Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants open an entirely new door of possibilities for patients. By replacing the root and not just the crown visible in your smile, you get far more than the basic benefits of replacing teeth. Dental implants work to stimulate bone and restore blood flow, therefore allowing you to maintain your fullest biting force possible and prevent changes to your facial shape. Plus, you get a solution that is proven to last at least 25 years when properly cared for. In many cases, they can even last a lifetime thanks to their durability and longevity.

More and more people are candidates for dental implants than ever before. During your consultation, our dentists will make sure that you’re eligible for implants. This process gives them the chance to confirm that no dental disease is present and if so, get it handled prior to treatment. As long as you have enough healthy jaw bone, implants are often a viable solution to tooth loss.

Regain a Complete, Confident Smile

What Are Dental Implants?

As the only option to recreate every part of a missing tooth, dental implants are able to look, feel, and act almost exactly like the pearly whites Mother Nature gave you. Plus, they can last for decades with the proper aftercare. We cannot recommend dental implants enough!

The Dental Implant Process

Replacing the roots as well as the crowns of lost teeth is incredibly complex. As a result, getting dental implants can take several months to a year. The good news is that while many general dentists have to refer their patients to outside specialists for the surgical dental implant procedure, Dr. Friedman is able to simplify your treatment process and keep you comfortable by performing it right here in our Scripps Ranch dental office. The details of each patient’s treatment will vary, but the four basic steps remain the same: the initial consultation, the surgical implant placement, osseointegration, and the delivery of your restorations.

Initial Dental Implant Consultation

At your first appointment, our team takes the time to examine your mouth and confirm your specific needs. This includes determining how many teeth you need replaced, where they would be positioned, the volume of your existing jawbone tissue, and the status of your oral health. In some cases, preparatory treatments (such as gum therapy, bone grafting, or tooth extractions) may need to be completed before dental implant surgery can be scheduled. Once we’ve confirmed your eligibility to receive implants, we’ll begin the planning phase of your care and schedule your surgery for a later date.

Dental Implant Surgery

Ahead of dental implant surgery, we administer local anesthetic to numb the treatment area and remove any and all sensations during the procedure. Once we’ve confirmed that you’re feeling comfortable and ready for the implant, we’ll create a small incision in your gum tissue in order to access the bone. Then, a tiny hole is created inside the bone tissue so your implant has a secure foundation for integration. Next, the implant is placed and the gum tissue is stitched close so the implant can begin healing and fusing with your jaw. We’ll go over proper aftercare steps with you following your surgery to ensure the smoothest recovery period possible.

Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment

The implant is designed to replace the root of your tooth, which means it also needs to integrate with your existing bone tissue to remain in place. This process, also known as osseointegration, typically takes four to six months to complete. As the implant heals, you’ll be scheduled for follow-up treatments to confirm it is healing as intended and ensure no underlying issues are present during this multi-month long period. Once fully healed, an abutment can be attached to the implant. To do this, we reopen the gum tissue, connect the abutment to the implant, then stitch the gums closed. An additional two to three weeks are needed for the gums to heal around the abutment portion.

Delivery of Dental Restoration(s)

When the gums have healed around the abutment, the permanent restoration can be confidently attached. You’ll come back to our office one more time to have either the crown, bridge, or denture placed. Our restorations are not only personalized to look incredibly natural, but customized to keep your bite even. We’ll also go over tips to protect your new tooth replacement, ensuring it remains healthy for decades to come!

Benefits of Dental Implants

Did you know that more than 500,000 dental implants are placed every year? These permanent prosthetics are quickly becoming one of the most popular and superior methods of tooth replacement, allowing for better oral health because of the continuous stimulation provided to the jawbone. But that’s not all they provide. In fact, the benefits of dental implants in Scripps Ranch are far greater than you might imagine. Not only will you see a dramatic improvement in your confidence and appearance, but you’ll soon be living your best life, too!

