Achieve a Healthy & Confident Smile
Dental implants are an appealing and versatile replacement technique used to replace missing teeth. They can replace 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, Dr. Ryan Lloyd, and Dr. Andre LaMothe 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 and smile with confidence. Many patients find they are a good candidate for dental implants.
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 set up an initial consultation to determine if they are the best solution for your oral health and smile.
What Are Dental Implants?
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 a strong foundation to support the implant.
The abutment is the connecting piece that attaches the implant to the crown. The crown is custom designed to look like a natural tooth and blend seamlessly with the rest of the mouth. When the restoration is complete, patients regain the ability to eat the foods they once enjoyed, speak with ease, and smile with confidence.
Benefits
Patients who choose to receive dental implants to restore their smile may experience the following benefits:
- Natural-looking smile
- Improved health in the bones of your jaw
- Increased confidence to smile
- Alternative to removable dentures
- Minimize bone loss
- High success rates
- Simplified dental care
- Reduced periodontal disease
- Ability to chew, drink, speak, and breathe more easily
- Stable dental arch
- Can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance
Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons highly recommend dental implants to maintain long-term oral health and healthy gums. They are also recommended to avoid the complications that accompany tooth loss, such as jaw bone shrinkage and dental shifting.
Types of Dental Implants
There are many types of dental implants to choose from, including:
- Single tooth implants.
- Implant-supported bridges to replace several teeth next to one another.
- Full-arch restoration.
- Immediate implants, placed right after extraction.
MOSA Oral Maxillofacial & Dental Implant Surgery offers all these options. Your oral surgeon will work with you to select the right choice for your smile goals.
Dental Implant Surgery
First, you will meet with one of our oral and maxillofacial surgeons for a consultation. 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 surgical procedure, 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 your 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 and provide you with detailed instructions before and after your surgery. These instructions will outline important steps to follow throughout the healing process, such as what to expect and good oral hygiene practices.
Types of Anesthesia
Selecting the right anesthesia option for treatment is an important decision, so we keep patients informed of their options. Below, we have listed the types of anesthesia most commonly used in oral surgery.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
Dental implants are valuable because they improve your ability to eat and smile with confidence. Many patients opt for this tooth replacement option because it’s affordable, convenient, and easy to care for. Several factors determine the cost of a dental implant, including:
- Number of implants needed
- Your choice of anesthesia
- Additional procedures, such as bone grafting or extraction
- Details of insurance coverage
Dental Implants in Monterey, CA
If you’ve been thinking of replacing a tooth, multiple natural teeth, or crowns, bridges, or dentures with dental implants, trust MOSA Oral Maxillofacial & Dental Implant Surgery. Our oral surgeons place dental implants on a regular basis in our state-of-the-art offices.
The team at our practice in Monterey, CA, is happy to assist you in scheduling appointments, answering financial questions, and resolving concerns about your upcoming dental implant treatment. We look forward to providing you with a smile that lasts a lifetime.
Hear From Dental Implant Patients
These patients can tell you about their firsthand experience undergoing dental implant treatment at our office.
Reviews From Our Dental Implant Patients
"I was at a baseball game, and I was hit in the mouth with a line drive. My front teeth shifted dramatically. The procedure was an emergency appointment to get a tooth implant from Dr. Lloyd, and they completed the entire procedure in no more than 40 minutes. I think it was a surprise to everybody that it went as well as it did because of my age and the fact that it was a fairly strong injury. Everyone here at MOSA Oral Surgery was very receptive. Dr. Lloyd is a marvelous person. He is extremely efficient. Without exception, the team was supportive. I was lucky enough to have received the services I did from this office."
"I came to MOSA Oral Surgery to get a dental implant in Monterey, California. I originally heard about MOSA Oral Surgery through my wife, and she referred me to Dr. Lewis to get my oral implant done. My procedure went really well. I think I went to go see Dr. Lewis two or three times, and I’m feeling great. No pain. No swelling. I have no sensitivity in my teeth anymore. Life is great now after the implant. Dr. Lewis, I’ve known him for a few years. Very professional, very courteous. Oh, I love the team. They are very helpful to me. If I needed to change my schedule, they were very accommodating. I would give the experience with the doctor and the staff five stars. If I could give them more, I would, but they are very, very good, very thorough, very caring about their patients. "
"I had root canals that weren't working, so they decided to put dental implants in instead. Dr. Lewis was fantastic. He answered all my questions, and I think he did a great job in this procedure. They went in and extracted a tooth that went bad and did a bone graft and an implant. My recovery is absolutely fine. I didn't have any swelling or any discomfort whatsoever. The staff was outstanding. It made me feel really good. We seemed like we were just all family. They just made me feel real comfortable in the procedure. I would definitely recommend MOSA Oral Surgery to anybody."
"My experience with Dr. Lewis started when I just turned 50, and I lost my front left tooth. The little post that was left — because I had had a crown on the tooth — could not be saved, and the best thing to do would be to extract the tooth and to do an implant. I felt absolutely no pain whatsoever. Once the dental implant was done, the crown got put in, and I just have had a great result. I would highly recommend Dr. Lewis if you're thinking about an implant. He was top notch, very professional, polished, and very informative about all the steps through the process."
"I came to MOSA for dental implants and extractions. My procedure overall went very well. My experience with the team at MOSA was top-notch. Dr. Lewis was very interactive and very personable. I’m happy—very content. My experience at MOSA, on a scale between one to five, is definitely a five. If I needed to come back for any procedure whatsoever requiring an oral surgeon, without fail, I would come back to MOSA. I had a great experience here, and I would recommend it to anyone in the Monterey area. "
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between a flipper tooth and a dental implant?
A flipper tooth, also known as a temporary partial denture, is a removable denture usually used while waiting for a more permanent solution, like a dental implant. Made from acrylic, it’s not as durable or stable as an implant. On the other hand, a dental implant is sturdy and long-lasting, making it an ideal replacement for a missing tooth. Dental implants are surgically placed into the jaw bone to mimic the look and function of a natural tooth.
2. Can you get gum disease with dental implants?
Unfortunately, it’s possible to develop gum disease even with dental implants. Maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding smoking are key to preventing gum disease and ensuring the longevity and success of your implants.
3. What should I do after my dental implant surgery?
After your dental implant surgery, it’s important to follow any post-operative instructions you’re given. Avoid hot foods and drinks, stick to any dietary restrictions, limit physical activity, and don’t rinse your mouth vigorously. Following these general guidelines will help protect the surgical site. Also, if you’re on opioid pain medication, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.
4. How much do dental implants cost in Monterey, CA?
The cost of a dental implant varies depending on factors like the complexity of your case, the number of implants needed, the type of anesthesia used, and your insurance coverage. For a more accurate estimate, please contact our office for a consultation.
The Central Coast’s Premier Oral Surgery Practice
MOSA Oral Maxillofacial & Dental Implant Surgery proudly serves Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz, and the surrounding communities by providing quality oral surgery services that can change lives. Whether you need a simple extraction or a complex procedure, we are ready to help you achieve the smile of your dreams. We invite you to take the first step toward enhanced oral health and contact our office to schedule a consultation today.