Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots. These biocompatible anchors fuse with your natural bone through a process called osseointegration, creating a stable foundation for replacement teeth. Once integrated, implants can support crowns, bridges, or dentures that look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
Unlike traditional tooth replacement options that sit on the gum surface, implants replace the entire tooth structure from root to crown. This comprehensive approach prevents bone loss that typically occurs when teeth are missing, maintaining facial structure and oral health over time.
Dental implants are designed as a permanent solution, offering unmatched stability, functionality, and aesthetics compared to other tooth replacement options. With proper care, implants can last a lifetime, making them a smart long-term investment in your oral health and quality of life.
At Harbison Dental Group, we're actively preparing to offer comprehensive implant services in the near future. Our doctors are committed to bringing the latest advances in implant dentistry to our National City patients, with a focus on All-on-4 and other full-arch implant solutions.
While we finalize our implant protocols and technology implementation, we're already providing essential evaluation and planning services. We can assess your implant candidacy, discuss potential treatment paths, and help you understand what to expect from the implant process. Our team stays current with advancements in implant dentistry through continuing education to ensure we'll provide the highest standard of care.
For patients with immediate implant needs, we can coordinate with trusted specialists to ensure you receive quality care until our in-house implant services are fully established. We're committed to supporting you throughout your entire implant journey, even as we develop our comprehensive implant program.
Comprehensive Implant Solutions
Dental implants offer numerous advantages over traditional tooth replacement options. They prevent the bone loss that typically follows tooth loss, helping maintain facial structure and a youthful appearance. Implants allow you to eat your favorite foods without restrictions and speak with confidence. With no adhesives or removable parts (for fixed restorations), implants eliminate many of the inconveniences associated with dentures. Implants look and feel like natural teeth.
Dental implants consist of three key components: the implant fixture (titanium post that replaces the root), the abutment (connector piece), and the restoration (crown, bridge, or denture that replaces the visible portion of the tooth). The implant fixture is surgically placed in the jawbone and allowed to integrate with the bone over several months. Once integration is complete, the abutment and final restoration are attached, completing your new smile. The process typically takes 3-6 months.
Single tooth implants replace individual missing teeth without impacting adjacent healthy teeth. Each implant supports a custom-crafted crown designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth in color, shape, and function. This approach preserves more natural tooth structure compared to traditional bridges, which require altering healthy adjacent teeth. Single tooth implants are the closest option to regaining your natural tooth in both form and function.
Implant-supported dentures, often called "snap-in dentures," combine traditional dentures with the stability of dental implants. Unlike conventional dentures that rest on the gums, snap-in dentures attach to implants through special connectors, providing exceptional stability while remaining removable for cleaning. This solution requires fewer implants than fixed options, making it more economical while still offering significant comfort, and chewing function compared to traditional dentures.
The All-on-X concept (including All-on-4 and All-on-6) offers a revolutionary approach to full-arch tooth replacement. This technique uses strategically placed implants—typically four to six per arch—to support a complete set of fixed, non-removable teeth. The angled placement of posterior implants maximizes available bone and often eliminates the need for bone grafting. Many patients can receive a temporary prosthesis the same day as implant placement, minimizing time without teeth.
Don't let missing teeth affect your quality of life. Dental implants offer a long-lasting solution that looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth. At Harbison Dental Group, we're committed to helping you understand your implant options and planning for your future smile restoration. Schedule a consultation to learn more about how dental implants can transform your smile and your life.
