Dental Implants FAQs Carson, CA

A dental implant is an option for replacing a missing tooth that involves three components: a post that is surgically implanted in your jaw, a false tooth (also known as a dental prosthetic) that is located where the missing tooth used to be, and an abutment, or connector, that joins the two.

Getting dental implants requires at least two visits. At the first visit, your provider at the Carson office will implant the post in your jaw. You’ll have to heal from the surgery for about six months before the second procedure, which involves placing the false tooth.

The post and the dental prosthetic are separate elements and may be created from different materials. The posts are usually created of titanium, a metal that has high biocompatibility with most people. Sometimes the post is coated with hydroxyapatite, a substance that helps it fuse with your bones.

Your dental prosthetic can be made from any number of materials, including porcelain, resin, stainless steel, acrylics, and gold. You’ll be able to choose what material you prefer for the false tooth.

Dental implants are the most popular option for replacing missing teeth because they look and function just like regular teeth. Once you complete the implant procedure, if you choose an implant that looks like your natural teeth, no one other than a dentist will be able to tell you’re missing a tooth. Dental implants are also a permanent replacement option that doesn’t need to be removed, and can last a lifetime.

The only recovery time is between the first and second procedures. Because implanting the post is a surgical process, your body will have to heal before the dental prosthetic can be placed. This takes around six months in most cases but can be more or less depending on your body’s reaction.

There should not be any recovery time after the false tooth is placed.

Dental implants are a great option for replacing missing teeth, but they aren’t right for every patient. Implants are expensive and often not covered by insurance. Some patients don’t have enough bone for implants, even with grafting, and others respond poorly to metals or have other contraindications.

When you come to our Carson office for a consultation, your provider will examine you and discuss your medical history before making a recommendation for or against dental implants.

Dental implants are the most expensive option for replacing missing teeth and often aren’t covered by insurance. The cost for your implant(s) will vary depending on the tooth that’s missing, your jaw structure, what you want the prosthetic made from, and other considerations.

At your consultation, our staff will give you a detailed breakdown of all the costs and what your out-of-pocket expense will be. We will also be happy to discuss affordable financing options with you if you like.