Day-to-Day Benefits

• If you want to embrace a better quality of life, make sure to choose dental implants. With an estimated 42% of denture-wearers reporting they have a difficult love life because of their prosthetics, you will find that speaking, eating, and smiling is much easier when you have greater confidence.
•  Optimal oral health is much easier to achieve with dental implants. Not only will you be able to brush and floss according to your normal routine, but you won’t have to worry about soaking your restoration each night before going to bed.

 Your favorite foods are once again a possibility with dental implants in Scripps Ranch. Instead of being forced to only eat a few select foods because you have a prosthetic that continually slips, dental implants are permanently affixed to your jawbone, allowing you to eat and chew with greater ease.

Health Benefits

•  Replacing your missing teeth with dental implants will allow you to say goodbye to tooth loss and the many health-related diseases that come with it. Tooth loss and a person’s lifespan are closely connected, so your risk of developing systemic issues as a result of your missing teeth will drop drastically once you have dental implants put into place. In fact, studies show that people over the age of 65 who have 5 or more missing teeth often suffer from osteoporosis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
•  Dental implants are surgically placed into your jawbone by a skilled implant dentist in Scripps Ranch. As a result, they mimic the natural tooth structure and offer continuous stimulation to the bone. This not only prevents facial collapse but also keeps your natural, healthy teeth in place and reduces the risk for dental drift.
•  Dental implants will not produce sores or lesions on your soft tissues. Unlike dentures that become uncomfortable when your facial shape begins to change, dental implants will not have to be relined or replaced over time (as long as you commit to maintaining them).

Long-Term Benefits

• Dental implants have a success rate of placement that averages around 98%. After 10 years, it only drops to 90-95%, making them an excellent choice if you want a prosthetic that will truly last.
•  With proper care, it is possible that your dental implants will last 30 years or even a lifetime!
•  Surprisingly, although dental implants are costly upfront, they will actually save you money in the long run because you will not need regular adjustments and replacement, you will not need to buy dental adhesives, and you won’t need specialized cleaning solutions to maintain them.

Who Dental Implants Can Help

No matter how many teeth you’ve lost, dental implants may still be the solution for you. During your initial consultation, we’ll confirm how many teeth you are missing and which tooth replacement option will best suit your needs. Below, you can learn more about the different ways we can replace your missing teeth and what you can expect the process to look like ahead of your next appointment.

Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Generally, the best candidates for dental implant treatment will have sufficient oral health as well as good overall health. This essentially means they do not have any tooth decay or gum disease present. If they do, our office can treat these conditions in order to help patients become eligible for treatment. Additionally, patients with insufficient bone volume may need to complete a bone graft to ensure the jaw is thick enough to receive an implant. After several months of healing have occurred, we’ll revisit your tooth replacement options through dental implants.

Missing One Tooth

After the healing phase of your implant placement is complete, it’ll be time to place a brand-new, lifelike restoration on top. Dr. Friedman has been working with the same trusted lab technician for over 12 years now, and together, our office can provide you with high-quality implant crowns that blend into your smile seamlessly. This is thanks to the natural-looking, ceramic materials we use at MOD Squad Dental.

Missing Multiple Teeth

Rather than replacing each individual lost tooth with one implant, we can anchor a dental bridge into place using a very small number of implants, usually two to four. In some cases, a single implant can be strong enough to hold a two-crown bridge.

Instead of modifying existing enamel just to hold a restoration, implants are strong enough to hold a dedicated restoration entirely on their own. This means you can maintain more of your natural enamel and still be able to replace missing teeth.

Missing All Teeth

If your tooth loss is extensive, a custom implant denture may be the best option for restoration. These appliances are designed to fit over a small number of implants, giving patients a sturdy, cost-effective smile replacement that both feels and looks great. Plus, there’s no need for typical clips, brackets, or messy denture adhesives!

Implant dentures can also be designed to be either removable or fixed, depending on your preference. Removable options can make it easier to keep your restoration clean, however, a fixed option can be just as easily maintained. In some cases, we may even be able to retrofit an existing denture so that it can attach to a set of dental implants.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

Each portion of your implant procedure, including placement and restoration, comes with its own price. Also, things such as the number of implants you need and the type of restoration you receive will affect the total cost of your treatment. Oftentimes, dental or medical insurance is willing to pay for at least a portion of the implant process, but you’ll have to check the fine print of your specific policy to find out for sure.

