Restore Teeth with Dental Implants at El Camino Dental Arts, Vista, CA

Dental implants offer a lasting solution for missing or damaged teeth. Studies show that more than 90% of implants survive beyond 10 years, with many lasting over two decades when properly maintained. At El Camino Dental Arts, we provide safe, comfortable care to restore your bite and protect your oral health.

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What Are Dental Implants

Dental implants are strong metal posts that function as artificial roots for missing teeth. Your dentist places them into your jawbone, slowly joining with the bone. Once healed, a custom tooth cap (called a crown) goes on top. It looks and feels just like a real tooth.

Unlike dentures that can move or slip, implants stay in one place. They let you eat, speak, and chew with confidence. They help your jawbone stay healthy by keeping it active, just like natural teeth do. This treatment takes time, but the results last for years. It's a smart choice if you want a long-lasting solution that feels natural and strong.

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Who Is a Good Candidate

Dental implants might be for you if you're missing a tooth and want something steady and long-term. To make it work, your jaw needs to have enough healthy bone, and your gums should be in good shape. We will check both.

You might be a great fit if:

• You're in good overall health
• You don't smoke or are willing to quit
• Your jaw has finished growing
• You take care of your teeth and see your dentist regularly

Even if you're not ready right away, we may suggest treatments like a bone graft to help you get there. With the right care plan, many people can successfully get dental implants.

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Benefits of Choosing Dental Implants

Dental implants give you strong, steady teeth that don't move around. They're fixed in place, so you won't need to stress about clicking sounds or slipping while eating or talking. Compared to dentures or bridges, implants feel more natural.

Here is why people prefer implants:

• They stay put and feel like real teeth
• They help keep your jawbone strong
• You won't need to touch nearby healthy teeth
• Cleaning them is easy; just brush and floss like usual

Dental implants are built to last; they save you time and hassle later on. Implants are a great choice if you're looking for something that feels secure and helps your bite feel normal again.

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Step-by-Step Overview of the Dental Implants Procedure

Getting dental implants is a smooth process. First, we will check your mouth and jaw to ensure everything's ready. If your jawbone needs a little boost, we might suggest a bone graft first. Then comes the main step: placing the implant into your jawbone. It sounds intense, but it's usually quick and not painful. Over the next few months, the implant and bone join together.

Once everything's healed, your dentist adds a small connector and then tops it off with a custom-made crown. The whole thing may take a few visits, but the result is worth it. You'll have a strong, natural-looking tooth that works like the real thing.

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Advanced Technology Behind Modern Dental Implants

We use 3D scans to see your mouth clearly before placing anything. This helps us plan exactly where the implant should go, making the procedure quick and accurate. We also use tools for guided placement, which means no guessing. This lowers the chance of mistakes and helps you heal faster. Plus, the implants themselves are made from safe, body-friendly materials like titanium that bond well with bone.

There's even less drilling than before, which means less soreness afterward. With all this smart technology, you get better results and a smoother experience from start to finish. At El Camino Dental Arts, we use the latest tools to make sure your dental implant is safe, strong, and built to last.

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Meet Our Experienced Team

Dr. Erich Schmidt - General Dentistry & Orthodontics
Dr. Schmidt earned his dental degree from the University of Washington in 1997 with support from a U.S. Navy scholarship. After serving as a Navy dentist, he established his practice in San Diego. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Schmidt is renowned for his gentle approach and commitment to building lasting patient relationships.

Dr. Debra Edson - Endodontic Specialist
Our root canal specialist, Dr. Edson, earned her dental degree from Tufts University in 2002 and completed specialized endodontic training at USC. As a former Navy Dental Officer, she brings extensive experience and precision to every root canal procedure, ensuring patient comfort throughout treatment.

Dr. Anna Hsu - Periodontal Specialist & Implant Dentist
Dr. Hsu specializes in periodontal care and dental implant placement. She completed her dental degree and master's in oral sciences at UCSF. Dr. Hsu is known for her warm chairside manner and advanced surgical skills, and she helps patients restore oral health and confidence.

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Financial Options

• Insurance: We accept most PPO dental insurance plans, including Aetna, Delta Dental, MetLife, etc. We'll handle the billing process at no additional charge to you.
• Payment Methods: We accept all major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. Your co-pay is due at the time of service unless other arrangements have been made.
• Financing: CareCredit offers flexible payment plans, including some with 0% interest options, making fitting treatment into your budget easier.