Is your smile not complete? Tooth loss can negatively affect more than your oral health over time – it can lead to damaged self-confidence, a weaker bite, and even a lesser quality of life. At Covina Family Dental, Dr. Danny Tran wants to help patients regain strong, reliable teeth as soon as possible, and dental implants are the best method in today’s world for accomplishing this goal seamlessly. If you’d like to explore dental implants in Covina in further detail, contact us today for an initial consultation.

what are dental implants?

Your natural tooth has two distinct and important parts. Everyone knows the white crown, which is what you see in a person’s smile, but there’s something else hidden beneath the jawbone: the root. A tooth’s root anchors it in position and stimulates the tissue around it. More traditional tooth replacement services like dentures and bridges don’t bother with recreating the root because it doesn’t contribute to aesthetics, but without it, the jawbone will deteriorate over time, and the patient’s overall oral health will suffer as well.

Dental implants are so successful because they stand alone in recreating the tooth’s entire natural structure. The implant itself works as the tooth’s new “root,” which is surgically inserted into the jawbone. Dr. Tran can then create the ideal restoration (such as a crown, bridge, or denture) to attach over the placed implant(s) and recreate the tooth’s original crown(s). The results will be incredibly lifelike from every angle and built to last for decades at a time or even the rest of the patient’s life.

Choosing the Right Cosmetic Dentist

Receiving dental implants requires a multistep process that can span several months to a year or more. However, the long-term advantages they bring make them definitely worth the wait. Dr. Tran works with the Covina area’s best dental implant specialists to ensure long-term success. While every patient’s journey will look different from everyone else’s, here is a basic outline of the four steps of the dental implant process:

initial dental implant consultation

Everything will begin with a consultation appointment between you and Dr. Tran. At this visit, he’ll ask you what your goals are for your smile and then give you a brief oral exam, consulting various X-rays and images of your teeth and jaws. Afterwards, he’ll go over all of your treatment options, and if you’re a good candidate for dental implants, he’ll discuss what your particular procedure will be like. Once everything is agreed upon, our team will help you schedule your upcoming appointments and work out payment information.

dental implant surgery

The next step of the dental implant process involves placing the prosthetic roots into your jawbone that will support your new teeth. Typically, dental implant roots are made of extremely strong titanium, which helps them provide a very sturdy foundation for the teeth.

You’ll be referred to a local oral surgeon for this procedure, and it will begin with them numbing your mouth using local anesthetic. Once you can’t feel anything, they will make small incisions in your gum line to expose the jawbone where your teeth have gone missing. They’ll then slowly position the implant within the bone, and then close the treatment site with self-dissolving stitches. Thanks to modern tools and techniques, most patients experience little to no discomfort during this procedure.

dental implant osseointegration/abutment

After the placement surgery, your mouth will need time to heal before your new teeth can be attached to the implants. During this time, you’ll have temporary restorations. The healing process can vary from patient to patient depending on the condition of their jawbone, but the average range is about three to six months. While this is going on, new bone will actually grow around and fuse with the implants, which is a process called osseointegration. This is similar to how your body treats real tooth roots, and it’s a key to implants’ stability.

When you have healed enough, you’ll return to the oral surgeon to have your abutments placed. These are small metal attachments that will actually link your implants to your final restorations. After they have been placed, you’ll be given a little more time to heal before receiving your new teeth.

delivery of dental implant restorations

Now it’s time for the big day! When your mouth has fully healed from getting your abutments, you’ll return to Covina Family Dental to have your custom-made crown, bridge, or denture attached to your implants. Dr. Tran will remove your temporaries, and your final restoration(s) will be fitted directly over the implants. After checking your bite one last time, your new smile will be ready for the world! From here, taking care of your implants is relatively simple, as you’ll only need to brush and floss consistently and attend routine checkups and cleanings with your dentist in Covina.

WHY CHOOSE COVINA FAMILY DENTAL FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Works with a Team of Local Dental Implant Experts

Modern, Relaxed Dental Office Atmosphere

Affordable, In-House Financing Available

dental implant post-op instructions

Recovering from dental implant surgery may seem daunting, but it’s actually nothing to be worried about! At Covina Family Dental, we’ll provide you with all the information and resources you need to make a smooth sailing recovery. To get you started, we’ve decided to include some dental implant post-op instructions below so you know what to expect throughout the healing period. If you have any questions or concerns about the process, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re more than happy to assist you to ensure you have as few complications as possible.

what should you do directly after dental implant surgery?

