Dental implants are one of the best ways to replace the look, feel and function of a healthy tooth. If you have lost a tooth and are considering your replacement options, you might have questions about the implant placement process, benefits, cost and what you can expect.
To help answer some of those questions, Dr. Robert Milner has provided a dental implant Q and A below. If after reading through it you still have additional questions, Dr. Milner would be happy to discuss dental implants during a one-on-one consultation at his Mission Viejo dental practice.
What exactly is a dental implant?
A dental implant is designed to replace the entire structure of a tooth, including its root and crown. Implants have a titanium post that is surgically placed in the jawbone and topped with a false tooth that sits above the gum line.
How many teeth can an implant replace?
Implants can be used to support one or all of the teeth in the mouth. A single implant post can support a crown, or several implant posts can support a dental bridge, partial denture or complete denture appliance.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
- Look like natural, healthy teeth
- Strong and stable
- Enable normal chewing and biting function
- Won’t shift around in the mouth
- Fill gaps to prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting
- Keep the jawbone stimulated to prevent it from deteriorating
What does implant placement involve?
Implant placement involves three steps:
- First, the implant post is surgically placed in the jawbone beneath the missing tooth.
- Then, the implant post is left to fuse with the bone over a period of several months.
- Finally, the post is topped with an artificial tooth customized to match the surrounding teeth.
Does the body ever reject a dental implant?
Implants are made from biocompatible materials and the body usually accepts the implant readily. There have been rare cases of implant rejection or implant failure, most of the time because the patient smokes or is lax about oral hygiene.
Will anyone notice I have a dental implant?
Implants are designed to blend in with your natural remaining teeth seamlessly. No one should be able to notice you have an implant unless you tell them!
How much do dental implants cost?
Implant cost varies, depending on the exact plan of treatment and materials used. Dr. Milner and our team can give you a pricing estimate during a consultation.
Learn More about Dental Implants
For more information about dental implants, please call 949-859-8899 or email us and request an appointment with Dr. Milner.
