Think of a dental implant as a brand-new tooth root. It’s a small titanium post — about the size of a wood screw — that your dentist places directly into the jawbone where a tooth is missing. Over the next few months, your bone actually grows around it and holds it in place, just like a natural root. Once it’s secure, a custom-made crown (the visible tooth part) is attached on top. The end result looks, feels, and functions like a real tooth — you brush it, floss it, and eat with it just like you would any other tooth in your mouth.
We take X-Rays and a 3D scan of your jaw to check bone density and map exactly where the implant will go. This is where we confirm you’re a good candidate and talk through timing and cost — including what your insurance may cover.
The titanium post is placed into your jawbone in a short surgical appointment. We fully numb the area first — most patients say the discomfort is milder than they expected, similar to a tooth extraction. You’ll go home the same day.
Over the next 3–6 months, your jawbone fuses with the titanium post. This is called osseointegration — it’s what makes implants so strong and long-lasting. You’ll have a temporary option to fill the gap while you wait.
Once the implant is fully integrated, we attach an abutment (a small connector) and place your custom-made porcelain crown. It’s color-matched to blend in perfectly with your surrounding teeth.
With proper brushing, flossing, and regular checkups, a dental implant can last a lifetime. No adhesives, no taking it out at night — it’s just your tooth now.
Coverage varies a lot by plan. Some plans cover a portion of the implant crown, while others cover the bone graft or the restoration but not the implant post itself. Our front desk will run a full benefits check before your appointment so you know your exact out-of-pocket estimate — no surprises. We're in-network with Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, Guardian, MetLife, and 10+ more plans.
The implant placement itself is a same-day procedure. Many patients return to desk work the next day. For the recovery period, we offer Saturday appointments so you can do your follow-ups without burning PTO. Most of the process happens over several months, but the visits themselves are short — your schedule isn't disrupted the way people often fear.
This is the #1 concern we hear, and honestly — most patients tell us the placement was much less uncomfortable than they expected. We fully numb the area before we begin, and sedation options are available if you'd like an extra layer of calm. You'll be in control the whole time, and we never rush. If you have dental anxiety, please just tell us when you call — we'll make accommodations from the very first appointment.
Absolutely. We offer family block scheduling — you can book your implant consultation at the same time your kids come in for cleanings. It saves everyone a separate trip. Just let us know when you call and we'll arrange the slots back-to-back.
We have several options. CareCredit and Cherry financing both offer payment plans that spread the cost over time — some with low or no interest periods. We also offer an in-house membership plan ($399/year) that includes exams, cleanings, X-rays, and 20% off all treatments including implant-related procedures. We're happy to walk through what makes the most sense for your situation.
Yes. Our team is multilingual and can conduct your entire visit — from the implant consultation through post-op instructions — in English, Spanish, Cantonese, or Mandarin. Understanding exactly what's happening to your tooth matters. We don't want language to be a barrier to that.
It's rarely too late, but waiting does create one real complication: bone loss. When a tooth is gone, the jawbone in that area gradually shrinks because it no longer has a root to support. If significant bone loss has occurred, a bone graft may be needed before the implant — which adds time and cost. The sooner we look, the more options you have. We can often tell you within one scan visit exactly where you stand
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