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Dental Implants · North Park, San Diego
North Park is full of professionals and freelancers who want honest dentistry at a fair price. Our City Heights office is a straight shot east on University Ave — about eight minutes from the 30th Street corridor — and we tell you exactly what an implant costs before we schedule anything. No bait-and-switch consultation fees, no surprise add-ons.
From the heart of North Park at 30th & University, head east on University Ave for about eight minutes. You will pass through City Heights and reach our office between 52nd and 54th Streets — on the south side, next to Vien Dong Supermarket. There are no tricky turns. MTS Route 7 runs the full length of University Ave and stops within a block of the office.
A dental implant is a small titanium post placed in the jawbone where it fuses with the surrounding bone through osseointegration — the same biological process that keeps natural tooth roots in place. Once healed, a custom crown, bridge, or overdenture is attached on top, recreating the look, feel, and chewing function of a natural tooth.
The reason implants matter beyond cosmetics: when a tooth is missing, the jawbone in that area gradually loses height and width — a process called bone resorption. A bridge or removable partial denture fills the visible gap but does not transmit chewing force into the bone the way a root does. An implant does. That stimulation keeps the bone stable and prevents the gradual facial-structure changes that can happen over years after tooth loss.
Implants are not the right answer for every case. Bridges are still a practical choice when adjacent teeth need crowns anyway, and implant-supported overdentures solve the right problem for patients missing a full arch. Your dentist will walk through which option fits your anatomy, your health, and your priorities — with cost and insurance coverage part of that conversation from the start.
Digital X-rays and, when needed, a cone-beam CT scan evaluate your bone volume, gum health, and the position of nerves and sinuses. We review your medical history and any medications that could affect healing. You leave with a clear picture of whether you are a candidate and what the process involves.
If the tooth is still present, it is extracted. If bone volume is insufficient, a bone graft may be placed to rebuild the foundation. Not every case needs this — and your dentist will be straight with you about whether it applies to yours.
A small titanium post is placed in the jawbone under local anesthesia. Most patients find the procedure more comfortable than anticipated. Mild soreness and swelling for a few days afterward is normal.
The implant integrates with the surrounding bone over three to six months, depending on location and bone quality. During this time, a temporary restoration keeps the space filled when appropriate.
Once the implant is fully integrated, an abutment is attached and a custom crown, bridge, or overdenture is fabricated and seated. The color and shape are matched to your surrounding teeth.
Ready to find out if you are a candidate?
Most healthy adults missing one or more teeth are potential candidates. A consultation is the only way to confirm, because bone volume and overall oral health are case-specific.
A cone-beam CT (CBCT) scan is often used during planning to map bone volume and nerve position precisely before any surgery.
North Park — Common Questions
Eight minutes east on University Ave. We publish fees, verify insurance, and give you the full picture before you decide anything. Bilingual staff — hablamos español, nói tiếng Việt.