Dental Implants El Cajon
Top-Tier Tooth Replacement That Lasts
Delivering full root-to-crown tooth replacement, dental implants make smiles stronger, healthier, and more attractive following any degree of tooth loss. If you are living with one or more missing teeth, dental implants in El Cajon can breathe life into your smile, so contact our office to schedule a consultation.
Why Choose El Cajon Dental Center for Dental Implants?
- Precise Results with Innovative Dental Technology
- Dentist Offers Start-to-Finish Dental Implants In-House
- We Speak English, Spanish, Mandarin, & Arabic
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that can potentially last a lifetime because of the titanium posts positioned within the jawbone. Customized for your dental needs, they fuse with the underlying bone, creating a solid base for an implant crown, bridge, or denture to sit atop.
The 4-Step Dental Implant Process
- Initial Dental Implant Consultation – A consultation with Dr. George will help determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. He’ll evaluate your oral health, jawbone density, and general wellness to see if you’re ready for the surgery. If not, he can offer treatments that will get you ready for the procedure.
- Dental Implant Surgery – Once you’re numb and comfortable in the treatment chair, Dr. George will place each implant post into its designated spot, ensuring it will fuse properly with the jawbone.
- Dental Implant Osseointegration/Abutment – Osseointegration (where the implants naturally fuse with your jawbone) can take 3-6 months. Once your mouth is adequately healed, Dr. George will place metal abutments atop your implant posts that will attach to your new restorations.
- Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s) – Your restorations will be fully customized and secured in place so that all you see is a one-of-a-kind, eye-catching smile.
Benefits of Dental Implants
If you choose to have these prosthetics replace your missing teeth, you can expect the following:
- Teeth that can last 30+ years or even a lifetime
- Better oral health because they fill in the gaps and reduce the risk of dental drift
- A more confident and youthful appearance thanks to the way they complement your facial features
- A significantly lower risk of bone and tooth loss
- The ability to eat all your favorite foods without worrying about your teeth slipping or falling out
- The ability to speak clearly and remain confident when talking
Dental Implant FAQs
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants can last for over 30 years, which is one of the many reasons why they are so loved by patients and dentists alike. With that said, the lifespan of yours will depend heavily on your health and lifestyle. For instance, if you don’t take good care of your smile at home, you can develop peri-implantitis, which is a form of gum disease that can lead to dental implant failure. That’s why we recommend incorporating healthy habits into your routine, starting with brushing your teeth for two full minutes each morning and evening.
What can cause dental implants to fail?
Although dental implant failure is rare, it can happen. One of the leading causes we mentioned above: peri-implantitis. It can also occur due to failed osseointegration (when the implant and jawbone don’t fuse properly), tobacco use, nighttime teeth grinding, and certain health conditions, like diabetes. That’s why the initial consultation is so important. During this visit, our implant dentist in El Cajon, Dr. George Damerji, will review your dental history, complete a comprehensive oral exam, and learn about your day-to-day routine. With all of this information, he can determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants, and, if you are, how to minimize your risk of implant failure.
Am I too old to get dental implants?
Oftentimes, patients assume that they are too old to restore the appearance of their smiles and the strength of their bites with dental implants in El Cajon. The reality is that candidacy is determined by factors other than age, like jawbone density and willingness to break harmful habits, like smoking. So, if you are ready to face tooth loss head-on, don’t let your age stop you from scheduling a consultation at our office!
Do dental implants feel natural?
They do! There are a few reasons that we can say this with confidence, starting with the fact that they are placed directly into the jawbone. The size, shape, and shade of the restoration that’s secured on top is also custom-made, which ensures that it doesn’t feel bulky or unnatural in any way.
Is there anything I shouldn’t eat with dental implants?
Although dental implants are incredibly durable, they can break with enough force. For that reason, we advise against eating peanut brittle, hard pretzels, and other extremely crunchy foods. It’s also a good idea to steer clear of sticky sweets, like taffy, since they lack nutritional value and can pull your restoration out of place. To put it simply, it’s best to eat healthy, well-balanced meals that are filled with steamed carrots, hard-boiled eggs, cottage cheese, and the like.
Can dental implants replace molars?
Yes, dental implants can replace your molars. So, if you are struggling to eat, speak, or smile because you are missing one, a few, or all of yours, you shouldn’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us. That way, we can determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants.