Dental Implants La Jolla

Are you tired of hiding your smile due to missing teeth or struggling with the constant hassle of dentures?

Dental implants can answer your dental woes, providing a long-lasting, natural-looking solution.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting teeth implants.

When you’re ready to change your life and smile with the help of Dr. Sabourin, one of the best dental implant dentists in San Diego, get in touch.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth replacement that consists of three parts.

The post resembles a small screw fabricated from biocompatible titanium that replaces your natural tooth root.

The abutment is a small metal piece placed on or built into the top of the dental implant that connects to the replacement tooth or teeth.

A zirconia crown or bridge is custom-made to match your natural teeth and attached to the implant to complete the restoration.

Biocompatible and allergy-free zirconia (zirconium dioxide) has primarily replaced porcelain for the crown portion because it is more durable and can be milled from a single block.

Zirconia offers beautiful and natural-looking aesthetics, is solid and resistant to chips, and can even withstand tooth grinding (bruxism).

Types of Dental Implants

Single Dental Implants: Endosteal implants are the most common type and are shaped like a small screw, cylinder, or blade.

Multiple Dental Implants/Bridges: Fixed implant bridges are ideal for replacing several missing teeth. In addition to preserving your jawbone and surrounding teeth, implant-supported bridges help maintain the shape of your smile and prevent issues associated with traditional bridges. The crowns are fabricated from porcelain, zirconia, or E-MAX.

All-on-4 Dental Implants: All-on-4 dental implants replace an entire upper arch, lower arch, or both arches of teeth. Also referred to as dental implant-supported dentures, All-on-4 implants require as few as four implant posts per arch to provide a strong foundation for new teeth.

See our complete breakdown of the three main types of implants here.

Benefits of Choosing Dental Implants

Dental implants offer numerous benefits over other tooth replacement options.

One of the primary advantages of teeth implants is their ability to provide a stable and dependable foundation for replacement teeth, ensuring a natural look and feel.

In addition to their aesthetic appeal, dental replacements also offers significant benefits for oral health and overall well-being.

Improved Oral Health

• Preventing bone loss
• Preventing the shifting of adjacent teeth
• Acting as a substitute tooth root
• Stimulating the jawbone, maintaining its strength and integrity
• Helping to keep decay and gum disease at bay
• Preventing further tooth loss
• Maintaining the alignment of your remaining natural teeth

Restored Functionality

One of the most significant advantages of dental replacements is their ability to restore the functionality of your teeth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile confidently.

Dental implants are securely anchored in the jawbone, providing stable support for artificial teeth and restoring your natural biting and chewing power.

Unlike traditional dentures or bridges, dental implants offer several benefits:

• They won’t slip or shift in your mouth, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free experience.
• You can enjoy your favorite foods without worrying about your replacement teeth causing discomfort.
• You can speak clearly without any embarrassment or difficulty.

Dr. Sabourin’s Dental Implant Process in La Jolla

Embarking on the journey towards teeth implants begins with understanding the process involved.

At Dr. Sabourin’s office in La Jolla, the implant process typically consists of an initial consultation, surgical implant placement, and a final restoration.

The sections below will guide you through the implant procedure, from the initial consultation to the final restoration, providing an understanding of what to anticipate at each stage.

1. Initial Consultation for Teeth Replacement 

The first step toward dental implants is an initial consultation with Dr. Sabourin. During this appointment, the dentist will thoroughly examine and take 3D images of your jaw using a CT scan.

This detailed assessment allows your dentist to determine whether you’re a suitable candidate for dental implants and to develop a customized treatment plan based on your unique needs.

The initial consultation is also an opportunity for you to:

• Ask questions
• Discuss your expectations
• Explore treatment options
• Understand the overall cost of your teeth replacement procedure

2. Dental Implant Technology: Surgical Placement

• Insert a titanium post into your jawbone, which will serve as an anchor for your artificial tooth.
• The procedure typically takes one to two hours.
• You’ll be provided with sedation dentistry to ensure your comfort during the surgery.

Following the surgical placement of your dental implant, your jawbone will need time to heal and fuse with the titanium post.

This process, known as osseointegration, takes approximately three to six months, during which time your dentist will monitor your progress and ensure your implant is healing correctly.

3. Final Restoration

The final step in the implant process is placing your custom-made crown, which will be attached to the implant via an abutment.

Once your gums have healed and your implant has fused with your jawbone, your dentist will secure the crown to the abutment, completing your dental replacement procedure.

With your dental plate in place and your new crown securely attached, you can enjoy the many benefits of dental implants, including:

• Improved oral health,
• Restored functionality,
• And a beautiful, natural-looking smile.

Why Choose Dr. Sabourin for Dental Implants?

If you’re looking for the best implant dentist in La Jolla, look no further.

After dental school, Dr. Sabourin had the unique privilege of completing an American Dental Association-accredited general practice residency at the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center.

Following his residency, Dr. Sabourin was asked to join the staff at the prestigious Scripps Clinic Department of Oral Medicine in La Jolla, and today, his elegant practice is located on one of their medical campuses.

His hospital experience has allowed for enhanced decision-making skills, especially for patients with complex dental issues.

Since starting practice in 1987, Dr. Sabourin has built an impeccable reputation by combining top clinical skills, attention to detail, and advanced technologies with compassion for his patients.

He attends continuing education courses, conferences, and seminars to expand his implantology skills and incorporate new technologies into practice.

When you choose Dr. Sabourin for teeth replacement, you’ll enjoy a renewed smile crafted from the finest materials that stand the test of time and exceed your expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions