Dental implants are one way to replace missing teeth. A dental implant is a post in the jaw that a replacement tooth can attach to. Whether one tooth, several teeth or a full arch is missing, the dentist advises which option applies after an examination.
An implant is one way to replace a tooth, and the dentist explains the other options too. Dental implants are available at Oak Tree Dental in Poway and the surrounding area. Call our team at (858) 748-2101 to ask about implants or book a visit.
Oak Tree Dental offers dental implants in Poway. At Oak Tree Dental, Dr. Rafik Riad, DDS, places and restores dental implants in Poway, using digital planning and 3D cone beam imaging. Oak Tree Dental also has a periodontist and oral surgeons. When a case needs it, a periodontist or an oral surgeon can examine you. We welcome new patients, and payment plans are available through Cherry, Sunbit, Proceed and CareCredit. Call (858) 748-2101 or book online.
The dental implant process
An implant starts with a small post. Once placed in the jawbone, the posts fuse with the bone to create a solid base for replacement teeth. The presence of the implant stimulates new bone growth in the jaw. With insufficient bone quantity, the dentist may plan a bone graft before placing the implant. Most patients undergo implant placement under a local anesthetic.
Implants and the jawbone
A dental implant post is placed in the jawbone, and over time the bone fuses with the post to hold it in place. Before placement, the dentist checks the bone to see whether there is enough to support an implant. When there is not enough bone, a bone graft, which adds bone material to the jaw, may be needed first.
When the procedure is complete, we will place a temporary crown or a healing cap over the implant to protect it from food particles and allow the site to heal. A permanent crown or bridge is placed on top of the implant once the healing is complete. Dental implant placement is generally an uncomplicated procedure, although this can vary based on each patient's general and dental health. WebMD has general information about dental implants. With the right care, implants can last a lifetime** (see results note) and function similarly to natural teeth.
Your consultation and medical history
At the consultation, the dentist reviews your oral health and your medical history, and may take X-rays and imaging. Dr. Rafik Riad places implants at our office, using digital planning and 3D cone beam imaging. The dentist then explains the plan for you.
Good oral health helps the dentist plan implant treatment. The dental team checks the gums, the bone and the remaining teeth, and looks at factors such as medical history that can affect healing. The dentist then evaluates whether implants are suited to you.
What implant placement involves
Implant dentistry is a branch of dental surgery. The dentist places the implant post in the jawbone, usually under a local anesthetic, and the gum tissue is then closed over or around it. The dentist explains each step before treatment begins.
How to care for dental implants
Implants and dental bridges are different ways to replace a tooth, and the dentist explains each one. You care for an implant much as you care for your own teeth. That means brushing and flossing around the implant and keeping regular dental checkups.
Gum tissue and the surrounding teeth
Healthy gum tissue around the implant, and healthy surrounding teeth, are part of keeping an implant in good order. Brushing, flossing and regular checkups help protect both. If the gums look red or feel sore, patients should contact the dentist promptly.
Proper care after treatment
Proper care starts as soon as the implant is placed. The dental team gives instructions for cleaning the area, and regular visits let the dentist check the implant and the gums around it. Contact the office if something feels wrong.
Implants and your existing teeth
A single implant replaces one missing tooth and does not rest on the teeth beside it. At the same visit, the dentist also looks at the neighboring teeth and the other existing teeth. If you are replacing a missing tooth, the dentist explains the options that apply to you.
Treatment planned around individual needs
Each treatment plan is built around individual needs, because the number of missing teeth, the condition of the bone and a person's health all differ. The dentist explains the options to replace missing teeth, including implants, bridges and dentures, and the benefits and limits of each.
The cost of dental implants
The cost of dental implants depends on the treatment. The main factors are how many implants are needed, whether a bone graft is needed first, and the type of crown, bridge or denture that the implants hold. Payment plans are available through Cherry, Sunbit, Proceed and CareCredit, and we accept most major PPO dental insurance plans. Talk to the dentist at Oak Tree Dental: the cost for your case is explained at the consultation.
Healing after dental implant surgery
The dentist explains what to expect during healing for your own case. Call the office if you have questions during healing. The dentist explains what to eat while the area heals. Follow the aftercare instructions the dentist gives you during healing.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: Dental Implants in Poway, CA
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: Benefits of dental implants
People with missing teeth can ask whether they are a candidate for dental implants. A dental implant replaces a missing tooth, and the crown on top is made to look like your other teeth. Four things to know about dental implants:
- Comfortable*** (see results note): A replacement tooth is attached to a post placed in the jaw.
- Functional: A replacement tooth on an implant is made for chewing and speaking.
- Permanent* (see results note): Implant posts are placed in the jaw and left in place. They can last a lifetime** (see results note) with good care. A fixed tooth on an implant is removed only by a dentist.