Dental implant surgery is no walk in the park. However, with proper care and maintenance, you can expect to make a speedy recovery and be one step closer to having the complete smile you’ve always wanted.

One of the most important things to keep in mind during recovery is to leave the blood clot on your surgery site untouched. To do this, make sure you avoid:

Spitting (use tissues or swallow your saliva)
Drinking from a straw
Smoking or using tobacco products
Touching the surgical site with your fingers or tongue

common side-effects

Have you ever had oral surgery before? If not, you may be unsure which symptoms are normal and which ones are a cause for concern. You’ll likely experience some discomfort as you’re healing, but it should gradually fade with time. If it seems to be worsening, don’t hesitate to contact our team for assistance.

Here are some other common side effects you may experience in the first few days following your surgery:

Intermittent Bleeding – This can be minimized by placing clean gauze over the area and applying light pressure. It can continue for several days following your surgery.
Swelling – This can occur for 72 hours after your procedure, sometimes over a week. You can reduce swelling and minimize discomfort by using a cold compress on the outside of your mouth.
General Discomfort – This can be alleviated by taking prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication.

diet

You should stick to a soft-food diet for the first few days following your procedure. Here are some foods you should stock up on before your surgery:

Mashed potatoes
Yogurt
Ice cream
Pudding
Soup (make sure it’s not too hot)
Scrambled eggs
Pasta

You can return to a normal diet as soon as you feel up to it. However, it’s still a good idea to limit crunchy or tough foods and avoid chewing directly on the implant site.

benefits of dental implants

If you’re looking for a longer-lasting solution that can give you a fully restored smile, there’s no better option than dental implants. This is the only treatment that fully rebuilds missing teeth from the roots up, whereas dentures and dental bridges only replace the crown. Since implants provide new permanent roots for your restorations, they come with multiple essential advantages you won’t find with other treatments. Keep reading to learn about the benefits of dental implants in Covina and what to expect from your results.

Enjoy your favorite meals : With dental implants, you’ll likely regain 80% or more of your natural biting power, meaning you can enjoy most of your favorite foods. Since your meals can include apples, steaks, nuts, and other nutrient-dense choices, you’ll be able to keep a healthier diet in the long run.
Improved confidence : Since your restorations will be directly anchored to your jawbone, you won’t have to worry about your new teeth moving or falling out of place at inconvenient times. You can talk fluently, eat comfortably, and smile with complete confidence.
Simple maintenance : You won’t require any special teeth-cleaning products or devices to maintain your renewed smile. Simply practice good oral hygiene and schedule checkups biannually to make the most of your implants!
Preserve a youthful appearance : With titanium posts embedded in your jawbone, you’ll help promote a healthier and stronger jawbone, which can allow you to keep a more youthful overall look.

health benefits

Prevent jawbone deterioration/shrinkage : If left unaddressed, tooth loss can result in losing more teeth or bone tissue in the jaw, as the lack of blood flow stimulation in the area won’t allow for healthy tissue growth. By inserting implants in the bone tissue, you can effectively keep the jaw from shrinking over time and avoid having an aged facial appearance.
No relying on nearby teeth : Unlike bridges and dentures, which depend on the healthy gum tissue or surrounding natural teeth to support them, dental implants are self-reliant as they’ll be one with the jawbone. This means they can help preserve any remaining healthy pearly whites in your mouth.

long-term benefits

Outstanding success rate : On average, dental implants boast a success rate of 95% or more, even 10 years after being placed.
Long-lasting solution : While other restorations have to be replaced every few years, implants can last several decades to a lifetime.
Saves you thousands of dollars : Since you can expect to enjoy your dental implants for a very long time, you won’t have to worry about getting adjustments or replacements so frequently, which can typically increase the overall cost of the treatment.

who dental implants can help

In order to fully restore your smile, we will likely recommend a dental implant-supported crown, bridge, partial, or full denture. The number of implant posts and type of restoration will depend on how many teeth you’ve lost and where in your mouth they are located. In most cases, we will recommend one of the following restoration plans:

missing one tooth

A new crown will be recommended if the patient has one or very few missing teeth/implants that require restoration. The crown will be crafted from high-quality porcelain materials for natural aesthetics, and its placement will not threaten the health of surrounding teeth.

missing multiple teeth

If you are missing multiple teeth in a row, pairing two implants with a custom-made dental bridge may be the most effective reconstructive method. The implants will be placed on either side of the gap as “anchors” that hold your new bridge sturdily in place.

