A dental implant replaces a missing tooth from the root up. A small post goes into the jawbone and holds a crown on top, so you get a natural-looking, long-lasting tooth that restores your bite. Our office at 3058 E Gage Ave offers dental implants in Huntington Park, and your visits can be in English or Spanish, whichever you prefer.
How an implant replaces a tooth
A natural tooth has two parts: the root, which anchors it in the bone, and the crown, which is what you see above the gum. An implant stands in for both. The post takes over the root’s job, and the bone bonds to it as the area heals. The new crown goes on last, and it’s the only part anyone sees.
Leaving a space where a tooth used to be can cause problems of its own. Given time, the neighboring teeth tend to tilt in, and the tooth above or below can drift toward the gap. As they move, your bite changes and chewing on that side gets harder. A gap near the front may also make you shy about smiling.
Who can get a dental implant?
It comes down to your gums, the bone where the implant would go, and your overall health. We’ll check all of that when you come in. Smoking and some medical conditions can slow healing, so tell us if you smoke and what medicines you take.
If an implant isn’t the best fit for you, a bridge is another way to fill the space. Dr. Livier Mora plans each treatment around you, not the procedure, so no one will push you toward an implant if another option suits you better.
From the first exam to the final crown
Implant treatment usually goes in this order:
- An exam and X-rays
- A clear plan with pricing up front
- Placement of the implant post
- Time for the bone to heal around the post
- The final crown
Expect a few follow-up visits in between to check on the healing.
Martin R., one of our patients, put it this way: “The whole process for the implant timeline was clear and the results exceeded my expectations.”
Paying for dental implants
We price implant treatment case by case, so there isn’t one number we can put on this page. The total depends mostly on how many teeth you’re replacing and what your exam shows. Whatever it comes to, you’ll know the full price before any treatment begins.
If you’re new to our office, the full exam and digital X-rays are $75 (regular price $149).
What dental insurance pays toward implants varies a lot, and some plans leave them out entirely. We welcome most PPO dental plans, so have the name of yours ready when you call. Without insurance, you can still book, and if you’re approved, CareCredit or Cherry financing can break the cost into payments.
Looking after your implant
An implant can’t get a cavity, but the gum around it can still become inflamed if plaque builds up. Brush it twice a day like your other teeth, floss around it every day, and keep up with your checkups and regular cleanings. Those habits protect the gum and bone holding the implant in place.
Other questions about implants
Does the implant process take long?
Usually a few months from start to finish, and most of that is healing time. The final crown is added once the post is firmly set in the bone. After your exam, we’ll give you a rough timeline.
Is an implant the same as a crown?
No. The implant is the post that replaces the root, and the crown is the tooth you see on top of it. Crowns are also used without an implant, to cover a damaged natural tooth.
Can implants replace more than one tooth?
Yes. How many implants you’d need depends on where the gaps are and how healthy your gums and bone are. We’ll go over the options with you once we’ve seen your X-rays.
Will an implant look like my other teeth?
That’s the goal. The crown is made to match the shape and color of the teeth around it, so it looks natural when you smile.
How long will my implant last?
Implants are meant to last a long time, but no one can promise you a set number of years. Part of that is up to you, because an implant needs the same daily care as your natural teeth.
Can I get an implant after a tooth is pulled?
In many cases, yes. It’s a common way to replace a tooth that had to come out. How soon the implant goes in depends mostly on how the area heals.
Talk to us about implants. Call (323) 581-2603 or request an exam with the form below. Online requests aren’t confirmed until we call you back to set a time that works for you, usually within one business day.