Dental Implants

Our smiles are a source of confidence and esteem. It’s easy for a person to feel embarrassed and sensitive about a smile that is not perfect. Especially if they’re missing a single tooth or multiple teeth. At Espire Dental, we offer the placement of dental implants from start to finish, to help our patients achieve a natural look and feel. From 3D scans, to the placement of the implant, and restoring the implant with a crown, our skilled implant dentists can restore your tooth to optimal function. Dental technology is constantly improving, but dental implant procedures have a deep history. The earliest replacement teeth dated back to A.D. 600. Back then of course, dental procedures looked a lot different. Thankfully dental care has come a long way since then. Implant dentistry saw a large evolution in the 1950s. These procedures have been improving with new technology and techniques ever since, giving people a permanent solution for missing teeth. Modern-day dental implants help patients regain their tooth’s function so they can continue living their best lives.

If you’re looking for dental implants in San Diego, our experienced dental implant dentists at Espire Dental can help. Our dentists can help you determine if dental implants are right for you in the absence of permanent teeth. Our knowledgeable team will work with your dental insurance to help you get the most out of your insurance benefits, and check if your dental insurance can help with the cost of dental implants. We are happy to help you understand your insurance benefits, and reserve an appointment with our dental implant providers for a consultation.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are permanent replacements for a missing tooth or multiple teeth. They can be an alternative for dentures or bridgework. There are two types of dental implants placed in oral and maxillofacial surgery: endosteal and subperiosteal. An endosteal implant is the most common of the two. In the absence of a tooth, a trained dentist places a titanium screw into the jawbone. Once the screw and its post, called an abutment, are placed, a crown is put on top to take the place of the missing tooth. The titanium fuses with the jawbone over time, helping to keep the structure in place.

With a less common subperiosteal implant, the implant dentist places the implant on top of the bone. This type of implant is often chosen for patients who have a difference in jawbone structure.

In some cases, a dentist may perform a full-arch restoration. This type of implant surgery involves an implant dentist replacing a series of teeth to restore a full arch in the mouth. Our dental team keeps up-to-date on the latest techniques to be used in surgical procedures and how to use advanced instruments to provide the best patient care.

Espire’s dental implant surgery in San Diego is often done for many reasons. It may be to help a patient chew normally or to prevent additional bone loss in the jaw. It can even help to keep the gum tissue healthy over time, and more. The placement of the implant screw general takes 1-2 hours. Then, a patient waits up to 3 months for the titanium screw to fuse with their jawbone. Once healed, they return for a second appointment in which the dentist places an implant crown to bring the tooth back to functionality.

What Are the Benefits of Implant Dentistry?

Undergoing dental surgery in San Diego for a dental implant takes time, but there are many great benefits to getting this dental procedure. Dental implants are:

Permanent – If cared for correctly, dental implants can last forever.
Durable – Implants are made to withstand regular chewing and biting. Just like your natural teeth!
Easy to care for – With your implants, you can practice typical preventive oral health practices like flossing and brushing. They require no adjustment from your regular dental care routine.
Helpful to the surrounding teeth – Patients that undergo oral surgery for dental implants are more likely to experience less sensitivity and fewer cavities in the surrounding teeth.
Confidence-boosters – Patients no longer have to bother with the anxiety that comes with caring for dentures or bridges. Instead, they can enjoy sharing their smiles with loved ones.

Beyond the reasons above, dental implants can help to improve your overall jaw health and prevent other ailments, such as:

TMJ or jaw joint issues that may arise from chewing abnormally due to pain or missing teeth.
Headaches or mouth pain caused by misalignment of the jaw.
Jaw deterioration, because dental implants can help to strengthen jaw bone growth. This helps to prevent what’s typically known as “sunken” jaw in many patients.

How Are Dental Implants Procedures Performed?

If an implant dentist at Espire Dental believes a patient is a good candidate for dental implants in San Diego, then several steps will occur for the patient’s implant to be placed.

First, the dentist needs to make room for the implant. In most cases, this means removing the damaged or decayed tooth. Often a patient requires time for their gum tissue to heal. Sometimes this may mean removing the patient’s wisdom teeth. Depending on the overall health of the jawbone, a patient may require bone grafting. In this case, the dentist will place bone into the patient’s jaw to add density to the jawbone before continuing with the implant.

