Missing one or more teeth can have many adverse effects: from affecting your willingness to smile to increasing your risk of oral health issues. Fortunately, there are several options for replacing missing teeth and restoring a healthy and attractive smile. Dental implants are one such option. Made of medical grade titanium, dental implants are strong and durable. They are carefully crafted to match the function and appearance of natural teeth, allowing you to speak, eat and smile with ease and confidence.

With years of experience in implant dentistry, Drs. Eric Driver and Thomas Gonzales of Town Center Dentistry are highly trained and skilled in the latest treatment methods and technology in implant dentistry. Dr. Driver is a board certified periodontist and implant expert who earned his doctorate degree from the University of Missouri, Kansas City. Having performed thousands of implant surgeries, Dr. Driver is a respected authority in implant dentistry. Dr. Gonzales is a graduate from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry and is one of the pioneers of the all-on-4 implant technique. Known for their expertise and caring, attentive approach, Dr. Driver and Dr. Gonzales have helped hundreds of San Diego patients smile again.

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically inserted in the jawbone and attached to a dental restoration. There are three different types of dental implants. Single-tooth implants replace one tooth, and consist of a dental crown attached to the implant. Implant supported bridges replace several teeth and some tooth roots while implant-supported dentures replace an entire tooth arch in the upper or lower jaw.

Dental implants offer several benefits for patients who are missing one or more teeth. First, implants fill in gaps in between teeth, restoring a complete smile and attractive smile. Filling in gaps with dental implants also reduces the risk of gum disease and other oral health issues. Because they are surgically inserted into the jawbone, dental implants will not slip out or shift in the mouth, unlike dentures. This makes everyday tasks like chewing and speaking easier and more comfortable. Dental implants also help stimulate the jawbone, preventing it from shrinking and deteriorating. This in turn supports the facial structures and helps maintain a normal-looking facial appearance.

Once the implant is in place, it must fuse with the jawbone, a process that can take several months. After the implant has bonded with the jawbone and the jawbone has fully healed, you will return to our office so our implant specialists can place your dental restoration. They will make any necessary modifications to your restoration to ensure it is a proper fit.

With proper care, dental implants can last for many years. You should care for your implants just like your natural teeth, brushing and flossing them regularly. Regular dental checkups are also important to maintain your oral health and the monitor the function of your implant.

At Town Center Dentistry, we are committed to providing safe and exceptional dental care, and implant dentistry is no different. Our modern facility is fully equipped with the latest technology and equipment to provide complete dental implant treatment, so there is no need to travel between various offices to complete your implant treatment. Drs. Driver and Gonzales have extensive knowledge and training in implant dentistry, allowing us to offer the most reliable and high-quality implant care in San Diego.

Our staff takes every step possible to ensure your visit is a successful and comfortable one. We utilize the latest dental technology to ensure optimal safety. Our friendly and trusted staff is available to answer your questions and discuss your concerns. We also offer several sedation dentistry options to help you stay comfortable and relaxed during your treatment. All sedation options are administered and monitored by a sedation specialist from our team.

Town Center Dentistry only brings in the very best specialists to join the team, and that is certainly the case when it comes to dental implants. We know how important dental and oral health is, and we treat every procedure with the respect it deserves. All of our Dentists are highly trained and immensely talented in their craft.

Dr. Eric Driver has a bevy of experience, a diverse skill set, and an ability to communicate that will keep your mind at ease. Dr. Driver believes that communicating with the patient through every stage of care is key in developing the most successful doctor/patient relationship. He has extensive training in periodontal surgery, treatment planning and dental implantation.

Dental implants are the strongest, most durable solution for missing teeth. Made of high-quality materials, implants are designed to last for many years, so long as you take care of them. In this blog post, the team at Town Center Dentistry shares a few tips on how to make your dental implants last for years to come.

Are you missing teeth but hate the idea of wearing dentures? Although effective, dentures can be uncomfortable and inconvenient as they can potentially shift around and slip out of the mouth. Town Center Dentistry understands that while all patients want a full set of functioning, beautiful teeth, not everyone wants to wear dentures. The All-on-4 implants procedure is an innovative treatment that uses implant-supported dentures to fully restore the lower or upper arches, or both, using four implants in each arch, as opposed to traditional implants, which use six to eight implants per arch. The All-on-4 implant procedure can be performed in just one convenient office visit, allowing patients to regain their ability to eat, speak and smile comfortably faster than ever before.

Town Center Dentistrys implant specialists, Drs. Eric Driver and Thomas Gonzales, are trained and skilled in this innovative procedure. Dr. Gonzales is a graduate from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry and is one of the pioneers of the all-on-4 technique, having performed thousands of successful procedures. Dr. Driver is a board certified periodontist and implant expert who earned his doctorate degree from the University of Missouri, Kansas City and has performed thousands of periodontal and implant surgeries. Both Dr. Driver and Dr. Gonzales combine their expertise with the precise technology of the All-on-4 procedure to provide patients with a strong, long-lasting smile.