Dental implants are not cheap, but they are a worthwhile investment! The outstanding benefits they can provide for your confidence and oral health make them the best tooth replacement method that modern dentistry has to offer. If you would like a brief explanation for the cost of dental implants in Scripps Ranch, feel free to review the information below and contact us with any additional questions.

Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery

When meeting with your dentist for your consultation, they will determine if you require any preliminary treatments before receiving your dental implants. These can include periodontal therapy, tooth extractions, or bone grafting. Depending on the status of your oral health, you may need one or more of these treatments, which will add to the overall cost of your dental implants.

Also, your dental implant surgery will be included in the final cost estimate. Because there are several components involved that can increase the price (i.e., specialist placing the implants, anesthesia, sedation, etc.), it is always best if you can have the full start-to-finish dental implant procedure completed in one location. The good news is that our team at Mod Squad Dental is pleased to not only perform the surgery but also the restoration placement, allowing you to avoid additional fees associated with seeing an outside specialist.

The Parts of Your Dental Implant

Not all dental implants in Scripps Ranch are alike. Because there are many different brands and manufacturers, the price can fluctuate depending on who your dentist chooses to work with. During your consultation, we will go over all the details regarding the parts of your implant and how much you can expect this portion of your treatment to cost. The material, size, and brand will largely affect the total cost; however, it’s important that you remember that cheaper isn’t always better. In fact, it can leave you needing to replace your dental implants more often if you’re not careful.

It is most common for the implant posts to be made of titanium but depending on their placement within your mouth, you may need longer or shorter implants. Also, your restoration will be added to the final cost. Because of its creation in a lab by qualified technicians, this will be factored in, as they must produce a restoration that looks and feels completely natural.

How Dental Implants Can Save You Money

If you answer “yes” to the following questions, you’ll quickly see why it’s best to choose dental implants and how they can save you substantial money:

1. Do you want a prosthetic that will last a lifetime and not require frequent adjustments and replacements every 5-7 years?
2. Do you prefer to have artificial teeth that are easy to clean and do not require specialized cleaning solutions?
3. Do you want prosthetics that do not require dental adhesives to hold them in place?
4. Do you want a solution that restores your smile and minimizes your risk for systemic diseases that can shorten your lifespan?

In choosing to see a qualified implant dentist in Scripps Ranch who can properly place your dental implants, you will see just how wise of an investment it is to choose these permanent prosthetics. Not only will you enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile for the rest of your life, but you’ll decrease your risk for many of the most common problems that occur as a result of tooth and bone loss.

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Some dental insurance companies are beginning to come around to the idea of dental implants; however, many still believe they are not “medically necessary,” which can leave you paying the entire bill for your treatment. What you might not realize though is that your dental insurance provider might be able to cover some of your care (i.e., consultation, restoration, preliminary treatments), but you will need to review your policy. If you need help, our team will be happy to assist in going over your plan and filing any paperwork and claims to make it a stress-free experience for you.

Making Dental Implants

Fortunately, Dr. Friedman offers a few unique ways to ensure you stay within your budget:

•  Flexible financing through CareCredit, which offers low and no interest payment plans.
•  MOD Focus Club, which offers 15% all dental treatments for an annual fee of $225.

Dental Implants Post-Op Instructions

One great benefit of visiting Mod Squad Dental for dental implants in Scripps Ranch is that you’ll be able to receive the entire procedure under one roof, including your implant placement surgery. Dr. Friedman has decades of experience under his belt and is dedicated to precise treatments. After our team has placed your dental implants, you’ll need to take care of your smile using extra precaution to ensure your gums heal correctly and the implants fuse with your jawbone properly.

What to Do Directly After Dental Implant Surgery

Sometimes, the most daunting and taxing part of getting dental implants can be right after your surgery, especially if you’ve never had to undergo oral surgery before. There’s no need to worry, though, because Dr. Friedman, your implant dentist in Scripps Ranch, and our friendly team at Mod Squad Dental will be by your side as you’re healing. We’ll provide you with in-depth instructions on how to keep your mouth and the surgical sites clean and what you can do to make a speedy recovery.

