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Dental Implants — Alhambra, CA

Regain Your Complete, Confident Smile

If you’re missing one tooth, several teeth, or all your pearly whites and want to replace them with the next best thing, we highly recommend dental implants. Just like real teeth, dental implants have a root, a crown, and are firmly integrated into your jawbone. No other dental restoration works like this, and no other is able to recreate the look, function, and strength of teeth as realistically as implants. If you’re serious about putting your tooth loss behind you permanently, implants are the answer, and you can get everything you need right here at Advanced Dentistry of Alhambra. To learn more about dental implants in Alhambra, CA and how they can help you regain your complete, confident smile, contact us today to schedule your consultation.

diagram of dental implants in Alhambra

Why Choose Advanced Dentistry of Alhambra For Dental Implants?

  • Placement Performed By Our Team
  • State-of-the-Art Technology for Precise, Comfortable Treatment
  • Special Offers, Reasonable Prices, and No Hidden Fees

What Are Dental Implants?

diagram of how dental implants work in Alhambra

Dental implants consist of three main parts: an implant post, an abutment, and a final restoration. The small titanium implant post is inserted directly into the jawbone to replace the roots of the missing tooth. Not only does this provide a stable and comfortable foundation for your new smile, but it stimulates blood flow in the jawbone to keep it healthy just like your natural teeth do. The abutment is a small connector piece on top of the implant post that fastens the final restoration into place, which could be a crown, bridge, or denture depending on your needs. Replacing missing teeth from the roots up gives you a smile that looks, feels, and functions good as new! That’s why dentists and patients alike regard dental implants as the gold standard of tooth replacement.

The Process of Getting Dental Implants

Alhambra implant dentist explaining dental implants to patient

Many patients are interested in dental implants in Alhambra, but they hesitate to move forward with treatment because they aren’t sure what to expect. After all, getting dental implants requires a multistep process that spans several months, which is very different than that of getting dentures or a dental bridge. Each patient’s treatment plan is tailored to meet their unique goals and needs, but we can provide you with a basic outline of what most patients experience during their treatment process. It all begins with a personalized consultation and ends when you receive your gorgeous new teeth.

Start to Finish Convenience

Woman smiles after getting dental implants in Alhambra

Our team has taken countless hours of training specifically dedicated to placing dental implants. Our team has spent years learning how to provide custom crowns, bridges, and dentures. By having them both under one roof, our implant patients are able to get everything they need without having to run between different dental offices, which is what other dental offices will force you to do the majority of the time. With our approach, people save time, money, and stress while they recover their smile.

Initial Dental Implant Consultation

Alhambra implant dentist explaining dental implants with model

During your consultation, your dentist will thoroughly evaluate your oral health via a visual examination and a CBCT scan. They will let you know whether you are currently a candidate for dental implants or if you must undergo some preparatory treatment first. This appointment is also your opportunity to ask any questions you may have about dental implants. Our team will provide you with a cost estimate for your treatment plan and help you explore payment options.

Dental Implant Surgery

Diagram of dental implant surgery in Alhambra

During your surgery, our in-house specialist will insert your dental implants into your jawbone at precise, pre-planned locations. We make every effort to ensure our patients are comfortable during this minimally invasive procedure. Your appointment may last a few hours. Afterward, some swelling and soreness are normal, but we will give you detailed instructions to help make your recovery as easy as possible. Most patients are able to go back to work within a day or two of the surgery.

Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment

Diagram of dental implants in Alhambra closeup

Once your implants are in place, a remarkable process known as osseointegration will begin. The implants will actually fuse with the surrounding tissue, enabling them to act as a sturdy base of support for the prosthetic teeth that you will eventually receive. Following osseointegration, which usually takes a few months, small connector pieces, called abutments, will be attached to the tops of your implants during a second minor surgery. The abutments will help to secure your new teeth onto your implants.