Once the implant is placed, a patient is given time to heal. This gives the jawbone a chance to fuse properly to the titanium in the implant. At their next visit, the implant dentist will place the post, or abutment. That’s what helps to connect the implant and the crown. The crown is typically fit and placed in a separate dental procedure, and the tooth is restored! Of course, if a patient requires more than one implant, this process may look different.

In some cases, an implant dentist may perform an all-on-4 dental implant procedure. This is when a patient’s upper or lower teeth are replaced using 4 implants to retain a permanent denture. Each patient’s dental needs are different. Your Espire implant dentist will let you know if they recommend this procedure.

Are You A Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Espire Dental’s team of implant dentists have performed many dental implants in San Deigo. But wanting a dental implant to replace a decaying or missing tooth, isn’t enough to warrant the procedure. There are many factors that our dentists will consider to decide if a patient fits the criteria for getting a dental implant.

Our dentists will be considering a patient’s:

Age – Dental implants are typically only recommended for patients 20 years old and beyond, because it is important that the jaw bone is fully formed before placement.
Jaw and bone health – A patient’s jawbone must be able to withstand the placement of the implant. Patients with osteoporosis or a history of facial trauma may not be good candidates for this procedure.
Overall oral health and hygiene – A patient must have good general dental health for an implant to be successful.
Gum health – A patient’s gum tissue must be healthy and free of periodontal disease.
Smoking habits – Patients who smoke have a higher likelihood of failure with a dental implant. However, this does not exclude anyone entirely. If you are a smoker considering a dental implant procedure, please contact us so we can ensure successful placement of your dental implant.
Time and commitment – Remember, getting a dental implant isn’t an in-and-out procedure. Combined with consultation, assessment, procedures, and healing, the process could take several months or more.

Contact our team today to learn more about dental implants and how we can help you achieve a fully functioning smile.

When ever I have called Dr. Grays office , they have always been more the happy to offer any service I might need. Yesterday after not having been to their office in a couple of years , I was again greeted by staff like an old friend, and when Dr. Gray had a free moment, he came in to say hi and made sure everything again was ok and I was well taken care of. We chatted for a moment and when my service was done and I left a very happy customer. His staff is so thorough in making sure you are treated as a very important “friend” .
Thank you Dr. Gray and staff..

Florence, ESPIRE Patient

I have been lucky to have had Dr. Gray as my dentist for over 25 years. He and his entire staff are incredibly professional, but warm and welcoming at every moment. Jeff is absolutely one of the most competent dentists in the country, and at the same time, sensitive and kind to every patient. He specializes in comfortable care!! The office is beautiful and relaxing. I just had an old crown completely replaced in one morning….sat in the chair at 8 am, dozed off for the procedure and out the door at 11:30 with a new tooth!
I would recommend Dr. Gray to anyone and give a very strong Five Stars to his amazing office.

Maggie, ESPIRE Patient

I just completed my veneers with Dr. Gray and I couldn’t be happier with the whole experience and outcome! The entire team is so caring and gifted from Dr. Gray to Michelle the dental technician to Mike the ceramicist. Together, with their patience and listening to my tailored needs for shape, color, etc. they transformed my entire smile like I didn’t think possible. I sat back and watched my favorite shows and before I knew it, I was finished. It couldn’t be easier! I will never look elsewhere for all my dental care needs in the future- the Office of Dr. Jeff Gray is IT!

Maria, ESPIRE Patient

The perfect dental office: not only is the office beautiful & pristine but from the moment you’re greeted, you’re well taken care of and a welcoming smile. The doctors, oral hygienist (who do a phenomenal job, by the way) & the office staff are all very courteous & professional above all else. The rooms are equipped modern with multiple TVs & patient-friendly. You also have the option, too, to listen to music of your choice with earphones & a blanket to keep you cozy if you’re cold. The professionalism & integrity of Dr. Gray’s Dental Office merits all the recognition given here. Thank you for making my experience a positive one.

Viridiana, ESPIRE Patient

I am so happy to have found a dentist office like Jeff Gray Cosmetic and Sedation Dentistry. The staff is very friendly and professional. I met Dr. Hurtado on my initial consultation, and he explained clearly how the dental implant procedure works. Jenny was helpful explaining the different financial options available, and stayed in touch during the reopening of the office. I chose to be sedated for my implant procedure. It was the most relaxing, painless procedure that I’ve ever had. I never felt any discomfort, and two weeks later I’m so happy to have had it done. Thank you Dr. Gray and staff.

Mark, ESPIRE Patient