Love Your Smile Again
Dental Implants in Arcadia
Dental
Implants
You deserve to smile confidently. With dental implants, you can omit self-consciousness and thrive with a beautiful smile that looks and feels natural. Read on to learn more about how dental implants work and schedule your consultation today.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Restore Function
Dental implants are screw-shaped rods that are made of biocompatible titanium and placed into your jaw bone, functioning as artificial tooth roots. The permanently fixed implant(s) can then be used to support a crown, a bridge, or even a set of dentures. Maintenance is easy! Just like natural teeth, brush twice a day, floss once a day, and allow us to check your oral health every six months.
Look & Feel Natural
Dental implants are restored with tooth-colored porcelain, which will blend seamlessly with your smile. And because the implant is bonded to your jawbone, they will look, feel, and function just like your natural tooth. After healing, you won't even notice a difference!
Preserves Your Jawbone
The dental implant acts as an artificial tooth root. When you chew, the presence of your dental implant and crown will stimulate your jawbone, keeping it healthy and strong. Without an implant, you may be at risk of losing bone, potentially causing your facial and jaw structure to change over time.
How do I care for my dental implants?
Caring for dental implants is similar to caring for natural teeth. Brush and floss regularly, see Dr. Lee for regular checkups and cleanings, and avoid habits that could damage the implant, such as biting or chewing on hard objects.
Do dental implants stop bone loss?
Yes, dental implants stop bone loss in the jaw. When you lose a tooth, the bone tissue that supports the tooth can deteriorate over time. This is because the natural structure provided by the tooth root is no longer present, causing the surrounding bone tissue to shrink or resorb.
Dental implants prevent bone loss by mimicking the natural structure provided by the tooth root. The implant fuses with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. Once the implant has fully united with the jawbone, it provides a stable and secure foundation and upholds your natural facial structure.
Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
The ideal candidate for dental implants is anyone missing one or more teeth, or who is unhappy with their dentures. Key factors include having adequate bone density to support the implant and being in good general health. Patients should also have healthy gums free from periodontal disease.
At Imprint Family Dentistry in Arcadia, Dr. Samuel Lee conducts a thorough evaluation, including advanced imaging techniques, to assess bone density and overall oral health. This assessment helps determine if additional treatments, such as bone grafts, are needed to enhance the implant site. Whether you’re missing one tooth or require a full arch replacement, dental implants could be the solution to restore both function and aesthetics to your smile.
Does Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Dental implant coverage varies by insurance company and specific policy. While some insurance plans may cover part of the cost of dental implants, others may not offer any coverage at all. It's important to understand that dental implants may be considered a cosmetic procedure.
At Imprint Family Dentistry, we believe that everyone deserves access to the best dental care, which is why we offer various financing options to make dental implants more affordable. Our staff is also skilled in insurance navigation and can help you understand your benefits and explore all possible avenues to reduce your out-of-pocket costs. We encourage you to contact our office at (626) 802-4588, and we’ll assist you in determining what your insurance covers and discuss the financing options available to you.
How Long Does It Take for Dental Implants to Heal?
The healing time for dental implants can vary depending on individual factors like overall health, the complexity of the dental issue, and whether any additional procedures are needed, such as bone grafting. Typically, the process involves several stages and can take anywhere from a few months to over a year for complete healing and integration.
Initially, the implant, a small titanium post, is placed into the bone socket of the missing tooth, where it will need to heal and integrate with the bone, a process known as osseointegration. This can take several months, during which you might wear a temporary denture for aesthetic and functional purposes. Once the implant has bonded with the jawbone, an additional minor surgery might be required to place a post that will hold the artificial tooth in place.
After the surrounding gum tissue has healed, a process that generally takes a few weeks, the final step is the fabrication and fitting of the new tooth or teeth. Dr. Samuel Lee and his team at Imprint Family Dentistry ensure that the new tooth not only matches the rest of your teeth in color but also fits perfectly with your natural bite, providing a comfortable and durable solution.
Dental implants are a commitment to your dental health, and at Imprint Family Dentistry in Arcadia, we are committed to guiding you through every step of this life-changing procedure. With the careful guidance of Dr. Lee and our dedicated team, you can achieve a smile that looks natural and feels great.
Are there Financing Options for Dental Implants?
To make dental implants more accessible, we offer a variety of financing options that can help spread the cost over time, making it more manageable. This includes lenders like CareCredit and Lending Point, and an in-house payment plan. If you have any questions about our flexible financing options, reach out to our friendly team and we’ll be happy to help.