Who Is A Candidate For Dental Implants

Are you or a loved one suffering from missing teeth and looking for a permanent solution? At Pierce Family Dentistry in San Diego, CA, our expert dentists, Dr. Jennifer Pierce and Dr. Brandon Pierce, can help you restore your smile and confidence with dental implants. In this educational and conversational article, we will explore the world of dental implants, their benefits, and why they are the ideal solution for replacing missing teeth.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made from biocompatible materials like titanium. They are surgically placed into your jawbone to support replacement teeth or dental prostheses. Unlike traditional dentures or bridges, dental implants provide a sturdy foundation for your new teeth, ensuring a natural and comfortable fit.

Why Choose Dental Implants?

1. Lifelike Appearance and Functionality

Dental implants are designed to mimic the look and function of natural teeth. They blend seamlessly with your existing teeth, making it virtually impossible for anyone to tell the difference. You can confidently smile, speak, and eat without worrying about your dental implants shifting or slipping.

2. Long-Lasting Solution

When properly cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime. This longevity makes them a cost-effective choice in the long run, as other tooth replacement options may require frequent adjustments or replacements.

3. Improved Oral Health

Unlike traditional bridges, dental implants do not require the alteration of adjacent teeth. Your surrounding teeth remain untouched, leading to improved oral health. Additionally, implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss that can occur when teeth are missing.

4. Enhanced Self-Esteem

Regaining a beautiful and functional smile can significantly boost your self-esteem and confidence. Dental implants provide a natural and secure solution, allowing you to enjoy life without worrying about your teeth.

The Dental Implant Process

At Pierce Family Dentistry in San Diego, CA, our dentists, Dr. Jennifer Pierce and Dr. Brandon Pierce, follow a precise process to ensure the success of your dental implant treatment.

  • Initial Consultation: During your first visit, our dentists will thoroughly evaluate your oral health, discuss your dental history, and take X-rays to determine if you are a suitable candidate for dental implants.
  • Treatment Plan: If dental implants are the right choice for you, our team will create a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This plan will outline the number of implants required, the type of prostheses to be used, and the timeline for your treatment.
  • Implant Placement: The actual implant placement is a surgical procedure. Dr. Jennifer Pierce and Dr. Brandon Pierce are highly experienced in performing this surgery with precision. They will ensure your comfort throughout the process.
  • Healing Period: After implant placement, a healing period of several months is necessary for the implants to fuse with the jawbone, a process known as osseointegration. During this time, temporary prostheses may be provided.
  • Final Restoration: Once the implants have fully integrated with the jawbone, custom-made replacement teeth or prostheses will be attached to the implants, restoring your smile to its full glory.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Painful is the Dental Implant Procedure?

Thanks to modern anesthesia techniques, most patients report minimal discomfort during the implant placement. Any post-operative discomfort can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Are Dental Implants Suitable for Everyone?

While dental implants are a great option for many patients, not everyone may be an ideal candidate. Factors such as overall health, jawbone density, and lifestyle habits can influence eligibility. A thorough consultation with Dr. Jennifer Pierce or Dr. Brandon Pierce will determine your suitability for the procedure.

How Do I Maintain Dental Implants?

Maintaining dental implants is similar to caring for natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are essential. Our team at Pierce Family Dentistry will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for your implants to ensure their longevity.

Conclusion

In summary, dental implants offered at Pierce Family Dentistry in San Diego, CA, are a transformative solution for individuals with missing teeth. Dr. Jennifer Pierce and Dr. Brandon Pierce are dedicated to providing you with the highest level of care and expertise throughout your dental implant journey.If you’re ready to regain your confident smile and improve your oral health, contact us today at (858) 484-3300 to schedule your consultation with our experienced team. Say goodbye to missing teeth and hello to a brighter, more confident you with dental implants from Pierce Family Dentistry!

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If you have been recommended for dental implants, you may wonder if they will ever have to bereplaced. Implants are a permanent restorative solution for patients seeking that perfect smile.Dentalimplants look and feel natural in the mouth,and last upwards of 25 yearsif they are cared for properly.

At our practice, dental implants are one of the most common restorative options performed. Manypatients are leaning towards this permanent option to give them a durable smile that will last for years.Dental implants can last your entire life, and they are one of the most reliable tooth restoration optionsavailable to patients.

How Successful Are Dental Implants?

Implants have a 95% success rate, andwe encourage patients to use good oral hygiene habits to keepthe implants clean and free of plaque. This helps the implants to last, and prevents infection which canmake them unstable in the mouth. Implants moving or needing replacement is rare. If an implant shiftsout of place this could indicate the bone tissue is not providing enough support, and you should contactourdental office immediately.

