Restore Your Smile & Regain Confidence
Patients receive dental implants for many reasons including severe tooth decay, damage to teeth beneath the surface of the gums, and any facial trauma that requires a tooth extraction or knocks teeth out of place. At MOSA Oral Maxillofacial & Dental Implant Surgery, we provide a wide variety of restorative solutions and believe that dental implants are the best option for maintaining the long-term health of the mouth. Whether a patient has lost a single tooth, multiple teeth, or needs to restore a full arch of teeth, advances in implant dentistry allow us to address a wide variety of restorative needs.
Dr. Michael Lewis, Dr. Ryan Lloyd, and Dr. Andre LaMothe place dental implants routinely in our practice, and we love to see our patients return to normal oral function and smile with confidence after treatment. Our convenient office in Salinas, CA, treats patients of all ages and from all over Monterey County. Patients interested in implants should schedule an appointment for an initial consultation with our team. We will review all options for tooth restoration and develop a treatment plan for optimal long-term results.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small titanium post that fully restores a missing tooth. Its unique three-part design provides patients with a host of positive improvements. The implant post replaces the missing tooth root and provides a secure foundation for the new crown. The crown is custom designed to blend with the rest of the natural teeth and connects to the post via the abutment. Dental implants are the best solution for restoring missing, damaged, or decaying teeth.
Benefits
Unlike other treatment options, patients enjoy all the following benefits after restoration.
- Increased jaw bone health
- A natural-looking, confident smile
- Eating and drinking without complications
- When properly cared for, a long-term, permanent solution
Dental implants are a fantastic choice for patients looking for a permanent option without removable appliances or additional procedures in the future. Restorative options, such as bridges are removable dentures, are temporary and do not stimulate the jaw bone. They also tend to wear down over time, requiring patients to pay to replace their prosthesis and often undergo additional oral health treatments, such as bone grafting.
Types of Dental Implants
There are several types of dental implants, each designed for different needs:
- Single Tooth Replacement: Ideal for those missing one tooth. A single implant with a crown is placed to close the gap.
- Multiple Teeth Replacement: If you’re missing several teeth, implants can support a bridge or partial denture for a secure, stable solution.
- Immediate Implants: In some cases, an implant can be placed right after tooth extraction, shortening treatment time and avoiding extra surgery.
- Full-Arch Restoration: With just four dental implants, a full-arch restoration can support a complete set of prosthetic teeth, eliminating the need for removable dentures.
- Zygomatic Implants: For those with severe jaw bone loss, zygomatic implants are placed in the cheekbone instead of the jaw bone, providing a sturdy foundation.
- Zirconia Implants: These tooth-colored ceramic implants are perfect for people with metal allergies or those wanting a metal-free solution.
Dental Implant Surgery
Dental implant treatment begins with a consultation at our office, where you will meet with one of our oral surgeons. During this appointment, we will discuss treatment options and complete an oral examination and any necessary 3D scanning. 3D CT technology allows us to plan implant placement virtually before the procedure and perform the surgery with precision. It also allows the restorative dentist to fabricate the custom crown placed at the final stage of the procedure. We will review the options for anesthesia during the consultation and assist in selecting the best sedative for treatment, taking into consideration the personal preferences of every patient.
The goal of the first surgical procedure is the successfully place the implant posts. If the patient requires an extraction or bone grafting, these additional procedures may occur before or at the same time as implant placement. Each patient’s unique oral health condition will dictate the treatment plan. Following implant placement, patients should expect to undergo a period of healing and allow the implant to integrate firmly with the jaw bone. Once we have confirmed that the post is stable, the restorative dentist can place the final crown and abutment to complete the procedure.
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.
Cost of Dental Implants
The cost of dental implants can depend on:
- Number of implants required
- Type of implants selected
- Procedure complexity
- Insurance coverage
- Type of anesthesia
We’ll provide a detailed cost estimate during your consultation at our Salinas, CA office.
Dental Implants in Salinas, CA
At MOSA Oral Maxillofacial & Dental Implant Surgery, we believe that every patient should have the opportunity to smile, speak, and eat with confidence. If you are looking for a solution to restore your missing, damaged, or decaying teeth, Dr. Michael Lewis, Dr. Ryan Lloyd, and Dr. Andre LaMothe are happy to discuss your options for replacement, including dental implants. Contact our office in Salinas, CA, to speak to a member of our friendly team and schedule your first appointment. We look forward to caring for you in our practice.
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 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."
"I came to Dr. Lewis — to MOSA (Dr. Lewis was the doctor) — for an extraction, bone graft, and dental implant. The team was very experienced, very courteous, and they were well-prepared to help the doctor. Dr. Lewis is very good at what he does, and I was very pleased with his work. Everything went smoothly as far as I’m concerned. I would recommend Dr. Lewis for others that I know, and if I’m asked, I will give his name and the practice. "
"I needed several dental implants done. I had bone grafts first, and then I had the implants put in. It was much easier than I thought it would be. There was no pain after, very little swelling. Before the implants, I wouldn't smile. You can cover up where the teeth are missing, but you know where they are, and you're very conscious about it. And after the implants, it's amazing, so Dr. Lloyd is my hero. He is sweet, knowledgeable, smart. Everybody, from the time you come in the door, they make you feel like you're welcome. It's a perfect staff. I love everybody in this office. I will miss coming here."
"I came to see Dr. Lewis because my dentist said that the tooth was cracked, and I needed to have the tooth pulled, and he referred me to Dr. Lewis. You know, you start with having the tooth pulled. They do a scan to be sure that everything is okay, and then they start putting in the implant. Everyone in this staff has been extremely nice to me. They call you; they want to be sure you're okay. Everything was really nice. I was very impressed with the whole procedure. Dr. Lewis is extremely kind — makes you feel very encouraged, makes you feel like he knows what he's doing, everything's fine. I would recommend him. Every time I see him, I thank him for the work that he did for me."
"I came to MOSA to have two molars extracted and to prepare for a dental implant. I felt very comfortable coming into the office; staff was very responsive, very positive experience. All along throughout the process and subsequent appointments, the staff made me feel very comfortable. I think it went very smoothly. Recovery time was minimal and painless. I was very comfortable with Dr. Lewis. He was very attentive. On the scale from zero to five, I would give Dr. Lewis and MOSA a full five stars."
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do dental implants get cavities?
No, dental implants don’t get cavities like natural teeth do. They're made from materials like titanium or ceramic, which don’t decay. But it’s still crucial to keep up with good oral hygiene to protect your implant and keep your surrounding teeth healthy.
2. How long does the dental implant procedure take?
The time it takes for a dental implant procedure depends on factors like how many implants you need and the complexity of your case. On average, placing a single implant takes about an hour. Your oral surgeon can give you a better idea based on your specific situation.
3. Who is not a candidate for dental implants?
While most people can get dental implants, some might not be ideal candidates. Issues like severe bone loss, untreated gum disease, or certain health conditions that affect bone healing can make implants less suitable. Your oral surgeon will help determine if implants are right for you.
4. How can I make my dental implants last?
With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. Be sure to brush, floss, and visit your dentist regularly. Follow any care instructions from your oral surgeon to ensure a smooth recovery and long-lasting results.
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.