schedule your consultation today, and learn more about how dental implants can restore your smile.