All-on-4 implants offer several benefits over traditional dentures. Conventional dentures are secured in place with only a suction seal, running the risk of slipping out of the mouth. On the other hand, All-on-4 implants are secured in place with artificial roots made of biocompatible titanium. The implants fuse with the jawbone, providing the replacement teeth with a stable foundation and no risk of slippage.

With All-on-4 implants, two anterior implants are placed vertically down near the front of the mouth while two posterior implants are placed farther behind, tilted at a 45-degree angle. The angling of the posterior implants eliminates the need for bone grafting, which is necessary with traditional implants in cases where a patient does not have enough bone to support the implant. All-on-4 implants help simplify the implant procedure and reduce the cost by eliminating the need for bone grafting.

All-on-4 implants are placed in one dental visit, using advanced technology to create custom-made dental restorations right in our office. Prior to the procedure, either implant Dr. Driver or Dr. Gonzales will meet with you to examine your mouth and discuss your needs. Using 3D imaging, they will determine the details of your treatment plan, including the placement of the dental implants. They will also take impressions of your teeth to craft your customized replacement teeth.

Once this is complete, your implant specialist will perform surgery to place the implants into the jawbone. The implants are capped with abutments, and a set of temporary teeth is securely attached on top. Over the course of several months, the implants will fuse with the surrounding bone to provide your permanent teeth with a sturdy and stable foundation. Once your bones and gum have healed and the implants have bonded with the jawbone, you will return to our office to have your permanent teeth placed.

Smiling is a beautiful thing. It is a way to convey a complex series of emotions with just a few muscle spasms. However, if you are not happy with your teeth this simple act can be a near constant source of embarrassment. Dental braces can make this embarrassment go away for good! If you have crooked teeth, a misaligned bite, or other orthodontic issues dental braces can offer an efficient solution. Town Center Dentistry in Rancho Bernardo has the best orthodontists in San Diego ready to get your smile looking great.

Orthodontic braces are a method of manipulating your teeth so they lay properly in your mouth. Dental braces push or pull on your teeth, putting pressure on them over time to make sure they sit correctly. Braces are fixed to your teeth and can only be removed by an orthodontist, and for optimal results are typically worn for around 2 years.

When it comes to fixing your teeth, in most cases you have a choice. You can go with Invisalign invisible braces or traditional dental braces. However, sometime the choice is made for you. There are some instances where traditional braces are the only option because of the nature of the orthodontic work required.

One common issue that requires braces is a back teeth bit issue. This is when your bite does not sit correctly, resulting in some or all of the back teeth not matching up properly. Braces are the only way to effectively resolve this issue, as Invisalign does not have the strength or ability to manipulate the bite. If you suffer from back teeth bite issues, then traditional dental braces are your best option.

Oftentimes patients have teeth that have not fully descended, resulting in some teeth that are not as long as they should be. These shorter teeth, when compared to the normal teeth, can often result in teeth looking jagged and unnatural. The only solution to this issue is traditional braces. Invisalign sits in your mouth, therefore it does not have the ability to make the teeth come down further. Braces, on the other hand, are screwed on to the teeth, allowing your orthodontist to specify exactly how the teeth should look and how far they should descend.

Teeth that do not share the same typical shape as other teeth are known as Cylindrical Teeth. This grouping includes the canines or premolars, and sometimes these teeth can grow in crooked or not pointed in the right direction. Your orthodontist will suggest rotating the teeth so they align with your other teeth, and the only way to do so is traditional braces. Invisalign just does not have the ability to fix cylindrical teeth.

Traditional dental braces and Invisalign are the two most common way to resolve orthodontic issues. While some situations necessitate dental braces, in other situations you are presented with a decision between the two. With that in mind, here are some of the benefits of traditional braces.

Invisalign is a relatively new technology, and as is the case with most new innovations it can be a bit pricey. Traditional braces are a tried and true method that can be had at a much more affordable price than Invisalign. When deciding between Invisalign and braces, keep your wallet in mind!

As we mentioned above, braces are the best solution for more complex orthodontic issues. From this line of thinking, it is easy to come to the conclusion that braces also can be a more effective option. While Invisalign has been proven time and time again to work properly, if you want the very best results with little variability we suggest traditional braces.

Traditional braces are impossible to lose. They are wired right on to your teeth, preventing you from forgetting them anywhere. With Invisalign, you are constantly removing it and putting it back in, opening up the opportunity to misplace them. Invisalign also puts some burden of responsibility on you, because if you don't wear them 22 hours a day you may not get the results you want.