Missing teeth can make it harder to chew, speak clearly, and smile with confidence. If you have a gap that feels like it is changing how you eat or how your bite comes together, dental implants may be the next step.

At Dr. Courtney & Dr. Anton Misleh DDS, we help patients at 4320 Genesee Ave UNIT 204, San Diego, CA 92117 restore missing teeth with implant-focused care tailored to their mouth, bite, and long-term goals.

What implants do

Dental implants replace the root portion of a missing tooth with a secure foundation that supports a crown, bridge, or denture. That support can help keep your replacement tooth steady while you eat, talk, and smile.

Unlike a removable tooth replacement, an implant is designed to stay anchored as part of your treatment plan. For many patients, that means a restoration that feels more stable and blends better with the rest of the smile.


Signs you may need one

Not every missing tooth feels the same, and not every gap causes discomfort right away. Still, there are common signs that implant treatment may be worth discussing.

  • A tooth has been lost from decay, injury, or advanced gum disease
  • A bridge or denture feels loose, bulky, or hard to trust while chewing
  • You are avoiding certain foods because of a gap
  • Nearby teeth are starting to shift toward the open space
  • You want a replacement that does not rely on neighboring teeth for support
  • You are looking for a fixed option for a single tooth, several teeth, or a full arch restoration

When a gap is left alone, the bite can change over time. That is one reason many patients choose to address the space sooner rather than waiting until surrounding teeth and gums adapt in ways that make treatment more involved.


Implant options

We offer implant restoration options that fit different levels of tooth loss and different mouth conditions. The right plan depends on where the missing tooth is, how many teeth need support, and what kind of result you want.

Single implants

A single implant can replace one missing tooth without altering the neighboring teeth. This option is often chosen when a patient wants a restoration that stands on its own and supports normal chewing.

Implant-retained bridges

If several teeth are missing in a row, an implant-retained bridge can use implant support to replace multiple teeth across one section of the mouth. This may be a strong option when several gaps are close together.

Implant-retained dentures

For patients missing many teeth, implant-retained dentures can add stability compared with traditional removable dentures. The added support can make it easier to eat and speak with more confidence.


How care begins

At your visit, we start by learning where the tooth is missing, what has changed since then, and what you want your smile to do better. From there, the exam focuses on the surrounding teeth, gums, and bite so the plan matches your mouth rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

  1. Exam and radiographs

    We evaluate the area and use radiographs to look at the underlying structures that affect implant planning.

  2. Home care review

    We talk through your current brushing and flossing routine and offer guidance that can support long-term implant care.

  3. Treatment planning

    Based on your needs, we discuss whether a single implant, bridge, or denture restoration makes the most sense.

  4. Restoration design

    The final tooth shape, size, and shade are selected to fit your smile and bite as naturally as possible.

Dr. Courtney & Dr. Anton Misleh DDS works with patients at different stages of tooth loss, including people who are replacing a tooth soon after extraction and those who have lived with a gap for some time.


Support for your bite

One of the biggest advantages of implant treatment is support. A missing tooth can place extra demand on nearby teeth and change how your bite meets when you chew. Implant restorations help distribute that work more evenly.

That support matters for more than appearance. It can also make day-to-day eating feel more natural, especially when you are replacing a tooth in a visible or heavily used part of the mouth.

Everyday advantages

  • More secure chewing on the side that had the missing tooth
  • Less dependence on neighboring teeth for support
  • A restoration shaped to fit your smile line
  • Options that can be built for one tooth or several teeth
  • Better stability than a loose removable replacement

What the appointment feels like

Many patients want to know what happens before they commit to treatment. The process is straightforward and centered on what your mouth needs.

You can expect time for questions, a review of your dental history, and a conversation about any concerns with chewing, comfort, or appearance. If you have had prior dental work, we also consider how it may affect the new restoration.

Our office is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, which gives patients weekday access for consultations and follow-up visits. The practice also has new patient forms available through the website to make your first visit easier to prepare for.


Care after treatment

Once a replacement tooth is placed, daily care matters. Implants still need regular cleaning and routine dental visits so the surrounding gums and supporting structures stay healthy.

We help patients understand how to clean around the implant area, what to watch for, and how to keep the restoration part of a normal home care routine. That guidance is especially useful if you also have crowns, bridges, dentures, or other restorative work.

  • Brush twice each day with attention around the implant and gumline
  • Clean between teeth as recommended for your mouth
  • Follow up for regular exams and cleanings
  • Tell us if you notice soreness, looseness, or bite changes

Dental implants are intended to become part of a long-term plan, so care does not end once the replacement tooth is placed.


Common questions

How do I know whether a single implant fits my case?

A single implant is often considered when one tooth is missing and the teeth beside it are healthy enough to remain untouched. The exam and radiographs help us determine whether that option makes sense for your mouth.

Can implants replace several teeth?

Yes. Implant-retained bridges can replace multiple adjacent teeth, and the plan is shaped around how many teeth are missing and where the gap sits.

Are implant-retained dentures different from regular dentures?

They are. Implant-retained dentures use implant support for greater stability, which can make them feel more secure than a fully removable denture.

What if I have had a missing tooth for a while?

That does not automatically rule out treatment. We evaluate the area and discuss what can be done based on your current bone, gum, and bite conditions.

Will the replacement tooth look natural?

The restoration is designed to blend with your smile, including shape and shade considerations. The goal is a result that fits the rest of your teeth rather than standing apart from them.

How does my home care change with an implant?

You will still brush, clean between teeth, and keep up with routine visits. The main difference is that implant areas deserve careful cleaning around the gumline so the restoration stays part of a healthy routine.


Schedule a visit

If you are ready to replace a missing tooth or want to understand whether implant treatment is a fit for your smile, Dr. Courtney & Dr. Anton Misleh DDS can help you explore the next step. We serve patients at 4320 Genesee Ave UNIT 204, San Diego, CA 92117, USA, and the office can be reached at +1 858-268-1618.

Dental implants can do more than close a gap. They can restore confidence when you bite, speak, and smile, while giving you a replacement that feels like part of your everyday life.