Dental implants are an appealing replacement technique used to restore missing teeth. Dental implants are a versatile treatment option, as they can restore a single missing tooth, multiple missing teeth, act as anchors for a bridge, or even support a full-arch of new teeth. Unlike many other options, their unique design allows patients to maintain the health of their mouth over time. Dr. Michael Lewis and Dr. Ryan Lloyd are experts in the restoration of missing teeth with dental implants and provide patients with new smiles daily at their office in Monterey, CA.

At MOSA Oral Maxillofacial & Dental Implant Surgery, we want every patient to have the opportunity to restore their oral function smile with confidence. During an initial consultation, our doctors will review all restorative options and develop a custom treatment plan which addresses the patient’s unique needs and preferences. Our friendly front office team is happy to assist in setting up an initial consultation to determine if dental implants are the best solution for your oral health and smile.

What is a dental implant?

A single dental implant consists of three individual parts including the implant post, abutment, and crown. The implant post is composed of medical-grade titanium and acts as a replacement for the missing tooth root. It integrates firmly with the jaw, creating the strong foundation for the restoration. The crown is custom designed to look like a natural tooth and blend seamlessly with the rest of the mouth. The abutment acts as a connector, securely attaching the crown to the implant post and finalizing the restoration. When the restoration is complete, patients regain the ability to eat the foods they once enjoyed, speak with ease, and smile with confidence.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Patients who choose to receive dental implants to restore their smile may experience benefits including the following:

Natural-looking smile
Improved health in the bones of your jaw
Increased confidence to smile
Ability to chew, drink, speak, and breathe more easily
Stable dental arch

Dental implants are highly recommended by our oral and maxillofacial surgeons to maintain long-term oral health and avoid the complications that accompany tooth loss, such as jaw bone shrinkage and dental shifting.

Dental Implant Procedure

Dental implant placement begins with an initial consultation with Drs. Lewis and Lloyd. We will complete a thorough medical history review, oral examination, and X-ray evaluation of the affected area. This allows our team to develop a custom treatment plan and best address the oral health issues at hand. If the tooth is already missing, bone grafting may be required to ensure that the implant post has a large enough jaw for firm integration. If an extraction is needed, we can often perform this procedure at the time we place the implant.

We can usually complete dental implant placement in two steps. During the first surgery, we will place the implant post. Next, patients must let the surgical site heal, and allow the implant to integrate with the bone. Once complete, we can schedule the final appointment to place the final crown and abutment. The crown is fabricated and placed by the restorative dentist and is usually developed using the 3D scans taken during the initial consultation.

We will discuss all treatment details during the consultation, including the use of anesthesia. Many patients prefer to undergo dental implant placement with IV sedation and rest comfortably during the procedure. We will also review all instructions for pre-operative and post-operative care to ensure that every patient receives the best long-term result and enjoys a comfortable recovery period.