A lot of patients come in having already read a ton online. Some of it's good. Some of it makes implants sound like a one visit fix, which they usually aren't.
Here's the short version of how it typically goes.
It takes a few months
The implant post goes into the jawbone and then it needs time to heal and bond with the bone. The crown goes on after that. Your timeline depends on your bone, your health, and whether a tooth needs to come out first.
Not everyone is a candidate right away
Gum disease, some health conditions, and smoking can affect healing. Sometimes bone grafting is needed first. We'll look at a 3D scan before we tell you anything for sure.
Recovery is usually easier than people expect
Most patients tell us it felt better than a tooth extraction. You'll get clear aftercare instructions, and we're a phone call away if something doesn't feel right.
Insurance is a mixed bag
Some PPO plans help with part of it, some don't. Our front desk will check your plan and give you a written estimate before anything starts, so you're not guessing.
If you're in Fremont, Newark or Union City and want to know if an implant makes sense for you, book a consult and we'll walk through your options. Sometimes a bridge or partial is the better fit, and we'll tell you that too.