Implant Dentistry
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots placed in the jawbone to replace missing teeth. At Elite Smiles of La Jolla and Elite Dental Care, dental implants may be used to replace a single tooth, support an implant bridge, stabilize an overdenture, or support full-arch restorations such as All-on-4 or All-on-6 treatment.
Dental implants are permanent tooth replacements that use a small titanium post, an abutment, and a custom implant crown or bridge to restore missing teeth. They are designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
Dental implant treatment focuses on replacing missing tooth roots with implant posts that can support a custom restoration.
At Elite Smiles of La Jolla, we offer comprehensive dental implant solutions designed to restore function, comfort, and confidence. Depending on your needs, treatment planning may include bone grafting, full-arch implant treatment, removable prosthesis options, or single-tooth restoration planning.
Our teams at Elite Smiles of La Jolla, with Elite Dental Care as our Chula Vista location serve patients from La Jolla, Chula Vista, San Diego, North County, and South Bay. Most PPO plans are accepted for qualifying implant dentistry treatment.
Dental implants can support different types of tooth replacement. The right option depends on how many teeth are missing, whether you prefer fixed or removable teeth, and what your CBCT imaging shows.
| Situation | Treatment Often Considered |
|---|---|
| Missing one tooth | Single dental implant planning |
| Missing several teeth | Implant-supported bridge |
| Missing most or all teeth | All-on-4 or All-on-6 implants |
| Want removable implant-retained teeth | Implant-supported overdentures |
Dental implant treatment is planned in stages so the implant can heal properly and support the final restoration.
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Consultation and CBCT imaging | We evaluate the missing tooth area, bone volume, bite, nerves, sinus position, and restoration goals. |
| Implant placement | The implant post is placed in the jawbone to replace the missing tooth root. |
| Healing and osseointegration | The implant heals and bonds with the surrounding bone over several months. |
| Abutment placement when needed | An abutment may be attached to connect the implant post to the final restoration. |
| Final implant crown or restoration | A custom crown, bridge, overdenture, or full-arch restoration is completed based on the treatment plan. |
Some patients have enough bone volume for implant placement without additional procedures. Others may benefit from bone grafting to support long-term implant stability. CBCT imaging helps determine whether grafting is recommended.
Dental implants may not be appropriate for every patient. Factors such as active periodontal disease, insufficient bone volume, uncontrolled medical conditions, or smoking habits may affect treatment planning. A consultation and CBCT evaluation help determine candidacy.
Both treatments can replace a missing tooth. A dental implant replaces the tooth root and crown, while a traditional bridge uses neighboring teeth for support.
| Feature | Dental Implant | Traditional Bridge |
|---|---|---|
| Replaces root | Yes. The implant post replaces the missing tooth root. | No. A bridge replaces the visible tooth but not the root. |
| Requires adjacent teeth | No. It usually stands alone without reshaping neighboring teeth. | Yes. A traditional bridge usually requires preparing adjacent teeth. |
| Bone preservation | Yes. It helps stimulate the jawbone where the tooth is missing. | No. It does not replace the missing tooth root. |
| Stand-alone replacement | Yes. The implant can support its own crown or restoration. | No. It depends on neighboring teeth for support in many cases. |
Dr. Seraj and the Elite Smiles of La Jolla team bring over two decades of clinical expertise to every patient visit.
CBCT 3D imaging, digital X-rays, implant planning software, and guided surgical workflows help us evaluate bone, nerves, sinus position, and restoration design before treatment begins.
Visit us in La Jolla or Chula Vista for a dental implant consultation, treatment planning, and follow-up care. We also serve San Diego, North County, and South Bay communities.
We accept most PPO insurance plans and offer flexible payment options to make quality care accessible.
From the moment you arrive, we prioritize your comfort in a warm, welcoming, judgment-free setting.
Every patient receives a custom treatment plan tailored to their specific needs, goals, and lifestyle.
"I recently underwent a dental implant procedure at Elite Smiles of La Jolla and I must say it was an exceptional experience. From start to finish the entire process was pain free and incorporated cutting edge technology. The entire dental team was professional, knowledgeable and answered any questions I had along the way. Thank you Elite Smiles of La Jolla I will be back :)"
"Dr. Seraj performed implant procedure on my husband's tooth last week. The procedure went very smoothly and afterward my husband didn't feel any discomfort. She called the next day for follow up. Dr Seraj is a caring and meticulous dentist. She is a gem. Her office is equipped with state of arts equipment."
This real patient before and after example shows a combined treatment using clear aligners and dental implants to improve alignment, replace missing teeth, and create a more natural-looking smile.
Schedule your dental implants consultation with Elite Smiles of La Jolla or Elite Dental Care in Chula Vista. Most PPO plans accepted, and financing options are available for qualifying patients.