Dental implants replace missing tooth roots and support replacement teeth. At Family Caring Dentist in Pomona, you can discuss whether implants are appropriate for your needs and how they compare with other options.
What’s an implant?
An implant is a manufactured replacement for the root of a tooth. Usually made of titanium and looking a little like a screw, the implant is surgically positioned in the jaw bone. A crown is then attached to the top of the implant to fill the gap of the missing tooth.
How is an implant fitted?
A series of scans are taken by your dentist to aid in positioning the implant and to ensure you have plenty of healthy bone structure. If the bone is diseased or missing, there is still a possibility of a bone graft in order to make an implant viable.
The titanium implant is surgically placed in the bone of your jaw where a tooth once was. Healing time varies while the bone integrates with the implant. During this time you may wear a temporary crown.
Once the implant is securely fused to the bone, the temporary crown is removed and a permanent crown is either cemented or screwed into place.
Caring for an implant
Replacement teeth still need daily cleaning and regular dental visits. Your dentist will explain how to care for your restoration and which follow-up schedule suits you.
Patient education: Dental implants — American Dental Association.
Questions to discuss at a consultation
Before deciding on treatment, ask your dentist which options fit your needs, what the treatment involves and what follow-up care to expect. You can also ask how implants compare with crowns and bridges in your situation.
Understanding your treatment estimate
Ask for an explanation of the recommended treatment and its costs before proceeding. If you have dental insurance, check whether your plan includes out-of-network benefits and whether any limits apply to the proposed care.