Dental Implants · La Jolla, CA
Dental implants on Genesee
Dr. Carlos Mendoza places single implants and same-day implants at La Jolla, and Dr. Ethan Park, our prosthodontist, designs the crowns and bridges that go on them. Patients with medical conditions benefit from being next door to Scripps Memorial.
- Cost
- From $3,900
- Time
- About an hour to place one implant. Typically four to seven months from placement to the final crown.
- Insurance
- Many dental plans now cover part of an implant or its crown as a major service, subject to your annual maximum.
Your implants team in La Jolla
Who you’ll see
Dr. Carlos Mendoza and Dr. Ethan Park provide implants at this office. Not sure it’s right for you? Start with a consultation: your surgeon reviews your scan, explains the options and gives you one written quote first.
Why it helps
Why patients choose Implants in La Jolla
Fixed and natural-looking
An implant crown is anchored in bone and shaded to match, so it doesn't shift and looks like your own tooth.
Leaves neighboring teeth alone
Unlike a traditional bridge, an implant doesn't require reshaping the healthy teeth on either side of the gap.
Helps preserve bone
An implant carries chewing forces into the jaw, which helps slow the bone loss that follows losing a tooth.
Planned before surgery day
A 3D CBCT scan and a digital plan mean your surgeon knows exactly where the implant will go before you sit down.
The process
What to expect, step by step
Typical timeline: About an hour to place one implant. Typically four to seven months from placement to the final crown.
- 01
Complimentary consultation and CBCT
Your surgeon examines the area, takes a 3D scan and explains your options, including alternatives to an implant.
- 02
Digital plan and one quote
The implant is planned around the final tooth, and you receive one written estimate covering every step.
- 03
Implant placement
With local anesthetic, and IV sedation if you like, the implant is placed, often through a 3D-printed guide.
- 04
Healing
Over about three to six months the bone bonds to the implant. A temporary tooth fills a visible gap.
- 05
Abutment and crown
Once the implant is stable, a custom abutment and crown are attached, by us or by your own dentist.
Visiting us
Getting to Molly La Jolla
From the I-5, exit Genesee Ave and head west about half a mile. We are in the medical tower on the north side of Genesee, next to Scripps Memorial Hospital. From the I-805, exit La Jolla Village Dr west, then turn right on Genesee Ave.
Parking: Paid parking in the medical tower structure, validated for patients. Drop-off and pick-up are at the tower entrance on Genesee.
Serving: La Jolla, University City, Clairemont, Pacific Beach, Mira Mesa, Bird Rock.
Reviews from La Jolla
Patients near you say
Facebook
Dr. Mendoza and Dr. Park replaced my lower teeth. Dr. Park took time with the shape and shade so it looks like me, not a movie star. Two months later I had my first steak in years. The parking validation helped too.
Google
My dentist flagged a patch on my cheek. Dr. Raman saw me within the week, explained the possibilities without alarming me, and did the biopsy that visit. She called me herself with the results. The kind of doctor you hope for.
Google
Dr. Ortiz corrected my overbite with lower jaw surgery. The 3D plan showed exactly what would change, and he was realistic about the liquid diet. Recovery took about six weeks to feel normal. Worth it.
Is it right for you?
You may be a good candidate if…
- Adults missing one or more teeth, or with a tooth that cannot be saved
- People with enough jawbone, or who are willing to have a graft to rebuild it
- Patients with healthy gums, or gum disease that has been treated
- Non-smokers, or smokers willing to stop around the time of surgery
- Patients whose diabetes or other medical conditions are well controlled
Recovery tips
- Expect mild swelling and tenderness for two to three days. Ice and over-the-counter pain relief usually help.
- Eat soft foods and chew on the other side for about a week, or as your surgeon advises.
- Avoid smoking and vaping during healing. Both slow the bone's bond with the implant.
- Rinse gently with salt water from the day after surgery and keep the area clean with a soft brush.
- Once the crown is on, brush and floss around it daily. A water flosser works well.
- Keep regular cleanings and exams so the gum and bone around the implant can be checked.
FAQ
Implants in La Jolla: answered
Can I have an implant if I have diabetes?
Many people with well-controlled diabetes have implants successfully. We review your health history and may coordinate with your physician before surgery.
Who places the crown?
Your own dentist, or Dr. Park here in the same suite. We send your dentist the full plan either way.
More at Molly La Jolla
Implants at nearby offices
Ready to talk about implants in La Jolla?
Book a consultation online in about a minute. You’ll meet your surgeon, see your scan, and leave with one written quote before anything is scheduled.