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. Ryan Lloyd, Dr. Andre LaMothe, and Dr. Tomasz Czechura, 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. Ryan Lloyd, Dr. Andre LaMothe, and Dr. Tomasz Czechura 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
"Hi, my name is David. I'm from Carmel by the Sea, and I came to see Dr. Lloyd for an extraction and a dental implant. When I first walked into this practice, I felt invited. The staff here is very friendly, attentive. Dr. Lloyd is an extremely kind and gentle surgeon that, uh, ensures that you will be well cared for. My recovery from my dental emergency was fast and seamless. I would highly recommend MOSA Oral Surgery to all my friends and family in Prunedale."
"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. "
"Hi, my name is Bob. I live in Salinas. I have two extractions and implants put in. One of the things I'd like to notice right away is the friendliness of their staff and they're very helpful. Dr. LaMothe, I'm very impressed with him. You can tell he's really concerned about you. You can ask him a lot of specific questions and he'll always give you a good answer. Procedures went real well. My recovery was fine. Feels good, you know, to be able to smile and show all of your teeth. It's been a good experience. Everything works out. They're easy to work with. I would, uh, highly recommend MOSA. Not just because the surgery goes so well, but the follow up is really good. I really enjoy coming here."
"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. "
"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."
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.