- Natural-looking**** (see results note): Implant-supported teeth look like natural teeth. The crown is the visible part of an implant, shaped by the dentist to fit your mouth.
Tooth loss and the jawbone
Once a tooth is gone, the jawbone that held its root no longer receives the same stimulation, and the bone in that area can shrink over time. This is called bone resorption. A dentist can check the bone at an examination and explain what tooth loss means for you.
Life with an implant
Many people in the San Diego area ask how an implant fits into daily life. Creating a plan for eating, cleaning and follow-up visits with the dental team helps you know what to expect. The dentist can also talk through how treatment affects your smile and your day to day life.
Many people choose dental implants as a permanent* (see results note) solution for missing teeth. The implant gives a strong and stable foundation, and its long lasting design supports longevity. Implants can enhance the appearance of a smile, and many people feel more confident with a confident smile. Unlike traditional dentures, implants are fixed in the jawbone, so the advantages include comfort and the freedom to eat favorite foods. The cost of implants is discussed at the consultation. Our dentists bring expertise and commitment to personalized care for your well being. Individual results vary.
Dental implants in Poway and San Diego County
Oak Tree Dental is a dental practice in Poway, CA, in San Diego County, and we welcome patients from Poway, Rancho Bernardo, 4S Ranch, Sabre Springs and Scripps Ranch. Our office offers implant dentistry, and Dr. Rafik Riad places implants at our office. Call the office to ask about a consultation.
Implants compared with traditional dentures
A traditional denture rests on the gums and is taken out for cleaning. Teeth supported by implants attach to implants placed in the jaw. The dentist explains which options apply to a patient, including the options for replacing all of the teeth.
How many dental implants do I need?
When several teeth are missing, several implants can support a bridge or a set of teeth. The number and position of the implants is the dentist's decision after the consultation. A patient with several missing teeth can ask the dentist about the options.
Your implant dentist in Poway
Dr. Rafik Riad, DDS, places and restores dental implants at our Poway office. At your first visit the dentist reviews your medical history, examines your mouth and takes the images needed, then explains your options and the steps of each before any treatment is planned. To ask about implants, call (858) 748-2101.
Questions answered on this page
What are the steps of getting a dental implant?
The steps are a consultation with imaging, implant placement, a healing period, and then a crown or bridge. A temporary crown or healing cap protects the site while it heals, and the whole process can take several months. The dentist explains each step before treatment begins.
What is 3D cone beam imaging used for?
3D cone beam imaging gives the dentist a three-dimensional view of the jawbone. The dentist uses it with digital planning to check the bone and plan where an implant can be placed.
Can implants replace one tooth, several teeth or a full arch?
A single implant replaces one missing tooth, several implants can support a bridge or a set of teeth, and a full arch of teeth can be held on four implants with All-on-4®. The dentist advises which option applies after an examination.
Who places dental implants at Oak Tree Dental?
Our dentists, including Dr. Rafik Riad, place implants at our office in Poway, CA, using digital planning and 3D cone beam imaging. Call the office to ask about a consultation.
People also ask
Q. Which options replace a missing tooth?
Q. What happens during implant recovery?
Q. Who can have dental implants?
Q. What does an implant dentist do?
Frequently asked questions
Treatment runs over several months, beginning with your initial consultation. Timing depends on the person and how many implants are placed, and the dentist explains it at the consultation.
The crown is the part of the implant you can see. A dentist can replace the crown. Call Oak Tree Dental so your implant dentist can take a look.
Implants can be used to support dentures, including removable dentures. After an examination, the dentist advises whether an implant-supported denture suits you and how many implants it would need. Mini dental implants are a smaller type of implant.
Ask the dentist what material your implant post is made of. A study compared allergy to titanium with allergy to other metals. Tell the dentist about any allergies at your consultation, and the dentist reviews your medical history.
Return to work depends on the person and the procedure. The dentist explains what to expect after placement, and you can call the office with questions. The dentist also gives instructions for getting back to your normal activities.
Dental implant terminology
Call Oak Tree Dental about dental implants
Implants are one way to replace a missing tooth, with a crown on top. If you are missing teeth, the dentist can explain whether an implant suits you. Call (858) 748-2101 to book a visit at Oak Tree Dental.
Individual results vary. How long a treatment lasts, and how it looks and feels, depends on each patient. *"Permanent" means fixed rather than removable. **"Lifetime" describes how long a restoration may last with good care; it is not a guarantee, and restorations can need repair or replacement. ***"Comfortable" describes a tooth that is fixed in place; how treatment feels varies from patient to patient. ****"Natural-looking" describes how a crown is made to match your other teeth; how it looks varies from patient to patient.