Implants Replace Teeth

The doctors and staff of All Coast Dental have seen many smiles saved by single-tooth dental implants.  Implants are a permanent restorative option for teeth that are missing or have been extracted.  They look and feel like natural teeth, and are the most permanent and efficient means of replacing lost teeth.

An implant is placed over a series of appointments because of the healing time required.  Implants are titanium screws inserted through an incision in the gum. Over a period of 3-6 months, the jaw bone heals around the implant to become a solid, stable base for the new tooth. During this time a patient is fitted with a temporary crown, and a custom crown is created to match their smile perfectly.

After the jaw bone and gums have healed appropriately, the custom crown is placed in a second minor procedure.  The doctor may need to expose the head of the implant by removing some gum tissue, and the crown is screwed to the top of the implant.  When this is complete the tooth looks like part of the natural smile, and with proper care will last for decades!

To learn more about single-tooth implants and all the services we provide, visit www.allcoastdental.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA, call 858-270-4904.  

Immediate Dentures

For people who have lost their teeth due to gum disease, tooth decay, or injury, dentures can restore their smile and help them with everyday tasks such as eating and speaking. There are two main types of dentures: full and partial. Our doctors at All Coast Dental will help you choose the type of denture that’s best for you based on how many teeth are going to be replaced.

If a patient is faced with the loss of single or multiple teeth and will be replacing those teeth with removable or partial dentures, immediate placement may be an option. An immediate denture is a complete denture or partial denture inserted on the same day, immediately following the removal of natural teeth. As the healing process continues, the gums which support the denture will shrink. Changes can continue for several months. During this time, it is important to follow up with one of our doctors for adjustments. Not everyone is a candidate for an immediate denture.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dentures or restorative dentistry, please give us a call. To learn about services provided at our practice, visit www.allcoastdental.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA, call 858-270-4904.  

Purpose of a Dental Bridge

Teeth may be missing due to dental trauma, dental injury, or from decay. Regardless of the reason, at All Coast Dental, we offer a variety of cosmetic and restorative options to replace missing teeth. If patients are looking for a cost-effective way to improve his or her smile, consider discussing a dental bridge with one of our doctors.

A dental bridge is made up of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap – these two or more anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth – and false tooth/teeth in between. Dental bridges are supported by natural teeth or dental implants and are a great option to restore your smile and restore the ability to properly chew and speak. They will also help maintain the shape of your face and prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental bridges, please give us a call. To learn about services provided at our practice, visit www.allcoastdental.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA, call 858-270-4904.

When Dental Bonding Breaks

Dental bonding has many advantages. It’s helpful in repairing imperfections in teeth that have been chipped, cracked, or fractured. Dental bonding uses a special tooth-colored composite resin to restore a tooth that may need improvements. Though it may look and feel like natural tooth enamel, it provides less strength than the real deal. If you’ve had dental bonding applied to your teeth, it can last up to ten years with proper oral hygiene. When it breaks, however, you’ll need to visit our doctors at All Coast Dental.

Tooth bonding can break for several reasons. Perhaps you bit too hard on something crunchy, or you’ve eaten too many acidic foods which can damage the bonding over time. If you’ve had a bonding procedure completed on a tooth and you notice any chips, you should contact our doctors immediately. This is a sign that the bonding may be ready to chip off completely.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental bonding, please give us a call. To learn about services provided at our practice, visit www.allcoastdental.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA, call 858-270-4904.  

Dental Implant Failure

Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. In fact, they are one of the most reliable long-term methods of tooth replacement. However, as with any other surgical procedure, there are a variety of internal and external factors that cause complications or even total failure of treatment. If this ever were to happen to you, our doctors at All Coast Dental are here to assess the situation.

Osseointegration describes the formation of a direct functional and structural connection between a person’s bone and an artificial implant. There are two primary reasons for “later” implant failure after the osseointegration process has been successful. These include over-stressing implants with too much biting force or inflammatory disease of the gum tissues and/or bone around the implant. Prevention plays a tremendous role in avoiding implant failure. Once the implants are placed, it’s crucial to maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Make sure you schedule regular dental cleanings to help keep the tissues around your implants healthy.

If you have questions about dental implants, please give us a call. To learn about services provided at our practice, visit www.allcoastdental.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA, call 858-270-4904.  

The Benefits of Dentures

If you have missing teeth, our doctors at All Coast Dental have a variety of treatment options to replace them to help you improve your appearance and smile. One of these options is dentures. Dentures are custom-made replacements for missing teeth that can be taken out and put back in your mouth. While they may take some getting used to, and will never feel exactly the same as natural teeth, they are a non-invasive form of treatment that provides great benefits.

Today’s dentures are natural looking and more comfortable than ever. There are two main types: full and partial. With full dentures, a flesh-colored acrylic base fits over your gums. The base of the upper denture covers the roof of your mouth, while that of the lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to accommodate your tongue. A partial denture rests on a metal framework that attaches to your natural teeth. Partial dentures are a removable alternative to dental bridges. After you schedule a consultation with one of our doctors, they will determine which type is best for you.

If you think you may benefit from dentures, please give us a call. To learn about services provided at our practice, visit www.allcoastdental.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA, call 858-270-4904.