Restorative Dentistry

Tooth Implant Placement: Before, During, After

Posted on
Categories: Dental Implants, Restorative Dentistry

what to expect during dental implant surgery La MesaDental implants are rapidly becoming the tooth replacement option of choice. Millions of Americans have chosen implants, like those available at Jeff Gray DDS | Espire Dental in La Mesa. Once the decision is made, patients usually want to know what’s involved every step of the way.

Before the Procedure

It begins with a consultation and preliminary exam. We’ll take X-rays of your teeth and jaw to make sure you have enough healthy bone structure. If you don’t, we may recommend bone grafting

We’ll also inspect your gums for any signs of gum disease. Healthy gums are essential for a successful implant.

During Implant Surgery

After administering anesthesia, a guide hole is drilled into your jaw and a titanium post – which is the actual implant – is screwed in. The process takes about an hour.

After

Some patients experience minor pain and swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually enough to control it. An icepack can help, too. Most people can resume their usual activities the same day.

At Jeff Gray DDS | Espire Dental in La Mesa we have placed dental implants in people from San Diego, Alpine, El Cajon, and Santee, who also come to us for our complete cosmetic dentistry. Call to schedule an appointment with us today!

Contact Jeff Gray DDS | Espire Dental:

619-337-7700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8555 Fletcher Pkwy Ste 102
La Mesa, California
91942

 

ArticleID 8174

Tooth Implants: The Role Of The Abutment

Posted on
Categories: Dental Implants, Restorative Dentistry

dental implant abutment La MesaDental implants, like those available from Jeff Gray DDS | Espire Dental in La Mesa, are one of the true marvels of modern dentistry: artificial teeth that look and feel like the real thing.

A dental implant is actually a titanium post that is placed in the jaw. It provides the support for the artificial tooth. A single, implant-supported artificial tooth consists of three components:

  • The implant, also called a post or artificial tooth root
  • The abutment, a connector piece
  • The prosthesis – a dental crown, bridge, or denture/partial denture

In this post, we describe the abutment: the connector piece between the actual implant and the artifical tooth.

A temporary abutment may be used just after the implant is placed. That’s because it takes several months for the implant to fuse with the bone. Once it does, it is a solid foundation, ready for the final abutment.

When healing is complete, most patients report anywhere from eighty to nearly one hundred percent of normal chewing power.

At Jeff Gray DDS | Espire Dental in La Mesa we have placed dental implants in patients throughout San Diego, Alpine, El Cajon, and Santee, who also come to our practice for complete general dentistry. Call our office to schedule an appointment today!

Contact Jeff Gray DDS | Espire Dental:

619-337-7700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8555 Fletcher Pkwy Ste 102
La Mesa, California
91942

 

ArticleID 8173

Are Dental Implants An Option If I Have Receding Gums?

Posted on
Categories: Dental Implants, Restorative Dentistry

tooth implants San Diego

The best candidates for dental implants are people whose gums and jawbone are healthy. Receding gums are a major roadblock for getting implants, but it is not an insurmountable problem at Jeff Gray DDS | Espire Dental in La Mesa.

Dental implants have a success rate of greater than ninety percent. But in order to success they need enough healthy bone and the gum tissue that helps support it. If an implant was placed into someone with receding gums it would be partially exposed, weaking the support structure of the replacement tooth.

What To Do?

Even if you have receding gums, you can get a successful dental implant. Gum grafting can promote the growth of new gum tissue, which will cover enough of the dental implant. This is usually done before the dental implant is placed, to make sure you have plenty of time to heal.

Once there has been a successful gum tissue graft and recovery, you are good to go.

At Jeff Gray DDS | Espire Dental in La Mesa we place a lot of dental implants. People from San Diego, Alpine, El Cajon, and Santee also come to our practice for toothache relief and much more. Please call us to schedule an appointment today!