Delivery of Dental Implant Restorations

woman admiring her new dental implants in Alhambra

Your dentist will carefully design your implant-supported crown, bridge, or denture with the goal of providing you with optimum function and aesthetics. The size, shape, and color of your new teeth will be customized for your unique mouth. After we attach your restoration to your implants, you will be able to go off and begin to enjoy the amazing benefits of your implant-supported smile!

5 Reasons Not to Worry About the Process of Getting Dental Implants

Man smiles while talking to his Alhambra implant dentist
  • High Success Rate: Dental implants have a very high success rate at between 95%- 97%, which is higher than many other procedures.
  • The Implant Procedure is Precise and Planned: Dental Implant surgery is carefully planned ahead of time with state-of-the-art technology. We use tools like digital X-rays and CT imaging to plan the best location for each implant to maximize its chances of long-term success.
  • Biocompatible Materials: Dental implants are titanium posts that are planted in the bone of the jaw. Because titanium naturally works in harmony with bone, this allows new cells to grow and adhere to the surface of the dental implant. This unique ability allows the bone and implant to fuse together, creating a strong, durable connection.
  • There Is Very Little Discomfort Following the Procedure- With precise planning and advanced techniques, there is next to no discomfort during or after dental implant surgery. Implants are placed in healthy bone, and inflammation is rarely a problem. It should be easy to manage any soreness after the surgery with the pain medication we prescribe or over-the-counter pain relievers such as Ibuprofen or Tylenol.

Benefits of Dental Implants

smiling couple with dental implants in Alhambra

At Advanced Dentistry of Alhambra, our team of experts has compiled some of the most identifiable benefits associated with dental implants, and we invite you to contact us should you have any additional questions. With this in mind, keep reading to learn why so many patients choose this state-of-the-art tooth-replacement solution each year.

Day-to-Day Benefits

woman with dental implants smiles and holds an apple

One of the many reasons patients love dental implants is because of their ability to provide greater functionality on a day-to-day basis. Here are a few examples:

  • Complete Comfort: Because implants sit inside the mouth just like natural teeth, they don’t rely on the gums or other teeth for support, meaning they don’t cause the discomfort associated with bridges and dentures.
  • Increased Confidence: The main thing that makes dental implants special is that the new teeth are anchored within the jawbone using artificial tooth roots made out of titanium. Compared to regular bridges and dentures, this two-part construction ensures they look and function beautifully.
  • Ability to Eat Most Foods: Because implants sit inside the mouth just like natural teeth, they don’t rely on the gums or other teeth for support. As a result, implant patients can eat whatever they like without their teeth moving or slipping, even crunchy foods!

Health Benefits

Woman smiling while stretching at home

When it comes to dental implants in Alhambra, you will not find another tooth replacement solution that offers so many health benefits, including:

  • Jawbone Preservation: The jawbone naturally starts to atrophy after tooth loss, but implant roots actually stimulate the creation of new tissue right where a patient needs it after they are placed, ensuring the bone stays healthy and strong.
  • Protection for Natural Teeth: The fact that dental implants don’t require any of your healthy, natural teeth to be altered is one of the most pivotal and life-changing advantages to these unique restorations.
  • Better Overall Health: Sadly, tooth loss has been linked to malnutrition, indigestion, and more. The good news is that dental implants benefit your oral and overall health by preserving your jawbone, restoring your bite, and preventing dental drift.

Long-Term Benefits

Woman in yellow shirt smiling in living room

Even if you were to push aside their day-to-day benefits and health benefits, there’s always the long-term benefits, like:

  • High Success Rate: Dental implants are known for their 95% success rate, but it’s actually even higher among non-smoking patients!
  • Youthful Appearance: No other restorative treatment can fill the gaps in your smile while simultaneously preserving your jawbone, which leads to a more youthful-looking appearance.
  • Long-Lasting Results: With minimal maintenance, an implant can easily last for multiple decades. In fact, depending on when you get them, they may even last a lifetime!