Typically, directly after your surgery, we recommend following these instructions:

•  Rest for at least 24 to 48 hours after your procedure.
•  Don’t drink from straws.
•  Avoid smoking as your mouth is healing.
•  Don’t put your fingers in your mouth or touch your tongue onto your surgery site.
•  Try not to spit, and instead, swallow your saliva or use a tissue.

Common Side-Effects

We always let our patients know what side-effects are normal and what ones aren’t. Here are a few common side-effects that you may experience after your surgery:

•  Gradual bleeding that can be stopped by placing a sterile gauze and a small amount of pressure onto the surgical site.
• Swelling that can last over a week and can be minimized by placing a cold compress on the cheek and jaw for 10-minute increments.
•  General discomfort that can be ease with prescribed or recommended medications.

Soft Diet

After your surgery, it’s important that you stick to a soft diet to prevent your blood clot from dislodging. We typically recommend that our patients stock up on the following foods before their procedures:

•  Yogurt
•  Pudding
•  Ice cream
•  Mashed potato
•  Pasta
•  Scrambled eggs
•  Soup (not very hot)

Health & Oral Hygiene

Following your procedure, it’s also important that you keep your mouth and the surgical sites clean. You can do this by brushing your teeth like you normally would, paying extra attention to being careful whenever you brush near the surgical site. We may also prescribe you a medicated mouthwash to rinse with. Be sure to avoid using any mouthwash that has alcohol in it, because it could inhibit your healing abilities.

Maintaining Your Smile

Once your mouth is healed and your dental implants have fused with your jawbone through a natural process called osseointegration, we’ll be able to attach your permanent restoration to your abutments. Then, all you’ll need to do to keep them clean and healthy is brush and floss like you normally would, and don’t forget to schedule your bi-annual checkups and cleanings with our team.

Dental Implant Failure & Salvage

Although it is extremely rare, dental implant failure is a possibility. More commonly, these permanent prosthetics have a 95% successful placement rate and can remain firmly in place for a lifetime as long as you properly maintain them. However, should you experience dental implant failure either immediately following placement or years later, our team at Mod Squad Dental is here to remedy the situation and provide dental implant salvage to help you continue enjoying your new and improved smile.

Save Your Smile’s Future

Relying on a trusted implant dentist to place your dental implants is one of the most important decisions you can make when preparing for a new smile. In choosing someone with the experience and training, you can expect a procedure that has a 95% success rate. You can also expect to enjoy improved oral health, a greater bite force, a more pleasing aesthetic, and optimal functionality. However, should you fall victim to an infection or other complication, you may develop a failed dental implant in Scripps Ranch. While feeling your implant loosen can cause panic, our team at Mod Squad Dental can provide dental implant salvage to try and save your smile. This situation is extremely rare; however, it is a risk all patients should understand and be aware of when starting the dental implant process. Dr. Friedman will examine your mouth and determine the appropriate treatment plan to help you get back to enjoying a better quality of life.

Why Do Dental Implants Fail?

Dental implants in Scripps Ranch can fail for many reasons; however, the most common is peri-implantitis. This happens when an infection in your gums begins to attack the soft oral tissues while destroying the bone that is holding up your implant. Peri-implantitis typically develops when you do not take proper care of your oral hygiene.

But if peri-implantitis is not the problem, you may find that dental implant failure also occurs as the result of:

• Traumatic facial injury
•  Osseointegration is unsuccessful during the recovery phase of treatment
•  Certain medical disorders and diseases are weakening your immune system (i.e., cancer, diabetes)

Symptoms of Failed Dental Implants

If a failed dental implant does occur, it will likely happen during the recovery phase of your treatment. However, some cases often do not develop until months or years later. No matter how much time passes, it’s always best to seek immediate treatment should you notice any of the following signs:

•  One or more of your dental implants becomes loose. Your dentist will then look at the tooth in question and determine if it is the post or restoration that needs to be fixed.
• You have pain, swelling, or pus that develops around your implant.
• It becomes increasingly difficult to eat or chew your foods.
• Pain continues to be a problem long after your implant surgery.