Contact Jeff Gray DDS | Espire Dental:

619-337-7700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8555 Fletcher Pkwy Ste 102
La Mesa, California
91942

 

ArticleID 8107

Getting a Dental Implant May Not Take as Long as You Think

Posted on
Categories: Dental Implants, Restorative Dentistry

teeth implants San DiegoThink you don’t have time to transform your smile? Getting a dental implant from Jeff Gray DDS | Espire Dental in La Mesa
may not take as long as you think.

Each patient is different. But in most cases, complete implant procedures take fewer visits than they used to. We can usually restore missing teeth with just a couple of visits.

Don’t rely on second-hand accounts or outdated information. We invite you to come and get the facts.

Call Us Today

If you are embarrassed by missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures, don’t wait any longer. Completed dental implants look and feel like natural teeth. Implants can serve as a sturdy foundation for dentures, support a dental bridge, or replace a damaged tooth, without disturbing the surrounding teeth

Since dental implants fuse with your jaw bone, they also help prevent bone loss.

If you are missing one or more teeth, please call us at Jeff Gray DDS | Espire Dental in La Mesa and we can discuss your dental implant options. We’ve helped people throughout San Diego, Alpine, El Cajon, and Santee, who also come to us for complete general dentistry. Schedule an appointment today!

Contact Jeff Gray DDS | Espire Dental:

619-337-7700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8555 Fletcher Pkwy Ste 102
La Mesa, California
91942

 

ArticleID 8548

What are Implant-Stabilized Dentures?

Posted on
Categories: Dental Implants, Dentures, Restorative Dentistry

La Mesa dentures secured with implants

Imagine being able to replace your missing teeth with dentures that are so stable, they seem more like natural teeth than ordinary dentures ever could. With implant-supported dentures from Jeff Gray DDS | Espire Dental in La Mesa you don’t have to imagine: they’re here.

Anyone who wears orindary dentures knows how difficult it is to keep them secure in the mouth. Everyday things like eating and speaking. That’s not an issue with implant-supported dentures.

The reason for that is that they are secured in the mouth by dental implants, which themselves are part of the jaw. Implants are metal posts that are placed in the jaw. Within a few months of placement they actually fuse with the bone and become a solid foundation for a dental arch.

Patients with implant-supported dentures:

  • Can eat virtually anything
  • Rarely need them adjusted
  • Have more confidence
  • Have an improved quality of life

Millions of Americans have already benefitted from dental implants. At Jeff Gray DDS | Espire Dental in La Mesa we’ve placed them in patients from San Diego, Alpine, El Cajon, and Santee, who also come to us for complete general dentistry. Please call our office to schedule an appointment today!

Contact Jeff Gray DDS | Espire Dental:

619-337-7700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8555 Fletcher Pkwy Ste 102
La Mesa, California
91942

 

ArticleID 8541

Why is the 4-Step Tooth Implant Timeline Necessary?

Posted on
Categories: Beautiful smile, Dental Implants, Restorative Dentistry

why does a tooth implant take several months? La Mesa

Dental implants from Jeff Gray DDS | Espire Dental in La Mesa are state-of-the-art in tooth replacement.

The process for getting an implant can take several months, but don’t let that discourage you. Each stage of the procedure is important. It’s not a drawback; it is indicative of the permanent nature of an implant.

The Dental Implant Timeline

1. Dental Implant Examination and Assessment

A complete tooth implant and restoration consists of the post or root replacement, the abutment, and the final restoration (crown, denture, bridge, or partial denture).

It all starts with a consultation. We’ll take X-rays and analyze your mouth and examine your teeth, gums, and jawbone. If you don’t have adequate bone at the implant site, we may recommend bone grafting.

2. Placement

The first step is to insert the titanium implant into your jawbone. This is not as difficult or painful as it sounds. Most patients are surprised at how fast and easy the procedure is. It usually takes one to two hours.

Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually enough for post-surgery discomfort. Most people can go back to work after the surgery.