For multiple lost teeth spread across your smile, an implant-supported partial denture may offer a better option. The denture uses a custom base to secure numerous replacement teeth. It is crafted to fit between remaining teeth, and two to four implant posts are strategically positioned to support the partial.

missing all teeth

Implant dentures are a cost-effective way to replenish several teeth at once. Dr. Tran will be able to connect the prosthetic to a small number of placed implants (usually four to six), and it can be fixed (permanent) or removable in nature, depending on the patient’s preferences.

All-on-4 implants, like the name implies, are dentures designed to attach over just four strategically placed implants, recreating an entire arch of teeth at once. The unique positioning of the dental implants means more patients than ever before are able to receive an implant-supported denture without the need for advanced and invasive preparatory procedures.

maintaining & caring for your dental implants

Dental implants are one of the most popular and effective treatments for replacing missing teeth. By surgically embedding them into your jawbone, we can provide the support your smile needs to remain strong and healthy for a lifetime. However, you’ll still need to take proper care of them to make the most of your results. Here are several methods you can follow to maintain your fully restored smile for many years to come. Read on or contact our office today if you’d like to learn more about properly caring for your dental implants!

make oral hygiene a priority

Although dental implants won’t get cavities, make sure to maintain good dental hygiene. Without it, you may be susceptible to oral health issues like gum disease, which can then cause your titanium posts to fail. To prevent bacteria from growing and attacking the soft tissue in your mouth, it’s best to clean your new teeth frequently like with natural ones. Brush twice a day, floss at least once, and rinse with mouthwash to keep your pearly whites in great condition.

eat a healthy diet

Since your dental implants will serve as your new permanent teeth, you’ll be able to enjoy most of your favorite foods again. You may, however, want to avoid overindulging in starchy, sugary, and highly processed meals which can take a toll on your smile. Try maintaining a nutrient-rich diet by eating plenty of veggies, fruits, dairy products, and lean proteins. Munching on meals that are high in calcium and vitamin C will also be beneficial to your bones, ensuring your implants remain strong and stable for a lifetime.

break bad habits

Do you often bite your fingernails, chew on non-food items, smoke, eat ice, or use your teeth as tools? While many of these habits may seem harmless at first, they can be detrimental to your implants and enamel over time. To avoid damaging your pearly whites, be sure to avoid certain behaviors that can ruin the success of your new teeth. Speak with our team if you need help breaking these habits, and we’ll be happy to offer the support, resources, and guidance you need to make the process easier.

protect your dental implants

Are you involved in sports? Do you grind your teeth at night? If so, you might consider speaking with Dr. Tran about a customized oral device. We may be able to provide you with an athletic mouthguard to protect your smile from physical impact. You can also get a nightguard for bruxism, which will keep your enamel and teeth safe from the excessive grinding force when you sleep.

schedule regular dental checkups

The best way to ensure your dental implants remain safe and healthy is to visit Dr. Tran twice a year for checkups and cleanings. He’ll monitor your oral health and treat any developing issues he may detect early on. Our team will also assess the success of your implants and help you prevent more costly treatments later on.

understanding the cost of dental implants

The cost of your dental implant-supported tooth replacement plan will depend in large part on the number of missing teeth and their location within your smile. During a consultation, we’ll review your case, including treatment options and the costs associated with each. We do our best to keep the costs of your restoration plan within your budget, and we’re happy to work with third-party financiers to offer low-interest financing options. While dental implants and their placement aren’t usually covered by insurance policies, the other aspects of your treatment plan, including replacement teeth and preparatory treatments. We can help you plan for the cost of every stage of dental implant tooth replacement, so you can maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for life.

types of dental implants

Much of your cost will be determined by how many implant posts need to be placed in your jawbone. Depending on your needs, you can receive anywhere from one to six implants on a single arch. During your consultation, Dr. Tran will examine the gaps in your smile and help you determine which type of implant is right for you.

