Dental implants in Chula Vista
Missing a tooth, or several, affects how you eat, speak and smile. A dental implant replaces the root of the tooth with a small post placed in the jaw, so the new tooth feels and functions like a natural one.
At South Bay Dental Arts, Dr. Javier Raygada and our team plan, place and restore your implants right here in our office, using digital dentistry and guided surgery, and we explain every step, option and cost in English or Spanish before you decide.
What dental implants can replace
How treatment works, step by step
Consultation and exam
We review your health history, examine your teeth and gums, and take the images needed to see the bone where the implant would go, including a CBCT (cone beam CT) scan when your case calls for it.
Digital planning and surgical guide
We use intraoral scanning instead of messy molds, and we plan the position of each implant on the computer. A surgical guide is then made from that plan. We go over your options, timeline and cost before you decide.
Implant placement, in our office
We place the implant here at South Bay Dental Arts, under local anesthesia, using the surgical guide to follow the plan. We will tell you what to expect afterward and how to care for the area.
Healing
The implant needs time to integrate with the bone. The length of this stage varies from patient to patient.
Your final tooth
Once the area has healed, we attach the final crown, bridge or denture, and check your bite and comfort.
Guided implant surgery
We place implants using a surgical guide. To make the guide we need a CBCT (cone beam CT) scan, which shows the bone in 3D, and a digital scan of your teeth and gums. The guide is designed from both, and it helps direct the implant to the position that was planned beforehand. The goal is a precise, predictable placement that suits your bone and your final tooth. Whether guided surgery is right for your case is something we decide together after your exam.
We work with several implant systems, including Hiossen, Adin and Glidewell (Hahn line), so the choice can be matched to your situation.
Bone grafting. When we remove a tooth, we routinely place a bone graft in the socket to preserve its shape and the dimensions of the ridge, so the area stays ready for an implant. If extra bone is needed when the implant is placed, we can add it at that visit. We do this in our office.
Digital technology behind your treatment
Care you can trust, in your language
This office has had just two dentists in more than 40 years, and Dr. Raygada has led it since 2009. His career spans more than three decades, including years caring for underserved patients in East San Diego. Our doctors and dental assistants speak Spanish, and we explain diagnosis, treatment and cost in either language.
We accept most major dental PPO plans, including Delta Dental, MetLife, Aetna, GEHA, Guardian, Principal and United Healthcare, and offer third-party financing for treatment not fully covered.
Dental implant questions, answered
Do you place dental implants in your office?+
Yes. We plan and place implants here at South Bay Dental Arts, in Chula Vista, California, and we also restore them with the final crown, bridge or denture.
What is a surgical guide for dental implants?+
A surgical guide is a custom template made from two things: a CBCT (cone beam CT) scan of your jaw, which shows the bone in 3D, and a digital scan of your teeth and gums. It helps place the implant in the position planned on the computer beforehand, which supports a precise and predictable placement. We will explain whether it is a good fit for your case at your consultation.
Which dental implant brands do you use?+
We work with several implant systems, including Hiossen, Adin and Glidewell (Hahn line). After your exam we will explain which one fits your case.
Do you do bone grafts for dental implants?+
Yes. When we extract a tooth, we routinely place a bone graft in the socket to preserve its shape and the dimensions of the ridge, which helps prepare the area for a future implant. When an implant is placed, sometimes additional bone grafting is needed too. We do this in our office.
Am I a candidate for a dental implant?+
Many adults who are missing one or more teeth can be considered, but it depends on your overall health, the health of your gums, and the amount and quality of bone in the area. The only way to know is an exam and imaging. We will explain your options clearly, including alternatives if implants are not the best fit.
How long does the dental implant process take?+
It varies from patient to patient. In general, the implant is placed first, then the area needs time to heal and integrate with the bone before the final crown, bridge or denture is attached. We will give you a timeline that fits your case at your consultation.
Does getting a dental implant hurt?+
The placement is done with local anesthesia, so the area is numb during the procedure. Some soreness afterward is common and usually manageable; we will tell you what to expect and how to care for the area.
How much do dental implants cost in Chula Vista?+
The cost depends on how many teeth are being replaced, whether other treatment (such as a bone graft) is needed, and the type of final restoration. After your exam we give you a clear explanation of treatment and cost, in English or Spanish, before you decide anything. We accept most major dental PPO plans and offer third-party financing for treatment not fully covered.
Do you speak Spanish? / ¿Hablan español?+
Yes. Our doctors and dental assistants speak Spanish, and explanations of diagnosis, treatment and cost are available fully in Spanish or English. / Sí. Nuestros doctores y asistentes hablan español, y explicamos el diagnóstico, el tratamiento y el costo en español o en inglés.
What is the difference between an implant and a denture?+
A dental implant replaces a tooth root with a small post placed in the jaw, and a crown is attached on top. A traditional denture rests on the gums. An overdenture is a denture that snaps onto implants, which can make it more stable. We can review which option makes sense for you.
Ready to talk about replacing a missing tooth?
Call us or request a consultation. / Llámenos para una consulta.