3. Osseointegration

The key to implant placement is called osseointegration, which means the titanium post fusing with the bone. In most cases it takes three to six months for this to happen. Once it does, you’ve got a rock-solid foundation for the implant.,

4. Placing the Final Restoration

The final step is a crown, bridge, or denture. A connecting piece called an abutment attaches the restoration to the artificial root(s). The crown, bridge, or denture is all that is visible at the end of the process.

Teeth supported by dental implants from Jeff Gray DDS | Espire Dental in La Mesa are life-changing. We’ve placed them in patients from San Diego, Alpine, El Cajon, and Santee. We also offer complete cosmetic dentistry services, and much more. Please call to schedule an appointment with us today!

Contact Jeff Gray DDS | Espire Dental:

619-337-7700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8555 Fletcher Pkwy Ste 102
La Mesa, California
91942

 

ArticleID 8248

What is the Recovery Time for a Dental Implant?

Posted on
Categories: Dental Implants, Dentures, Restorative Dentistry

dental implant recovery time La Mesa

Once one of our patients at Jeff Gray DDS | Espire Dental in La Mesa decides to go ahead with a dental implant, one of the first things they want to know is: how long is the recovery time?

Our answer? Recovery is difficult to predict, because every case is different. There are various factors that go into the process, but not all of them apply to each case.

Some of the issues include:

  • Any failing teeth? In addition to the lost tooth the dental implant replaces, patients sometimes have unhealthy teeth that need to be removed before the implant goes ahead. That extends the entire process.
  • Bone grafting? If there has been significant bone recession, we’ll need to boost the patient’s bone mass. This is usually done with a graft, which promotes new bone growth.
  • Osseointegration. This is a big word that means, quite simply, the process of the implant post fusing with the bone. We usually allow for about two months, but sometimes it’s faster and sometimes slower. Once the post has fused, it is strong enough to support a replacement tooth.

These are the main variables. It may sound like a lot, and sometimes it is. But it’s worth it! A new dental implant looks and functions like a natural tooth, restoring not only your smile, but your ability to bite and chew.

At Jeff Gray DDS | Espire Dental in La Mesa dental implants can replace a single tooth, or support a full dental arch. People from San Diego, Alpine, El Cajon, and Santee are confident in our advanced dental care. Call us to schedule an appointment today!

Contact Jeff Gray DDS | Espire Dental:

619-337-7700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8555 Fletcher Pkwy Ste 102
La Mesa, California
91942

 

ArticleID 8243

Restoring Teeth At Jeff Gray DDS

Posted on
Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry

Tooth Restoration in La Mesa

At  Jeff Gray DDS | Espire Dental in San Diego we use a variety of techniques to restore damaged teeth. These fall into the category of restorative dentistry, which we will describe in this blog post.

The most common restorative dentistry procedure is probably the traditional filling. Most people have at least one by the time they reach adulthood.  Traditional fillings are also called ‘direct restorations’ because they are applied to the tooth and then shaped and polished in one visit.

Another type of filling is called an ‘indirect restoration’ and is fabricated in a dental lab. There are two types: inlays and onlays.

Other restorative dentistry procedures:

  • Crowns. Sometimes called “caps,” crowns are a cover that fit over a tooth that has been repaired after damage or decay. The crown stdrengthens and protects it.
  • Bridges. A dental bridge supports one or several artificial teeth. The support is called a bridge because it “bridges” the gap caused by the missing teeth.
  • Dental implants. Implants are titanium posts inserted into the jaw. They can support one or more artificial teeth, and several can support a dental arch (denture).

These procedures are important because filling empty spaces in the mouth keeps remaining teeth from shifting in place, and also makes it easier to maintain goo dental health.

Whether the damage is caused by decay, injury, bite problems, or natural wear  Jeff Gray DDS | Espire Dental in San Diego will help you choose the best restorative dentistry option for your needs. Our patients come from San Diego, Alpine, El Cajon, and Santee for complete general dentistry. Schedule your next checkup today!

Contact Jeff Gray DDS – Sedation & Cosmetic Dentistry:

619-337-7700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8555 Fletcher Pkwy Ste 102
La Mesa, California
91942

 

ArticleID 836

How Do Implant Dentures Work?