Tips to Ensure your Dental Implants Last a Lifetime

Here are some helpful tips that you can start using to get the most out of your dental implants:

  • Floss daily using an implant specific floss or wax free floss to help keep the area clean and freeof plaque. A Waterpik Water Flosser can be used to assist in removing plaque around theimplants.
  • Use a low abrasive tooth brush such as a soft type brush on your implants.
  • Avoid any products, foods, or drinks containing any ingredients that may stain your teeth.
  • Anti-microbial rinses can be used to help reduce inflammation and prevent infection.
  • Avoid products thatcontain stannous fluoride, sodium fluoride, or baking soda. Theseingredients can make the implants prone to corrosion.

Interested in Dental Implants?

Caring for your implants at home is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Practicing good oral hygienehabits at home will ensure your implants last for years and never need to be replaced. Our friendly teamis here to help you achieve the smile you have always wanted. We are always available to answerquestions and help you every step of the way.

If youare interested in finding out more about dental implants and how they may benefit you, contactus to schedule your consultation as soon as possible.

dental restoration

Chipped or injured teeth are typically considered a dental emergency. We offer many cosmetic services,and have years of experience in cosmetic dentistry. If you have a chipped tooth, you may wonder howquick you can get the tooth fixed. Luckily, there area few different treatment options to retore yourtooth back to normal.

We encourage anyone who has chipped their tooth to contact our office right away. We offer a flexibleschedule, and can get you in as soon as possible. In the meantime, we recommend patients can takeover the counter pain medication to alleviate any pain. Eat soft foods,and avoid biting down on thedamaged tooth.

How Can We Repair a Chipped Tooth?

Depending on the severity of the damage will determine what treatment option is best. Ifthe chip issmall a single visit to our office may only be needed. If the tooth is badly damaged, additional treatmentand multiplevisitsto our office may be required.

Bonding or Filling

We can apply atooth-coloredcomposite resin to help repair yourtooth. Bonding is a simple procedureand requires no local anesthesia. To prepare the tooth we file down the area and apply an adhesive. Theresin is then applied on top to restore your tooth. Bonding is the color of your natural teeth,andcanbeformed to match theshape of yoursurrounding teeth. An ultraviolet light is used to cure or harden thebonding material.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers can restore teeth that are chipped or broken. Veneers are a thin shell of compositematerial or porcelain that is placed over your tooth. They are customized to match the color and shapeof your teeth, and look natural. The veneers are placed on your teeth using a cement material.

Dental Crown

If your tooth is severely damaged a dental crown may be necessary. We will prepare the tooth by filingaway the area so the crown fits snug over your tooth. Crowns protect weak teeth from breaking downfurther, and look natural in the mouth. Crowns can be customized to match the size, shape, and color ofyour natural teeth. Typically, crowns are placed after a root canal. If your tooth is damaged down to thepulp area, and there is an infection, a root canal may be necessary to save your tooth.

Looking f or a Cosmetic Dentist?

If you are interested in finding a cosmetic dentist that provides quality and affordable dental care youcan trust, contact us today. Chips in your teeth can be serious, and we encourage you to be seen rightaway if you have an injury to your tooth.

To schedule your appointment with us, please contact us today, and our friendly staff will be happy toassist you!

 
dental restoration

If you have teeth that are decayed, injured, or missing you may require a dental restoration. Common types of dental restorations include crowns, fillings, implants, dentures, and bridges. Never hesitate to call the dentist if you have an issue with your tooth. In many cases our team can save your tooth with a restoration before the tooth damage progresses. It is always important to address any issues with your teeth promptly, or more serious complications may develop.

What Are Dental Restorations?

Dental restorations are various ways your dentist can help restore your teeth. If you are missing parts of your tooth, have an injury, or decay, restorations can help restore your tooth and prevent further damage. If you have a portion of your tooth missing due to decay, or have an old restoration that is in need of replacement, dental restorations can help fix these issues. 

Following a good oral hygiene routine at home can help keep your teeth and mouth healthy and prevent decay. We recommend attending your regular exams twice a year to ensure your teeth and mouth look healthy. During your regular visits our doctor will check for cavities, and make sure we don’t see any serious issues.

What Are the Different Types of Dental Restorations?

  • Fillings: Fillings are the most common type of dental restoration and can help save teeth from decay. There are many filling types from tooth colored composite fillings, to silver amalgam, and composite fillings. Depending on the size of the cavity and location, will determine what type of filling material is used.
  • Crowns: Crowns are a cap that is placed over a tooth. Crowns restore the shape and size of a tooth, and are matched to blend in with your natural teeth. Crown are used with dental implants, or after a root canal to restore the functionality of a tooth.
  • Bridges: Bridges are false teeth and help to bridge the gap for missing teeth. Bridges are used along side crowns, and cement is used to permanently secure the bridge into place.
  • Dental Implants: Dental Implants are similar to a screw that is placed into the jaw. Implants are posts that are made of titanium and attached to a connector or abutment. The implant is then covered with a crown. Implants are permanent and are highly durable, lasting upwards of 15 years.
  • Dentures: Dentures are made of acrylic resin combined with metal and are a removable replacement for missing teeth. If you still have some of your natural teeth, partial dentures can be used to help bridge the gap and give a natural look.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Restorations?

