Dental Implants

Voted "Best in San Diego," La Jolla Oral & Facial Surgery is the go-to choice for Dental Implants. Drs. Gramins and Lin practice a full scope of oral and facial surgery.

Our services are designed to change the way our patients live.

Dental implants provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth.

Complimentary Diagnostic X-ray

Dental Implants

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Dental implants are changing the way people live.

Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything, knowing teeth appear natural and facial contours will be preserved. Patients with dental implants can smile with confidence.

The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts that protrude through the gums are then attached to the implant. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.

Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.

Surgical Advances

Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, our doctors are able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of six weeks of healing time before artificial teeth are placed. There are even situations where the implants can be placed at the same time as a tooth extraction - further minimizing the number of surgical procedures. Advances in dental implant technology have made it possible, in select cases, to extract teeth and place implants with crowns at one visit. This procedure, called "immediate loading", actually performs the implant placement.

Implants are a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. While our doctors perform the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary, the restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.

Why Dental Implants?

Dental implants can drastically increase your quality of life. When you lose several teeth – whether it’s a new situation or something you have lived with for years – chances are you never became fully accustomed to losing such a vital part of yourself. Dental implants can be your doorway to renewed self-confidence and peace of mind. Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth and when cared for properly can last a lifetime.

What Types Of Prosthesis Are Available?

A single prosthesis (crown) is used to replace one missing tooth – each prosthetic tooth attaches to its own implant. A partial prosthesis (fixed bridge) can replace two or more teeth and may require only two or three implants. A complete dental prosthesis (fixed bridge) replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of implants varies depending upon which type of complete prosthesis (removable or fixed) is recommended. A removable prosthesis (over denture) attaches to a bar or ball in socket attachments, whereas a fixed prosthesis is permanent and removable only by the dentist. Drs. Lin and Gramins perform in-office implant surgery in a hospital-style operating suite, thus optimizing the level of sterility. Inpatient hospital implant surgery is for patients who have special medical or anesthetic needs or for those who need extensive bone grafting from the jaw, hip or tibia.

Why Select Dental Implants Over More Traditional Types Of Restorations?

Why sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge a space? In addition, removing a denture or a "partial" at night may be inconvenient, not to mention dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Here are the 4 primary advantages of dental implants:

Dental implants prevent bone resorption (deterioration).
Dental implants do not compromise the health of adjacent teeth.
Dental implants have the best long-term prognosis and highest success rates.
Dental implant treatment is the most cost-effective treatment option.

dental-bridges-vs-dental-implants

Are You A Candidate For Implants?

What Type Of Anesthesia Is Used?

Do Implants Need Special Care?

Once the implants are in place, they will serve you well for many years if you take care of them and keep your mouth healthy. This means taking the time for good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and keeping regular appointments with your dental specialists. For more information on Dental Implants, visit www.thedentalimplantguide.org. The Dental Implant Guide is a non-profit organization committed to increasing public awareness of the benefits of dental implants and the importance of selecting a qualified team of doctors to provide treatment.

Complimentary Diagnostic X-ray
a $350 value!

Fill out this form to receive your complimentary diagnostic x-ray when you come in for a Dental Implant Consultation.

**cannot be combined with contracted insurance plans

Patient Stories

It's nice to go back to your old life. You can have a smile again and have a steak again.

Hans

The Surgical Procedure

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, an implant (replacement tooth root) is placed within your jawbone. In some situations, a bone graft is necessary before the placement of an implant.

For the first one to three months following surgery, the implant is beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time.

During this time, your dentist will form new replacement teeth.

After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Our doctors will attach small posts that protrude through the gums and act as anchors for the replacement teeth. Keep in mind that your replacement teeth will completely cover the small posts once they are placed by your dentist.

The entire procedure usually takes between two to six months and most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.

Dr. Gramins talks dental implants versus a conventional bridge.

Dental Implant

Regain Your Smile with a Full Arch Restoration

All-On-4 and Full Arch Restoration are terms used to describe an innovative method of replacing missing teeth (or teeth with extremely poor dentition) with a full arch prosthetic. Our surgeons coordinate with your general dentist to plan a course of treatment to restore one or both arches of teeth. All-on-4 tooth replacement can create a full smile with a completely functional set of teeth.

The ideal candidate for a Full-Arch Restoration

The look and feel of a Full-Arch Restoration

Ask the Doctor

Dr. Gramins and Dr. Lin talk about the benefits of dental implants and the process. Learn about the typical timeframe for dental implant placement and what the difference is between dental implants and a conventional bridge.

All of the information you supplied for care and follow up was excellent. The doctor and support staff in surgery was very calming and supportive.

Deborah T.

Surgical techs were extremely kind and helpful! Very friendly.

Brandon S.

The procedure was quick, painless, and well explained. Dr. Gramins and his staff are awesome! Everyone at the office is friendly and professional.

Robert B.