Who Dental Implants Can Help

young man admiring his new dental implants in Alhambra

Our team can customize dental implants so they work for patients with any number of missing teeth. In most cases, they are even able to help patients who are not initially a good candidate for dental implants. During the initial consultation, they’ll carefully inspect your oral health and jawbone to see if any preliminary treatments are needed before getting dental implants. If needed, they’ll work with you to schedule any necessary tooth extractions, gum disease therapy, or bone grafts to get you ready for your new smile. Once they have confirmed that your mouth and jawbone are healthy enough for the procedure, they can help you choose which restorations best suits your needs.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Smiling young woman with dental implants in Alhambra

Before beginning your journey towards a newly rebuilt smile, you’ll need to have:

  • Good Overall Health: You should be healthy enough to undergo the minor surgical procedure of placing your dental implants.
  • Great Oral Health: Issues like tooth decay and gum disease can pose a threat to the success of your dental implant treatment.
  • Adequate Jawbone Density: There needs to be enough bone tissue in your jaw for the implant to successfully fuse with to support your new tooth or teeth.

Even if you don’t think you’re a good candidate for dental implants, come see us for a consultation anyways. We can work with you to address the problems that are standing between you and your new smile so you can enjoy this life-changing treatment.

Once you’ve been cleared for dental implant treatment, we’ll discuss what type and how many dental implants you need. Depending on the extent of your tooth loss, there are several options to choose from.

Missing 1 Tooth

Diagram of single tooth dental implant in Alhambra

Instead of filing down the teeth near the missing one to hold a prosthetic, a single implant can be placed into the jawbone and used to support a crown that instantly closes a lone gap.

Missing Multiple Teeth

Diagram of dental implant for multiple missing teeth in Alhambra

To replace several missing teeth, two dental implants can be used to anchor in a single, larger set of beautiful replacement teeth, effectively “bridging the gap in your smile.

Missing All Teeth

Diagram of All-On-4 implants in Alhambra

Even patients with complete tooth loss can benefit from implants. A full denture can be attached to the jawbone using just four to six roots, giving patients a strong bite and a prosthetic that they can always trust to stay in place.

For patients who want to replace an entire row of teeth but have a thinner jawbone, All-On-4 may be the perfect solution. We can place just four implants into the jawbone in strategic areas and immediately attach them to a full denture.

Learn More About All-On-4

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

Parts of the cost of dental implants in Alhambra

Because dental implants are so versatile, the cost of the treatment always varies from patient to patient depending on their particular situation, such as how many teeth they are missing or what kind of restoration they want. Despite costing more upfront compared to other options, implants actually tend to be the most budget-friendly replacement thanks to their longevity. Over the course of the average lifespan of a single implant, people with regular dentures and bridges will have to replace their prosthetic multiple times, adding thousands to the initial lower price. In general, implant patients tend to save tremendously in the long run while also enjoying superior aesthetics and function.

Types of Dental Implants

model of dental implant bridge in Alhambra

Two of the most prominent factors that determine how much you will spend on your dental implant treatment is the number of teeth you are missing and the type of restoration you will need. Dental implants are extremely versatile and can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or an entire arch.

  • Single Tooth: When you’re only missing a single tooth, you will receive an implant crown that will be custom-made to blend in with the rest of your smile.
  • Multiple Teeth: If you are missing two or more consecutive teeth, our team can provide what is known as an implant-retained bridge that is secured to the top of your implants and restores your smile in its entirety.
  • All Teeth: When missing all your teeth from the top or bottom arch, the costliest solution is an implant-retained denture. When considering the number of adjustments and replacements you’ll need with regular dentures, an implant-retained denture will prove much more cost-effective in the long run.

The Stages of Dental Implant Treatment

implant dentist explaining cost of dental implants in Alhambra

Dental implant placement does not occur in a single appointment. There are multiple stages you must go through to receive your new smile. First, you meet with one of our expert dental professionals for an initial consultation. During this visit, they will examine your smile and offer a personalized treatment plan based on your needs. Impressions of your smile are taken and sent to a dental lab where technicians will begin to craft your restoration.

