Dental Implants F.A.Q.

What are dental implants? A dental implant is a small titanium screw that serves as a replacement for the root portion of a missing tooth.  The titanium screw is very biocompatible and once placed in the upper or lower jaw the bone fuses to the implant and becomes a good anchor for a replacement tooth.
How much are dental implants?  There is a wide price range for dental implants.  The fee for the tooth replacement depends on several factors, including the number of teeth required to support your replacement teeth.  Some additional procedures may be necessary prior to implant placement in order to ensure a long term health of the dental implant.  To obtain a specific fee, a doctor’s examination is necessary.
Who is a candidate for implants?  If you are missing teeth due to injury, disease or tooth decay, then you can potentially get an implant to replace those teeth.  The determining factor is the amount of bone in the missing tooth/teeth area.  A brief consultation with a dentist is all you need.
What are the advantages to an implant?  *Improved appearance- only an implant can preserve the bone around the missing tooth area.   When a tooth is missing, your jaw/bone will slowly shrink over time and may cause you to look older. *Preserve natural teeth- with a bridge or denture, other teeth in your mouth need to be ground down or shaped in order for the bridge or denture to fit. *Permanent solution- once the implant is done there is nothing else you need to do. There are no loose parts, no movement during chewing, or special care except for regular brushing and flossing.
How will dental implants feel in my mouth?  Dental implants will feel very natural.  They act and respond to daily chewing and use just as natural teeth and they look like your natural teeth.
How long does it take to get an implant to replace my missing tooth/teeth?   From the time of placement of the implant to placing the crown/new tooth, it can range on average from three to six months.  During the three to six months while the implant is healing, you will be given a temporary to cover the missing tooth/teeth.
This is a brief FAQ.  If you want more detailed information with pictures and videos, Please go to www.tourneyroaddental.com.
The office is located at 27420 Tourney Road, Ste 280 in Valencia.  For more information, please call 661-253-0588.