The Gold Standard for Tooth Replacement
Losing one or more teeth can impact not only your confidence but also your oral health, leading to issues like bone deterioration in the jaw bone that can alter your facial contours. At MOSA Oral Maxillofacial & Dental Implant Surgery, we believe dental implants are the definitive solution for tooth replacement. Our state-of-the-art oral surgery practice in Santa Cruz is dedicated to helping patients restore their health, function, and the beauty of their smile.
As the premier dental specialist team in the area, our oral and maxillofacial surgeons, Dr. Michael Lewis, Dr. Ryan Lloyd, and Dr. Andre LaMothe, perform advanced implant surgery to achieve predictable, lasting outcomes. We value a collaborative approach to care and work closely with your restorative dentist to ensure every stage of your treatment is seamless, from initial implant placement to the final restoration of your new tooth.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a comprehensive, three-part dental implant system designed to permanently replace a missing tooth from root to crown. The process involves the dental implant placement of a small titanium post into the jaw bone. These biocompatible titanium posts act as an artificial root, creating an incredibly strong foundation. Once healed, an abutment connects this post to a custom-crafted crown, resulting in replacement teeth that are virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth, offering a superior alternative to a fixed bridge or temporary dentures.
Benefits
Choosing dental implants is an investment in your long-term health and quality of life. Patients enjoy numerous advantages over other options:
- Preserves Jaw Bone Health: Implants stimulate the jaw bone, preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when a tooth is lost.
- Protects Healthy Teeth: Unlike a dental bridge, implants do not require altering or grinding down adjacent teeth.
- Lasting, Reliable Results: With proper care, implants are a permanent solution, helping you avoid issues like periodontal disease and gum disease around the restoration.
- Full Function & Confidence: Eat, speak, and smile without hesitation, enjoying a full set of teeth that look and feel natural.
What Are the Types of Dental Implants?
We offer a complete range of implant dentistry solutions, including:
- Single Tooth Replacement: A single dental implant is placed to restore one missing tooth without impacting neighboring teeth.
- Multiple Teeth Replacement: An implant-supported bridge can replace several missing teeth in a row for a secure, functional solution.
- Immediate Implants: In some cases, implant placement can occur during the same oral surgery appointment as a tooth extraction, streamlining your treatment.
- Full-Arch Restoration: Also known as Teeth in a Day, this remarkable procedure uses as few as four implants to support a complete, fixed arch of artificial teeth.
- Zygomatic Implants: An advanced option for patients with significant upper jaw bone loss, avoiding the need for a separate sinus lift procedure.
- Zirconia Implants: A metal-free, tooth-colored ceramic option made from zirconium oxide, ideal for patients with metal sensitivities..
Dental Implant Surgery
Your journey begins with a consultation where our dental professional team will perform a full oral and radiographic examination, including 3D imaging techniques. These advanced CT scans allow us to virtually plan the implant surgery with incredible precision, ensuring the ideal positioning and minimizing the risk of implant failure or sinus damage.
The surgical procedures are performed comfortably in our office, often with just a local anesthetic, though other sedation options are available. If a bone graft is needed to ensure a solid foundation, it may be performed before or during the implant placement. After the dental implant body has integrated with the bone, your restorative dentist will complete the dental restoration by attaching the final abutment and crown.
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.
What is the Cost of Dental Implants?
The final cost of dental implants varies based on several factors:
- The number and type of implants required
- The complexity of your surgical procedures, including the need for bone grafting
- Your specific dental insurance coverage
- The type of anesthesia used
We will provide a transparent cost estimate during your consultation and can discuss financing options with health care credit companies.
Your Partner for Oral Health in Santa Cruz, CA
At MOSA Oral Maxillofacial & Dental Implant Surgery, we are driven by the belief that every patient deserves to smile, speak, and eat with total confidence. If you are exploring solutions for missing or damaged teeth, Dr. Michael Lewis, Dr. Ryan Lloyd, and Dr. Andre LaMothe are here to guide you through your options, including dental implants. Contact our Santa Cruz office to speak with our friendly team and schedule your first appointment. We look forward to welcoming you to 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 came here two years ago to see Dr. Lloyd to get two dental implants put in and a bone graft in my lower left jaw. I was born missing these two teeth, and I had a partial for about 20 years, and I finally got tired of the partial, and I finally gave in to putting implants in and having a permanent tooth solution. I met Dr. Lloyd, and we hit it off, and I felt very comfortable. The people I met here, and the job they’ve done, things worked out just right. My procedures have gone extremely well, and they’ve been very smooth. If any of my friends in Marina needed dental implants, I would for sure tell them to come here. "
"Well, I had a problem that had been caused by the dentist in New York, who had left a piece of a drill in a tooth, in a channel. It led, in my case, to an apicoectomy. That was my first event with Dr. Lewis. Then after that, there were extractions, and there were dental implants that the doctor did, all of which have been done superbly. There has been never a problem. The wonderful thing about his work is really that he's direct and honest about it and only does that work that's necessary. Well, I would recommend Dr. Lewis as the best doctor in the area that I know of. He's an absolutely excellent man."
"Hi, my name is Sheri. I'm from Seaside, California. I came for a tooth extraction and implant. When I first walked into this practice, I felt extremely comfortable. The staff is fantastic. The doctors here, they're extremely attentive. They listen to your needs, very caring individuals, and they're really confident in the work and what they do. My mouth healed very well and knowing that my teeth are in place correctly, it makes me feel more confident with my smile and my ability to interact with people. My overall experience here has been fantastic. I just feel like they took really good care of me from beginning to end. I would highly recommend MOSA Oral Surgery for all my family and friends in Gilroy."
"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 first came to MOSA Oral Surgery several years ago to have some dental implants and bone grafting and extractions. Everyone was very pleasant and kind and made me feel right at home and very comfortable being here. All of the procedures I’ve had done here have been very smooth. I just feel very at ease with Dr. Lewis. I’m very comfortable here, and the staff and everyone is just very friendly and helpful. If any of my friends in Salinas or Seaside needed an implant, I would definitely recommend them to MOSA Oral Surgery here in Monterey. "
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do dental implants get cavities?
No, the materials used for dental implants, such as titanium and ceramic, cannot decay. However, it is crucial to maintain excellent oral hygiene, as the health of your surrounding gum tissue is essential for the long-term success and stability of your implant.
2. How long does the implant procedure take?
While the surgical appointment to place a single implant often takes only an hour or two, the entire process is a journey that occurs over several months. This allows for a critical healing period where the implant fuses with your jaw bone. We will provide you with a personalized timeline during your consultation.
3. Who is not a candidate for dental implants?
The vast majority of people are excellent candidates for dental implants. However, certain factors like uncontrolled chronic conditions or insufficient jaw bone may require special consideration. Our surgeons are experts at evaluating every patient’s unique health profile and can often perform a bone grafting procedure to make implants possible.
4. How can I make my dental implants last?
Implants can last a lifetime with simple, proper care. The best approach is to treat them just like your natural teeth: commit to a routine of daily brushing and flossing, and maintain regular checkups with your general dentist.
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.