The following appointment will include the surgical placement of your dental implants. Depending on the number of missing teeth that need to be replaced, the procedure can take some time to complete. Once the implants are in place, you will spend the next 3-6 months healing at home and allowing osseointegration to take place.

When the implants are fully fused with the bone and surrounding tissue, you will return to have your metal abutment(s) put into place as well as your custom restoration, giving you the new and improved smile you desire.

Are Dental Implants Worth the Investment?

piggy bank and model teeth demonstrating cost of dental implants in Alhambra

When you compare a dental implant with a fixed bridge or traditional denture, there are many differences, one of which is cost. Because of the surgical procedure, materials used, and process of creating your custom restoration, dental implants are naturally more expensive than traditional restorative solutions. However, dental implants provide a wide range of important benefits for both your health and confidence that you simply can’t get with other options. What’s more, the one-time cost of dental implants can easily save you money in the long run compared to dentures and bridges, which need to be replaced every several years.  

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Insurance paperwork for the cost of dental implants in Alhambra

Many dental insurance companies these days are slowly beginning to offer coverage for dental implants; however, many still believe it to be more of a “want” and not a “need.” When calling to speak to a representative from your insurance company, ask about the possible coverage for dental implant placement. Even if they will not cover the surgery, they may cover other aspects of treatment such as the restoration, initial consultation, or even sedation.

Making Dental Implants Affordable

Patient discussing ways to pay for dental implants in Alhambra

At Advanced Dentistry of Alhambra, our team of professionals never wants you to “settle” for an alternative option to dental implants simply because of the price difference. This is why we will work to identify ways in which you can achieve the smile of your dreams and stay within your desired budget. 

No matter if insurance agrees to cover your procedure or not, our team can help you apply for low-interest financing, so you can pay out the cost of your treatment in manageable monthly payments. You may also inquire about our in-office dental savings program that allows you to pay a low annual rate of $180 for access to basic dental services as well as a 15-20% discount on additional treatments.

Dental Implant Post-Op Instructions

person taking medication

The good news about visiting Advanced Dentistry of Alhambra is that our expert team is able to perform your placement in-house, allowing you to make a seamless transition from surgery to healing to restoration. After your procedure, we encourage our patients to call us about any post-operative concerns, whether that’s pain level or other symptoms that they’re experiencing. We’ve also included some expectations of what you can expect as you heal below for your convenience.

What to Do Directly Following Implant Surgery

man holding an ice pack against his face

With good post-operative care and making sure you get plenty of rest, your recovery should be quick and complication-free. Some important tips that we recommend to help keep your blood clot intact include:

  • Avoid spitting
  • Don’t drink through a straw
  • Stop using tobacco products leading up to and after your surgery
  • Avoid touching the surgical site with your tongue and fingers
  • Place a cold compress on your mouth to help with any pain
  • Take any prescriptions as advised by your dentist

Common Side-Effects You Can Expect During Recovery

woman experiencing slight dental pain

Knowing what signs to look out for that could signify a problem is developing is very important. Our team wants you to feel prepared and confident when you go home to heal, but we also want you to have realistic expectations as you recover. While you’ll likely feel some discomfort as well as experience bleeding and swelling, these should get better as time passes. You can help minimize these by taking prescribed medications, sleeping with your head slightly elevated, and maintaining a soft diet. If at any point you have questions, please give our team a call.

Your Diet After Dental Implant Surgery

person looking in her refrigerator

Following your surgery, you’ll need to eat a soft diet for several days, gradually re-introducing solid foods as you feel more comfortable. Some foods that we recommend stocking up on before your procedure include:

  • Mashed potatoes
  • Scrambled eggs
  • Yogurt
  • Pudding
  • Smoothies and protein shakes
  • Soups and broths
  • Pasta
  • Ice cream

Post-Operative Health & Oral Hygiene Tips

woman brushing her teeth

Following your surgery, it’s crucial to keep your mouth clean and prevent the accumulation of plaque and tartar. You can do this by brushing your teeth like you normally would, taking extra caution around the surgical site. Rinse your mouth with salt water around three times a day, and make sure to avoid any irritating mouthwashes that contain alcohol.

