Dental Implants · San Diego, CA

Replace a missing tooth the right way — with a root and a crown that last

A dental implant is the only tooth-replacement option that replaces the root as well as the visible tooth. Our City Heights office places single-tooth implants and implant-supported restorations, and we accept most major insurance plans — including coverage for surgical components when your plan allows.

Why implants — and why not just a bridge or a denture?

When a tooth is lost, the jawbone beneath it begins to shrink. That process — called bone resorption — is gradual but significant: studies estimate the jawbone loses roughly 25% of its width in the first year after an extraction, and continues to change shape over time. A bridge or a removable denture fills the visible gap but does not stop bone loss, because nothing is anchoring into the bone the way a natural root did.

A dental implant changes that. A small titanium post is placed in the jawbone, where it fuses with the surrounding bone through a process called osseointegration. The implant acts as an artificial root — and because bone tissue responds to the mechanical load of chewing transmitted through the implant, the bone is stimulated rather than left idle. The result is a restoration that feels, functions, and responds like a natural tooth, with a long track record in dental literature for longevity when properly placed and maintained.

Bridges are still a practical choice in the right circumstances — especially when the adjacent teeth already need crowns — and we discuss both paths honestly. What we will not do is recommend an implant when a bridge is a better clinical fit, or vice versa. The goal is the option that serves your long-term oral health.

The implant process, step by step

1. 1

   Consultation and treatment plan

   We review your dental and medical history, take X-rays, and in many cases a CBCT scan to evaluate bone volume. You leave with a clear picture of what the process involves, what preparatory steps (if any) are needed, and what the overall arc of treatment looks like.

2. 2

   Preparatory work (when needed)

   Some patients need a tooth extracted, active gum disease treated, or a bone graft to build volume before implant placement. We handle these steps in-office when possible and coordinate specialist referrals when a case requires additional expertise.

3. 3

   Implant placement

   The titanium post is placed in the jawbone under local anesthesia during a routine outpatient appointment. Most patients describe the procedure as more comfortable than an extraction. Post-operative soreness is typically managed with over-the-counter pain relief for a few days.

4. 4

   Osseointegration — healing period

   Over the next three to six months, bone cells grow around the implant surface and lock it into place. We monitor healing at check-in visits. A temporary tooth replacement can often be worn during this period so day-to-day function is not disrupted.

5. 5

   Restoration delivery

   Once the implant is fully integrated, we take a final impression or digital scan and work with a dental laboratory to fabricate your crown, bridge, or implant-retained denture. Shade and shape are chosen to blend with surrounding teeth. At delivery, fit, contact, and bite are confirmed before you leave.