Single Implants: Cost-wise, it makes sense that the least expensive type of dental implant. Using a single implant, abutment, and a dental crown, Dr. Tran will rebuild the entire structure of a missing tooth from the root up.
Implant Bridge: If you’re missing multiple consecutive teeth, our team can rebuild your smile using a dental bridge secured to two implants on either side of the gap in your arch.
Implant Denture: One of the priciest options (at least initially), yet cost-effective method to replace missing teeth is an implant denture. Using anywhere from four to six dental implants, Dr. Tran will attach a customized complete arch of replacement teeth.

what are the stages of dental implant treatment?

There are several stages to the dental implant process. One great benefit of this is that it’s not necessary to pay for your entire treatment upfront. Instead, you’ll be able to work each appointment into your monthly budget and pay for them as you attend each one.

Initial Consultation: Dr. Tran will take this time to develop a completed and customized treatment timeline, take images of your mouth and facial structure, and answer any questions you may have.
Preparatory Procedures: Some patients require a bone graft, sinus lift, or gum disease treatment before their dental implant surgery can be scheduled.
Implant Surgery: After placing your implants, you will undergo a healing period that can take several months.
Abutment Placement: Dr. Tran will place the metal connector pieces, called abutments, that will attach your replacement teeth to your implants.
Customized Replacement Teeth: Finally, Dr. Tran will secure your customized denture, bridge, or crown to your implants to complete your smile.

are dental implants worth the investment?

In short, yes, dental implants in Covina are well worth the investment. Patients and professionals will agree that this tooth replacement solution will change your life and eliminate any issues that you may have with traditional restorations. By restoring missing teeth from the roots upward, you’ll be able to preserve your jawbone and oral health for decades to come.

does my dental insurance cover dental implants?

While most dental insurance companies don’t cover the cost of the dental implant surgery or placement, they may cover certain other parts of the procedure. That’s why it’s important to contact them directly to find out. Some providers contribute to the cost of:

Any pre-dental implant work such as gum disease therapy.
The initial consultation.
The customized crown, bridge, or denture.
Any anesthesia required.

At Covina Family Dental, we are an in-network provider for Delta Dental, Cigna, and Sun Life Assurant. Our team is also more than happy to file claims for any PPO insurance plan to help you maximize your benefits. For patients who don’t have dental insurance or are looking for additional financing options, we also offer in-house payment plans and CareCredit.

dental implant faqs

At Covina Family Dental, Dr. Tran wants all his patients to have a clear understanding of how dental implants in Covina work. In order for you to feel confident about your decision to move forward with this tooth replacement solution, he and his team have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about dental implants. This list is designed to help clarify certain aspects of the process; however, if you have remaining questions, we invite you to contact our office.

does getting dental implants hurt?

The placement process for dental implants is just like any other oral surgery. Once they are surgically placed, there will be some discomfort afterward, as your gums will need time to properly heal. However, if you are provided a prescribed pain reliever, make sure to take it as instructed. This should help relieve any pain or discomfort you are feeling.

how long do dental implants last?

Considered one of the best methods of treatment for missing teeth, dental implants are widely recommended because of their longevity. Designed to provide stability and improved functionality, dental implants can last decades or longer. Since the implants are fused to the bone and surrounding tissues, this creates a strong foundation, giving you greater confidence in your smile’s ability to function without fear of your implant becoming loose or falling out.

are dental implants right for me?

Dr. Tran will perform a thorough examination when you arrive for your initial consultation. It will be important that you:

Do not smoke
Have a strong jawbone
Have no signs of tooth decay or gum disease
Are healthy and display no symptoms associated with a weakened immune system

Should any of these be present, it will be necessary for you to undergo the right treatment before moving forward with dental implants. If you have gum disease, periodontal therapy will be necessary to ensure your future implant does not become loose. If your jawbone is weak, there is a possibility you’ll need a bone graft or sinus lift to create additional bone support in the deteriorating area.

do dental implants ever fail?

The success rate for dental implant placement ranges between 95-98%, but unfortunately, there are instances where dental implants can fail. When this happens, it’s likely because of one of the following reasons:

You smoke or use tobacco. This can make osseointegration almost impossible because when you smoke, your body has a much harder time healing.
The implant was improperly placed. It’s important that you make sure the individual placing your implants is trained to do so. If the implant is not placed correctly, it can result in added pressure being placed on it. This will cause your implant to become loose and ultimately, fail.
Your immune system is compromised or weakened due to diabetes or an autoimmune disorder.

Use It Before You Lose It! Maximize your insurance benefits before the end of the year! Call to schedule today!

Covina Family Dental

Dental Implants