Taking Care of Your Restored Smile

smiling man looking in a handheld mirror

After our team has attached your replacement teeth to your dental implants, which typically occurs the following three to six months after your surgery, you’ll be able to enjoy a whole and completely functional smile again. While you may experience some sensitivity and slight discomfort, these should quickly dissipate and be easily manageable.

Dental Implant Failure & Salvage

Worried woman in need of dental implant salvage in Alhambra

Dental implants are the most successful tooth replacement option available. Even 10 years after their placement, they have a 95% success rate! However, dental implant failure can still happen, so it’s important to know how to minimize your risk and what symptoms indicate that your dental implant may be failing. If you have a loose or painful dental implant, don’t hesitate to give us a call! We may be able to save your newly rebuilt smile with a dental implant salvage treatment in Alhambra.

Learn More About Dental Implant Failure & Salvage

Dental Implant Technology

implant dentist in Alhambra showing a patient a model of a dental implant

Out of all dental procedures, dental implants have one of the highest rates of success. In most cases, more than 95% of dental implant patients are still able to enjoy their new teeth for decades after placement. One reason why this treatment is so successful is the advanced technology we use here at Advanced Dentistry of Alhambra. Thanks to our cutting-edge dental implant technology in Alhambra, your treatment is extremely comfortable, precise, and safe. Read on below to learn about a few of the specific technologies we use to maximize the success of your dental implant treatment!

3D Cone Beam Imaging/3D CT Scanning

patient getting a CT/cone beam scan of her mouth and jaw

Traditional X-rays are incredibly helpful, but we often need more than a two-dimensional image for a complex procedure like dental implant placement. That’s why we have invested in a CT/cone beam scanner. This device not only creates a 3D model of your teeth and jaw, but it also let us view other oral structures that X-rays cannot, such as your sinuses, soft tissues, and even the nerves in your face. With cone beam technology, your implant dentist in Alhambra can carefully plan the placement of your new teeth; they can avoid the nerves and utilize the naturally thicker areas of the jawbone to provide the highest amount of support for your implants.

Guided Dental Implant Surgery

dentist with a digital model of a dental implant in their hands

By running our 3D scans of your mouth through specialized computer software, we can develop a surgical guide for your implant procedure. This device helps us position your implants in exactly the right location and angle. During your implant surgery, we simply put these guides in your mouth and use them place the implants exactly according to plan. Because the guides are created by computers, there is very little room for human error. As a result, there are fewer surprises, and your treatment is more predictable and successful overall.

E4D Digital Impression System

dentist taking a digital impression of a patient’s mouth

The crown, bridge, or denture that goes on top of your dental implants in Alhambra will be meticulously designed to match your original teeth. We accomplish this by taking impressions of your mouth. Traditionally, dentists use a goopy putty-like material to capture impressions, but this method is often uncomfortable, not to mention messy. Instead, our team uses E4D digital impression technology to create your implant restorations. Not only is this system more comfortable, but it usually provides more accurate results as well. Once we have designed and placed your restorations atop your implants, no one but you and our team should even be able to tell that you lost any teeth at all!

Dental Implant FAQs

Smiling woman with dental implants in Alhambra

Are you preparing for dental implants or just considering them as a potential option for tooth replacement? No matter where you are in your decision-making process, the team at Advanced Dentistry of Alhambra wants you to feel confident about your choice to replace your missing teeth with dental implants. To help you become more well-informed on the topic, we’ve compiled some frequently asked questions that will provide greater insight into this method of restorative care. Should you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

What Can & Can’t I Eat With Dental Implants?

When opting for dental implants, you will be pleased to learn that there are very few food restrictions. One of the great advantages of implants is that they offer greater functionality when chewing and eating. However, a good general rule of thumb is to cut up harder, larger pieces of food, especially those that could cause damage to a tooth. While you may enjoy a nice, juicy apple, try cutting it up into more manageable pieces instead of biting into it. This is a good practice whether you have dental implants or not.