Posted on
Categories: Dental Implants, Dentures, Restorative Dentistry

implant dentures La Mesa

Dental implants are an ideal tooth restoration. They can restore anywhere from one to all missing teeth. Dental implants are available at Jeff Gray DDS in La Mesa.

A dental implant is a titanium post that is inserted into the patient’s jaw. What makes implants so unique is that they actually fuse with the bone, to provide a solid support for one or more artificial teeth.

The implant acts as a replacement tooth root. Because of this, they help to prevent bone recession and, in turn, support the patient’s facial structure.

What Are Implant Dentures?

Implant-supported dentures are attached to the titanium posts. It takes from four to six to support a full dental arch.

The titanium posts are usually inserted into the front part of the patient’s mouth. That’s because there tends to be greater bone mass there. It’s essential to have enough healthy bone to support the post. Even if the patient doesn’t, though, bone grafting can promote new growth, enough to support the implant.

Implant-supported dentures from Jeff Gray DDS in La Mesa transform lives! People from San Diego, Alpine, El Cajon, and Santee call us about implants and other restorative dentistry. Call our office to schedule an appointment today!

Contact Jeff Gray DDS – Sedation & Cosmetic Dentistry:

619-337-7700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8555 Fletcher Pkwy Ste 102
La Mesa, California
91942

 

ArticleID 7787

Want To Keep Your Enamel Healthy? Avoid Doing These 11 Things

Posted on
Categories: Dental Health, Mouth guards, Restorative Dentistry, TMJ

cosmetic dentistry La Mesa

1. Chewing on hard foods

We’re looking at you Beef jerky and hard or stale bread.

2. Chewing on hard items

This includes fingernails, pencils, pen caps, and ice.

3. Grinding your teeth

If you grind your teeth, talk about it with your dentist. An appliance can safeguard your smile.

4. Eating too much sticky food

Gummy candy, dried fruit, and even protein bars can crack teeth.

5. Drinking anything besides water frequently

If your teeth are bathed in soda (sugared or diet), juice, coffee, or sports drinks consistently, you are asking for dental problems.

6. Playing sports without a mouthguard

Sports pose a major risk of tooth damage. Most children are required to wear a protective mouthguard on the playing field. But fewer adults wear mouthguards for recreational activities like mountain biking and skiing. Stock types are ready-made and rarely fit well. Custom-fitted mouthguards from your dentist are more comfortable than the cheap boil-and-bite type.

7. Using a hard-bristled toothbrush

A hard-bristled toothbrush can damage teeth and cause gums to pull away. Clean away food bits and plaque with a soft (or extra-soft) toothbrush.

8. Ignoring dry mouth

Saliva is important. This helps to rinse food particles from your mouth as well as neutralize the acids that cause plaque. It also helps clean the teeth of leftover food bits, helping to prevent plaque buildup. Constant dry mouth, or xerostomia, can lead to tooth decay. Talk to your dentist if you have a dry mouth frequently.

9. Using teeth as tools

Locate a pair of scissors to open a package or pry the lid of a medicine bottle. Use a nutcracker if you are eating unshelled nuts. A quality dental crown can cost over eight hundred dollars.

10. Ignoring bad breath

Bad breath is often associated with bacteria build-up in the mouth. It might be a symptom of accelerating tooth decay. Discuss it with your dentist. (Don’t be embarrassed. We treat bad breath all the time.)

11. Ignoring jaw pain

If you experience frequent jaw pain or notice a clicking sound, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately! These symptoms can be signs of a serious condition called temporomandibular disorder or TMD.

Is it too late? Have you already broken or chipped a tooth? We can repair it at Jeff Gray DDS – Sedation & Cosmetic Dentistry. There are a number of restorative and cosmetic dental treatments for chipped or cracked teeth.

 

Contact Jeff Gray DDS – Sedation & Cosmetic Dentistry:

619-337-7700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8555 Fletcher Pkwy Ste 102
La Mesa, California
91942

 

ArticleID 8124