Dental Implants in Vista, CA

Dr. Nathan Turley has placed thousands of dental implants at North Coast Oral Surgery. Every implant is planned on a 3D CT scan, guided by a surgical template made in our own office, and placed by Dr. Turley personally. Patients come to us from Vista, Oceanside, Carlsbad and San Marcos, either referred by their dentist or on their own.

What Happens at the Consultation

The first visit is an exam and a conversation. Dr. Turley reviews your history, takes a CBCT scan and an intraoral scan, and looks at the tooth, the bone around it, and the gum tissue. By the end of the visit you know which of the three paths below fits your situation, how long it will take, what anesthesia options you have, and what it will cost. Fees are quoted at the consult because they depend on what your case actually needs.

Three Ways an Implant Case Can Go

Immediate implant. When a tooth is being removed and there is enough bone to hold the implant firmly, Dr. Turley places the implant in the same appointment as the extraction. We do this whenever the case allows, and especially for front teeth, where preserving the bone and gum shape matters most. Bone grafting and, in many cases, a small soft tissue graft are done at the same time. The final crown is usually placed by your dentist three to four months later.

Extraction and graft, then implant. If the tooth has active infection or the bone is not solid enough for immediate placement, the tooth is removed and the socket is grafted. The bone heals for about five months, then the implant is placed, then about three more months of healing before the crown.

Ridge augmentation first. If the tooth is already gone and the bone has shrunk, Dr. Turley rebuilds the ridge first and places the implant after it has healed.

How We Plan and Place Implants

Every case is planned digitally. The CBCT scan and intraoral scan are merged in 3Shape planning software, the implant position is chosen relative to the final tooth rather than just the available bone, and a surgical guide is printed in our office. The guide controls the angle and depth of the implant during surgery. It is a more predictable way to place an implant than freehand, and it lets the restorative work go smoothly for your dentist.

Grafting

Most implant cases involve some grafting. We use allograft bone, resorbable collagen membranes, and PRF/PRGF made from your own blood at the time of surgery to support healing. Grafting is usually done at the same appointment as the extraction or the implant, so it rarely adds a visit.

Anesthesia and Comfort

Implant surgery can be done under local anesthesia, oral conscious sedation, IV sedation, or general anesthesia, and the choice is yours. Many patients are comfortable with local anesthesia alone. Others prefer to be relaxed or fully asleep, particularly for multiple implants or when grafting is involved, and that option is always available in our office. Whatever you choose, the goal is the same: you should be comfortable during surgery and have a clear plan for managing the first few days afterward. Dr. Turley calls patients personally the evening of surgery.

Working With Your Dentist

An implant is a two-part project. Dr. Turley handles the surgical side: extraction, grafting, and implant placement. Your general dentist makes the crown, bridge or denture that attaches to it. We coordinate directly with your dentist on timing and parts so you are not the go-between. If you do not have a dentist, we will help you find one.

Insurance and Fees

We accept and bill PPO dental insurance on your behalf. Implant fees are quoted at your consultation after a full evaluation.

Schedule a Consultation

Call 760-941-5051 or request an appointment online. Our office is at 1205 W. Vista Way in Vista, and we see patients from across North County San Diego.