At Cardinal Dental, we know that missing teeth can affect much more than your smile. They can impact your ability to eat the foods you love, speak with confidence, and maintain proper oral health. That’s why we’re proud to offer advanced dental implants to help restore your smile and improve your overall well-being.
Our experienced team of dentists, including Dr. Paul Michels, Dr. Stephen Craft, and Dr. Alan Michels, is dedicated to providing personalized, high-quality dental implant treatments, including single-tooth replacements, implant-supported bridges, and full-arch restorations like All-On-4 and snap-on dentures.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a permanent, natural-looking solution for replacing missing teeth. Unlike traditional dentures or bridges, dental implants provide a secure foundation that integrates directly with your jawbone. The procedure involves placing small titanium posts into the jaw, which act as artificial tooth roots. Over time, these posts fuse with the bone through a process called osseointegration, creating a stable base for custom-made dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, or dentures.
Once fully healed, your dental implants will look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth. Whether you’re missing one tooth or multiple teeth, dental implants La Mesa CA patients trust can give you back the confidence and functionality you deserve.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
There are many reasons why dental implants are considered the gold standard for tooth replacement. Here are just a few of the benefits our patients experience:
Natural Appearance and Comfort:
Dental implants are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. They're customized to match the shape, size, and color of your existing teeth, so no one will be able to tell the difference. Plus, because they're anchored into your jawbone, they feel stable and secure, with no slipping, clicking, or discomfort.
Improved Oral Health:
When you lose a tooth, the bone in that area begins to deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. Dental implants help prevent this bone loss by mimicking the function of natural tooth roots. Unlike traditional bridges, which require grinding down adjacent teeth for support, implants stand on their own and preserve the integrity of your surrounding teeth.
Restored Functionality:
Missing teeth can make it difficult to chew certain foods or speak clearly. Dental implants restore full chewing power, allowing you to enjoy a varied and healthy diet without worry. You'll be able to bite into apples, chew steak, and eat all your favorite foods with confidence.
Long-Lasting and Durable:
With proper care and regular dental checkups, dental implants can last a lifetime. They're made from biocompatible materials that are resistant to decay and designed to withstand the pressures of everyday use. This makes them a smart, cost-effective investment compared to other tooth replacement options that may need frequent repairs or replacements.
No More Dietary Restrictions:
Traditional dentures often come with a long list of foods to avoid. With dental implants, you won't have to worry about what you can and can't eat. Because they're securely anchored in your jaw, you can enjoy all the foods you love without fear of your teeth shifting or falling out.
Easy Maintenance:
Caring for dental implants is simple. Just brush and floss as you would with your natural teeth, and visit our office for regular cleanings and checkups. There's no need for special adhesives, overnight soaking, or complicated cleaning routines.
What Our Patients Are Saying
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
Most patients with missing teeth are good candidates for dental implants, but a thorough evaluation is necessary to ensure success. Ideal candidates should have:
- Adequate bone density to support the implant
- Healthy gums free from periodontal disease
- Good overall health and oral hygiene habits
- A commitment to maintaining their implants with regular care
If you’ve been told in the past that you’re not a candidate for implants due to bone loss, don’t lose hope. We offer bone grafting procedures that can help rebuild the jawbone and make implants possible.
Types of Dental Implant Restorations
At Cardinal Dental, we offer a variety of implant-based solutions to meet your unique needs:
- Single-Tooth Implants: Replace one missing tooth with a custom crown.
- Implant-Supported Bridges: Restore multiple missing teeth in a row.
- All-On-4 Implants: Replace an entire arch of teeth with just four strategically placed implants.
- Snap-On Dentures: Enjoy the stability of implants with the convenience of removable dentures.
Our team will work closely with you to determine which option is best for your lifestyle, budget, and oral health goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Does the dental implant procedure hurt?
The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, and sedation options are available for added comfort. Most patients report minimal discomfort during recovery, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
How long does the dental implant process take?
The timeline varies depending on your individual needs. After the implant is placed, it usually takes three to six months for it to fully integrate with the bone before the final restoration is attached.
Are dental implants covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by plan. Our team will work with you to review your benefits and discuss financing options to make treatment affordable.
Can dental implants fail?
While rare, implant failure can occur due to infection, insufficient bone support, or poor oral hygiene. Following post-operative instructions and maintaining good oral care greatly reduce this risk.
Experience the Difference at Cardinal Dental
If you’re ready to restore your smile with dental implants La Mesa CA residents rely on, Cardinal Dental is here to help. Our compassionate team combines advanced technology with personalized care to deliver results that look natural, feel comfortable, and last a lifetime. Don’t let missing teeth hold you back any longer. Contact Cardinal Dental today at (619) 345-7999 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a complete, confident smile.