Dental trauma or tooth decay can result in missing teeth, which impacts function as well as the beautiful aesthetics of your smile. At La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics, our focus is on restoring both the beauty and functionality of your teeth. We provide custom dental implants to replace missing teeth, giving you a natural, healthy smile. Your needs are our priority, and we ensure that the procedure meets your oral health, time frame, and budget expectations.
Schedule a ConsultationLong-term tooth loss can result in the deterioration of bone density in the jawline, which can lead to a change in the shape and functionality of the jaw. In many cases, this change creates an aged appearance. Dental implants are placed within the bone, helping to stimulate the growth process that maintains bone density.
The structural weakening of the jawline can impair your ability and comfort when it comes to chewing and swallowing. Dental implants act like natural teeth, and the majority of people find that they don’t have to alter their diets or eating habits because of their implants. Patients can enjoy better functionality as they broaden the variety of food they can eat.
Unlike other cosmetic corrections for missing teeth, dental implants provide a long-lasting smile correction. The implants are crafted from highly durable products that aren’t prone to chipping or discoloration, and with proper care, implants last for years.
Your dental implant process begins with a consultation to determine if it is the best course of treatment for your needs. Dr. Kohani uses a detailed 3D digital CT scan of your jaw to determine if it is strong enough to hold the implants. Following the consultation, an appointment can be set to insert the implants. The dental implant procedure is broken up into two stages: implant placement and crown placement. These two stages are performed a few months apart, as the implant requires time to heal before the crown is attached.
During the first stage of your procedure, a titanium implant is screwed into the jawbone through a small incision, and a temporary covering is put in place. Local anesthesia is used to ensure your comfort during the procedure.
Several months will pass between the implant and crown placement to provide time for osseointegration. Osseointegration is a healing process in which your bone grows around the titanium implant, helping to secure it in place. This process can take anywhere from two to four months. Healing can be affected by smoking, prior medical conditions, or unhealthy oral hygiene. After this healing period, your artificial crown is created.
Custom-made crowns are placed on the implant once the area has fully healed. The crowns we create are made of a durable ceramic capable of sustaining high pressure; additionally, the crowns are of similar shape and color to your surrounding teeth in order to preserve the natural aesthetic of your smile. The crown is secured to the connecting piece and cemented into place.
You will be on a soft food or liquid diet for several days following the placement of your dental implant. The full osseointegration process can take anywhere from two to four months. Most patients can return to work and other normal activities immediately following the attachment of the dental crowns.
An anesthetic is used during the procedure to minimize surgical pain. Afterward, you may experience some discomfort, such as bruising of the gums, pain at the implant site, and minor bleeding. This pain can be managed with over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication.
The precise cost of dental implants varies according to individual needs and the extent of correction required. The price can also be affected if other dental work is needed, or if multiple teeth need to be replaced. Some insurance companies may cover a portion of the expense. Dr. Kohani will be happy to provide you with a detailed price quote during your consultation.
Maintaining your smile after receiving dental implants depends on the quality of your personal dental hygiene habits. Maintaining a consistent, healthy oral hygiene regimen can help to improve the health of your original and replacement teeth. While dental implants are highly durable, you can care for your results and oral health by doing the following:
Looking some dental implants before and after photos are a great way for you, the patient, to get a realistic view of the results we provide at La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics.
Definitely the Best San Diego dentist I have ever had! A friend referred me to Dr. Kohani. In the past I have not had good experiences with other dentists. As soon as I met Dr. Kohani, I felt very comfortable. He is a very knowledgeable and caring doctor and his staff is amazing. I am currently doing Invisalign with Dr. Kohani. Every time I go to his office it is a very pleasant experience. Dr. Kohani and his staff are always so warm and welcoming. If you are looking for a good, caring, and honest dentist I recommend Dr. Kohani! A. Rodriquez
I have gone to Dr. Kohani a few times now and have had nothing but great experiences. I was impressed with the friendly staff that is welcoming and organized. We all know these visits aren’t necessarily ones we look forward to, but Dr. Kohani makes this experience quite pleasant. He’s a very nice man and phenomenal dentist. I will definitely be returning! O. LaJeunesse
He is an extremely dedicated dentist who is committed to his patients. Dr. Kohani is warm, caring and understanding. I have referred my family and friends to him, who also think he is an amazing dentist and passionate about his practice. You can feel confident with Dr. Kohani and know he will give you the best results possible. Jodi B.
Dental implants are considered to be permanent, and unless any complications arise, they may not need to be replaced.
Dental implants can be a solution for any patient that is suffering from the loss of adult teeth. You can get dental implants at virtually any age with the recommendation of your dentist.
Dental implants require a multi-step process From the beginning of the process to the final stage, dental implants can sometimes take up to nine months, depending on the healing time needed and the expediency of the appointments.
Yes. Most patients are not only able to eat normally but can do so with much more ease than before. If pressure is put on the implants too soon, there may be some soreness. You can prevent this by following Dr. Kohani’s instructions.
The titanium that dental implants is made with are very biocompatible, so they should not cause issues unless you have a titanium allergy.
If required, Dr. Kohani can implement a pre-treatment bone grafting procedure to return your jaw to a stronger state.
Dr. Kohani stains the ceramic material to match your natural tooth color.
Jawbone loss is a natural result of losing a tooth. However, dental implants fuse directly to the jawbone, which is stimulated with chewing. This stimulation prevents bone loss. Other methods of tooth restoration do not provide this stimulation, which is why bone loss continues to occur with dentures or a dental bridge.
After the placement of the implant, a temporary tooth may be worn over the implant until the final crown is attached.
Full mouth dental implants are used to replace up to twelve teeth in the upper jaw and lower jaw. This whole process takes about 16 weeks, and it is recommended that you replace both upper and lower jaw at the same time to reduce the cost and number of appointments. Your mouth will heal, and full function is restored, resulting in the smile of your dreams.
