Dental Implants

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If you have a lost tooth or many missing teeth, Dental Implants might be a great solution. Our office specializes in smile restorations. Our goal at East Highland Dental is to create a new smile you can be proud of.
Dr. Shah is your trustworthy implant dentist in Highland. Many patients in Highland and the surrounding mountain communities trust Dr. Shah to restore their smile. So whether you’re dealing with the loss of one tooth or many teeth, our office can help.

What Are Dental Implants

Dental implants are a permanent replacement teeth solution. These prosthetics provide an alternative to traditional bridges and dentures. Implants themselves consist of small posts made from titanium where they are surgically implanted in your jawbone to help support a tooth restoration. After some time, your jaw bone will naturally fuse with the metal implant. The fusion will form a strong root foundation for your replacement tooth.

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Types Of Dental Implants

Single Tooth Implant

A single tooth implant replaces the roots of your missing tooth. As the name implies, it’s a stand-alone post. If you are missing one tooth, a single implant is highly recommended. Getting a single implant will improve your smile, chewing, and jaw bone health.

Implant-Supported Bridges and Dentures

Dental implants are beneficial when there are several missing teeth. An implant can act as a support post for a bridge. Implant-supported bridges will replace the lost natural teeth and some of your tooth roots. The great thing with this type of bridge is that it does not need support from the teeth next to it.
For patients missing all their teeth, an implant denture is an excellent treatment. Implants dentures can too replace your missing teeth and some of your tooth roots. Since dental implants fuse with your jawbone, implant dentures provide more stability and comfort. You can expect to bite and chew naturally with this dental restoration.

Am I A Good Candidate For Implants?

In general, the right implant candidate is in good health with a jaw that can support it. Patients with chronic diseases like diabetes might not be the best candidates because certain chronic diseases can slow healing. If you smoke, it’s best to stop while getting an implant since tobacco slows healing. If one doesn’t have enough bone density, then a bone graft can help build up the jaw bone.

The Dental Implant Placement Process

The core implant treatment involves three general steps.
  • Implant Placement: With X-rays and precise measurements, Dr. Shah will locate the implant’s best area. After the placement of the titanium post in your jawbone, expect some tenderness and swelling.
  • Healing Process – osseointegration, the process of the jawbone fusing to the post, will happen here. This part of the process will take some time. Most patients will range from several weeks to months for this healing to complete.
  • Dental Prosthesis Placement – this final stage is where the dentist will place the replacement tooth on the implant itself. Our dentist will make a custom fit dental crown for you. Its design and look will be just like your other natural teeth. The replacement tooth attaches itself to an abutment that’s inside your implant.
Benefits Of Implants
Implants are popular with patients due to the plethora of benefits they give. For starters, they help you regain your self-confidence. Many patients feel embarrassed with their appearance by the loss of a tooth. With an implant, there’s no more unsightly gap from a missing tooth when you smile.
Another valuable benefit of implants is the prevention of bone loss. You see, when one loses their teeth, you can also lose bone in that area due to a lack of stimulation. Receiving a tooth implant provides the necessary pressure to keep bone density healthy.
Dental implants can also improve your quality of life. Many patients complain of not being able to enjoy their favorite foods with a denture or bridge. After receiving an implant, you can enjoy crunchy carrots or corn on the cob again—no more difficulty chewing a nice juicy steak. With the best stability out of all the possible dental restorations, there are no more restrictions on the foods you love to eat.

Do Dental Implants Need Replacement?

If you take good care of your oral health and get regular checkups and cleanings, then your implant can last decades, even a lifetime. Implant treatment is a very reliable procedure, with over a 95% success rate.

Are Implants Right For Me?

So if you have missing teeth or are unhappy with a denture or bridge, contact your dentist in Highland today. Dr. Shah can help discuss and examine if implants are right for you.

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28942 Greenspot Rd Highland, CA 92346
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Phone (909) 864-2002
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Frequently Asked Questions

If you pay out of pocket, dental implants typically cost between $5,000 and $15,000 per tooth, depending on the complexity of your case. This price usually includes preliminary preparation, the surgery, post-care, and the dental crown.

Since dental implants are often classified as an elective or a cosmetic procedure, many dental insurances do not cover this procedure. However, some insurance plans may cover dental implants partially (typically around 50% of the cost).

​​Dental implants are typically considered better than dentures or bridges for several reasons:

  • Implants offer superior stability and chewing function as they fuse with the jawbone and act similarly to the roots of your natural teeth. For example, traditional removable dentures provide only 20% to 25% of natural chewing force, while implants restore chewing function to 100%. 
  • Implants prevent jawbone density loss (a process called bone resorption) that occurs when you miss your natural teeth. As a result, implants also help prevent changes in your bite, tooth alignment, and facial structure. 
  • Implants look and feel natural in the mouth.
  • Implants can be cleaned similarly to your natural teeth and do not require special tools or techniques. 
  • Implants last for decades and even a lifetime in many cases. In comparison, dental bridges tend to last for 5 to 15 years, and dentures have to be replaced every 5 to 7 years.
  • As opposed to dental bridges, dental implants do not put additional strain on the surrounding teeth.

The entire process of getting dental implants can take between 4 and 8 months. This period includes preparation for the surgery, immediate recovery, and the time needed for the implant to fuse with the jawbone. Depending on your general and oral health and how fast your bone regenerates after the surgery, the implant can become stable by months 3 to 7 after the surgery. Then, the abutment and the crown can be attached to the implant. If you require additional procedures, such as tooth extraction or bone grafting, before the implant surgery, the entire process is likely to take 2 to 6 months longer.

Dental implant surgery is performed under a local anesthetic that completely numbs the procedure site and blocks pain. However, when the anesthesia wears off several hours after the procedure, you are likely to start experiencing some soreness or mild pain and swelling. These symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers and typically subside within 10 to 14 days.

The recovery process after dental implant surgery can be divided into two main stages: the initial recovery and the osseointegration. The initial recovery typically takes 10 to 14 days. Within this time, the post-procedure soreness and swelling will gradually subside. Then, you will need to allow 4 to 8 months for the implant to fuse with the jawbone until the crown can be placed and your new tooth becomes fully functional.

In our office, we accept most PPO insurance and out-of-pocket payments. However, we are not in contract with Medi-Cal or Denti-Cal. If you want to learn more about payment options, do not hesitate to contact our office at (909) 453-3673.

When you miss a natural tooth, the jawbone gradually loses its density in the area where the tooth used to be. This process is called bone resorption. Over time, it can lead to changes in facial stature. Additionally, the surrounding teeth will start shifting into the gap, leading to changes in the bite and tooth alignment.