Will It Be Painful to Get Dental Implants?

Immediately before we begin placing your dental implants, you will receive local anesthesia to ensure you have a comfortable, pain-free experience. You will feel nothing during the actual placement process; however, once you return home to recover, it is normal to feel some discomfort and soreness in the days and weeks after. This will pass, but you should follow our detailed instructions for a successful recovery, some of which include eating softer foods in the beginning and being careful when cleaning around your implants while brushing your teeth.

Will I Need a Bone Graft or Sinus Lift Before Getting Dental Implants?

Patients who do not have enough bone density can expect to undergo a bone graft or sinus lift before receiving dental implants. This decision will be made during your initial consultation. It is at this time that we will examine your oral cavity and facial structure to determine how strong your jawbone is and whether it can hold up your implants. If not, it will be necessary to add bone minerals to these weaker areas and allow it to grow before we can begin the process of implant placement.

Maintaining & Caring for Your Dental Implant

man brushing his teeth to care for dental implants in Alhambra

Dental implants do not need any more attention than your other natural teeth. Dental implants will not decay, so they will never need other dental procedures, such as a root canal. The main concerns after dental implant placement are gum disease, and putting too much stress or pressure on the implants by developing bad habits such as clenching or teeth grinding. However, if you work with our team and do your due diligence to prevent gum disease, you will be able to keep the gum tissue around your new implant healthy. If you have or develop a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, you should ask your dentist to create a custom nightguard for you. This will protect your new implants and your investment in lifelong dental health. Read on to learn more about the best practices for maintaining and caring for your dental implant in Alhambra.

Make Oral Hygiene a Priority

Woman cleaning dental implants in Alhambra by brushing her teeth

Even though your dental implant cannot suffer from tooth decay, it’s essential that you continue to practice optimal oral hygiene habits. This will keep your gums and the other connective tissues that help hold your dental implant in place strong and healthy. Your daily dental care routine should include two minutes of brushing your teeth twice a day, daily flossing, and regular rinsing with mouthwash.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Man with dental implants in Alhambra eating healthy

Other tooth replacement options only restore 30% or so of your original biting force. However, dental implants can bring back 80% or more of your chewing power! Put this to good use by enjoying a varied diet full of healthy and nutritious foods. Make sure you are getting plenty of vitamin C and calcium, as these play a key role in keeping your dental implant (and the rest of your smile) in good shape.

Break Bad Habits

Patient with dental implants in Alhambra breaking a cigarette

Dental implants are durable and highly successful, but they are not indestructible. If you want to make the most of your dental implants, you should strongly consider breaking these bad habits:

  • Smoking or chewing tobacco, which increases your risk of dental implant failure
  • Chewing on hard, non-food objects like fingernails, ice, and pen caps
  • Using your teeth as tools to open bags, rip off price tags, or to help with other tasks

Protect Your Dental Implants

Smiling woman with dental implants in Alhambra with a mouthguard

Whether you have dental implants or not, you should wear a custom mouthguard if you play sports. These little appliances can make all the difference in protecting you from a chipped, broken, knocked-out, or loosened tooth or dental implant. On the other side of the coin, if you suffer from bruxism and grind your teeth at night, you should wear a personalized nightguard. This type of mouthguard will protect your natural teeth and your dental implant from excessive wear and tear.

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

Man with dental implants in Alhambra visiting dentist for checkup

Whether you’ve replaced one tooth with dental implants, several teeth, or an entire arch, you should come visit us every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning. We’ll check the health of your remaining teeth, the integrity of your dental implant, and search for any signs of issues that may be developing. Early detection of issues like gum disease, oral cancer, dental abscesses, and more naturally make it easier to treat them successfully. What’s more, personalized preventive care and thorough cleanings should help keep any of these problems from developing in the first place!