How Dental Implant Salvage Works

When meeting with Dr. Friedman to discuss the possibility of dental implant salvage, it can occur in one of two ways. After examining your mouth to determine the problem, he may discover the problem can be easily remedied with the help of a deep cleaning, antibiotics, and additional services designed to control the infection (peri-implantitis). By seeking treatment the moment you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms, we can provide more conservative treatment that gets you back to enjoying your smile.

However, if the implant damage or infection is too severe, we may need to remove it and provide the necessary treatment (i.e., bone grafting, periodontal therapy, etc.). Once you are fully healed, it may be possible for us to insert a new dental implant into the vacated socket.

Dental Implant FAQs

Dr. Greg Friedman knows you want the facts when it comes to dental implants. As one of the most superior tooth replacement solutions available, you deserve to have all your questions answered prior to making a decision regarding your dental care. This is why he and his team have compiled a list of dental implant FAQs in San Diego for you to review. Should you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us or bring them to your initial consultation.

Why Do I Need Bone Grafting Before Getting Dental Implants?

Dental implants require a solid, firm foundation to be successful. This base is also known as your jawbone and when it is weakened or deteriorating, this can be problematic for the life of your implants. Should Dr. Friedman believe you require bone grafting prior to implant placement, it is because your jawbone isn’t strong enough to hold up the implant and its restoration.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

If you want a restorative solution that can last decades or even a lifetime, there’s no better option than dental implants. One of the many reasons people tend to choose dental implants is because of their longevity and ability to go decades without the possibility of needing a replacement. They’re designed to withstand the normal wear and tear you put on your teeth, and they do not decay. They are a more stable, functional, and longer-lasting restoration.

Are Dental Implants Right for Me?

During your initial consultation with Dr. Friedman, he will discuss your medical and oral health history as well as examine your complete smile. This includes everything from your teeth, gums, and jawbone. If he determines you are a viable candidate because your oral health is in good shape and your bone is strong, then you have the green light to move forward. However, if not, it is likely because of one of the following reasons:

•   Lack of bone density
•   Gum disease
•   Tooth decay
•   Compromised/weakened immune system
•   Smoking or tobacco use

Do Dental Implants Ever Fail?

There are instances in which dental implants can fail. Even though the success rate for placement is between 90-95%, certain circumstances can result in a patient having an unsuccessful experience. The reason could be because:

•   Their smoking or tobacco use is making it impossible for osseointegration to occur.
•   An implant was improperly placed by the surgeon, which can create an uneven bite force and unnecessary pressure on the implant.
•   A compromised or weakened immune system caused by diabetes or an autoimmune disorder.

What Happens After Dental Implants Are Placed?

Once Dr. Friedman has successfully placed your implants, you will need to return home and spend the next 3-6 months healing and allowing osseointegration to occur. This is the process of fusing the implant and bone together as well as the surrounding tissues. The length of time you’ll spend recovering is dependent upon the number of implants you have placed.

While healing, you’ll need to eat soft foods in the days after implant placement and avoid sipping or sucking anything through a straw. Soon enough, you’ll be back to resuming your normal day-to-day habits.

Can I take dental implants out?

An implant post serves as a root, which is surgically placed into your jawbone. It will stimulate your jaw to support new bone growth. As your mouth heals, your bone will fuse to the post through a process called osseointegration. Therefore, you cannot remove a dental implant on your own. Only a qualified implant dentist in Scripps Ranch can take them out, such as if failure occurs. Some implant dentures can be removed for easy cleaning.

How can I tell if my dental implant is failing?