Dental restorations provide many benefits and help restore your smile. If you are missing teeth or have decay, and are looking to get that perfect smile back, contact Pierce Family Dental to help. Dental restorations can help you speak and eat easier, and give you a smile that restores your confidence.

Interested in Finding Out More About Dental Restorations?

If you are interested in finding out more about dental restorations contact Pierce Family Dental. Our doctors have years of experience in dental restorations, and love to help patients get the smile of their dreams. Your oral health is important to us, and we make our patients a priority, and always have your best interests in mind. Let our team get you on the road to a great smile!

To schedule your appointment with us contact Pierce Family Dental, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Dental bridges help to bridge the gap between one or more missing teeth. Bridges have one or more crowns or implants on either side of the gap and false teeth in-between them. If you have a gap caused by a missing tooth and that gap is embarrassing, a bridge may be right for you. Bridges are typically made from porcelain material, and this looks natural and blends in with your other teeth.

There are many different types of bridges available.  Depending on how many teeth are missing, and if you have natural teeth on both sides will help decide what type of bridge is recommended.

Types of Dental Bridges

Traditional Bridge

A traditional bridge is a type of bridge with two anchoring crowns on either side of the replacement tooth. This is the most popular type of bridge, and is used when the gap has natural teeth on both sides.

Cantilever Bridge

A cantilever bridge is used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth. This type of bridge is not used as much anymore, and it not as common as the other options. Cantilever bridges tend to put too much pressure on other teeth and this can cause damage.

Maryland Bonded Bridge

This type of bridge has metal or porcelain wings, and these are bonded to the existing teeth. Maryland bridges are made out of porcelain or porcelain fused to metal.

Implant Supported Bridge

This type of bridge is similar to the traditional dental bridge, but is supported by a dental implant. The implant is inserted into the jaw and the bridge is attached above the gum line. This type of bridge has an advantage over the other types and helps to prevent bone loss. Implant supported bridges are the most stable compared to other bridge options. Surgery is required to insert the implant and does take longer.

What Are the Advantages With Dental Bridges?

  • A dental bridge offers an effective solution for tooth replacement. Bridges are aesthetically pleasing and help restore mouth function.
  • Helps to maintain structure in the mouth and hold teeth in place to reduce shifting and bite issues.
  • Helps to reduce bone loss and maintains facial structure.
  • Is comfortable in the mouth and feels like a natural tooth.
  • Does not require removal for cleaning. Bridges should be cleaned just like natural teeth with brushing and flossing daily.

Looking To Find Out More?

If you are interested in finding out if a bridge is right for you, scheduling a consultation in our office is the first step. Dental bridges are affordable and a reliable solution for missing teeth. Let us help you get that perfect smile!

To schedule your consultation please contact our office, and our staff will be happy to assist you.

Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a type of dental restoration that places a cap over a tooth or dental implant. Crowns help keep the underlying tooth from breaking apart, and can be used to help fix an area on a tooth that is broken. There are different types of crowns available to patients, and depending on the severity of the tooth will determine which type of crown is best. Crowns are typically made of hard materials such as porcelain or ceramic, but can also be made of gold, resin, or stainless steel. They can be made to match the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth and blend in nicely.

Pros of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns improve your appearance, and can help correct any cosmetic issues in the mouth. There are many benefits to dental crowns, and crowns are commonly used today.

  • Crowns are used to replace large or worn out fillings in the teeth
  • Restore dental implants
  • Restore cracked, injured, or damaged teeth
  • Correct discoloration or alignment
  • Reshape your teeth
  • Keep cracked or damaged teeth from breaking down further
  • Protect the underlying tooth after a root canal
  • Crowns are durable and last for years

Cons of Dental Crowns

With any dental procedure there are always some disadvantages patients should consider. In some cases, crowns may need to be repaired or replaced. This is not common but does happen occasionally. During a crown procedure the tooth has to be filed down to ensure the crown can be securely placed. If a crown is not fitted properly there is risk that it can fall out, or allow bacteria to enter underneath the crown. Patients may become more sensitive to hot or cold after their crown is placed. Our office typically recommends a sensitive toothpaste to help with this issue.

If patients ever have an issue with a crown we encourage them to contact our office right away. Leaving a damaged crown untreated can lead to further issues or complications. Overall, crowns are extremely helpful in preserving teeth, and give patients a beautiful natural white smile. The benefits of crowns definitely outweigh the risks.

Interested in Finding Out More?

If you are interested in finding out more about dental crowns, or if you have a damaged or discolored tooth, a dental crown may be the right solution. Our team is available to help you take the next step towards that perfect smile.

To schedule your consultation with our team contact our office, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you!

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