Dental implants in Scripps Ranch are the most reliable option for treating tooth loss, but complications can occur. Although the risk is less than 5%, failure commonly results from peri-implantitis or failed osseointegration. Peri-implantitis is an infection like gum disease. Bacteria found in plaque and tartar destroy the supporting structures for your dental implant. You can safeguard your smile from the infection by committing to your oral hygiene and visiting your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. Besides peri-implantitis, low bone density can prevent your jaw from healing correctly. Failure often occurs shortly after the placement surgery. In rarer instances, complications can result from chronic teeth grinding, tobacco, and certain medical conditions. Your dentist can help prevent complete dental implant failure at the first sign of a problem, like redness, pain, or a feeling the post is loose.

How long does it take to recover from dental implant surgery?

As with any surgery, you can expect a brief recovery. Most patients can resume their normal activities the day after their placement surgery; however, it’s best to avoid strenuous exercises for about one week to prevent delayed healing. Any bleeding should stop within the first couple of days. You can expect swelling for 3 to 4 days. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your face to reduce swelling and bruising. You can manage any discomfort using an OTC or prescribed pain reliever. Sleep with your head elevated to prevent any discomfort. In a couple of weeks, your gum tissue will be healed, but it can take up to 6 months for your bone to integrate with the post.

Will people be able to tell if I have dental implants?

A dental implant not only mimics the structure of your natural tooth but also its appearance. No one will be able to see your implant post or abutment, so you won’t feel self-conscious when smiling. Your restoration is custom-made to match the color, size, and shape of your real teeth. It will blend in seamlessly to have a smile you’ll be proud to show off. You won’t even need to worry while eating because your replacement teeth will be anchored to your jawbone. You’ll never need to worry about them slipping or falling out while enjoying a meal. You can talk, smile, and laugh without a care in the world because no one will know they aren’t your real teeth.

Maintaining & Caring For Your Dental Implants

Want to ensure the future of your new smile? Dental implant care in Scripps Ranch is the most effective way to keep your prosthetics lasting decades or even a lifetime. At Mod Squad Dental, Dr. Friedman and his team will provide all the information you need to enjoy a healthy, longer-lasting smile. This includes knowing how to take care of your teeth with good oral hygiene habits, eating healthy foods, protect your teeth from injury, breaking unhealthy habits, and even continuing to maintain regular six-month dental appointments. If you have questions about your life with dental implants, contact us today to schedule a visit.

Making Oral Hygiene a Priority

Your dental implants in Scripps Ranch cannot decay; however, your natural, healthy teeth certainly can. Should they become plagued by decay, or you develop gum disease, it can be detrimental to your dental implants if left untreated. This is why you must practice good oral habits at home by brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes, floss daily, and rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash.

Eating a Healthy Diet

Eating healthy foods that are rich in nutrients is one of the great benefits of dental implants. Unlike dentures that can make it difficult to eat certain foods, dental implants allow you to truly enjoy your meals. But you must make sure you’re consuming foods that will benefit your smile. Too much sugar and starch can lead to gum disease, which can cause dental implant failure. Leafy greens, fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy, and lean proteins will keep your teeth in place and healthy for years to come.

Breaking Bad Habits

Bad habits that are not broken before receiving dental implants will put you at greater risk for complications later on. Smoking weakens the immune system and makes it harder for your implants to heal properly. Biting your nails, eating ice, and chewing on inanimate objects can cause you to chip or break a natural or artificial tooth, resulting in timely and costly treatment to fix the problem. It’s best to give up these unhealthy habits early on to avoid frequent visits to your implant dentist in Scripps Ranch.

Protecting Your Dental Implants

If you enjoy spending your time engaging in physical activity or sports, you’ll want to make sure you’re wearing a protective mouthguard. Many dental professionals offer patients the choice to have a custom one made that properly fits their mouth and is comfortable to wear. Unlike the one-size-fits-all solutions found at the drug store, a custom mouthguard ensures maximum protection while on the field, court, or track. This should give you greater peace of mind knowing that your investment is better protected.

Scheduling Regular Dental Checkups

Committing to regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months is essential when wearing dental implants. No matter if you have one titanium post or between 4 and 8 with a full denture, your implant dentist needs to examine these prosthetics to ensure no problems are developing and that your gum health and natural teeth are without any concerns or issues. By continuing to maintain your teeth through the help of a professional, you can feel more at ease with each passing year you’re wearing dental implants.