Dental Implants
A titanium post that fuses to your jawbone and supports a permanent, natural-feeling replacement tooth, at our Fremont, Cupertino, and Milpitas offices.
Dental Implants Overview
A dental implant is a small titanium post placed into the jawbone, where it fuses to the bone over a few months in a process called osseointegration. Once integrated, it acts as a replacement root, and a crown, bridge, or denture attaches on top to complete the tooth. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, implants have an overall success rate of about 95 percent.
Implants are the only tooth replacement that preserves the bone underneath. A missing tooth root stops sending chewing forces into the jaw, and the bone in that area begins to shrink without that stimulation. An implant restores it, which is why implants are usually the first recommendation for patients across Fremont, Cupertino, Milpitas, San Jose, and the wider Silicon Valley when a tooth is missing and bone and gum health allow for it.
Implant Anatomy
An implant has three parts, placed and attached in stages. The post is the titanium screw that takes the place of the root, placed in the jawbone and left to fuse with it over three to six months; titanium is used because bone bonds to it naturally. The abutment is a small connector that attaches to the top of the post and sits just above the gumline, linking the buried post to the visible tooth. The crown is the part you see, custom-made to match the size, shape, and color of the teeth around it, and it attaches onto the abutment to finish the restoration.
Implant Options
A single tooth implant uses one post and one crown to replace one missing tooth, without touching the teeth on either side. An implant-supported bridge uses two posts to anchor a multi-tooth bridge between them, replacing three or more teeth in a row with fewer implants than teeth. Full-arch implants, often called All-on-4, use four to six posts to support a complete fixed set of teeth for an entire upper or lower arch, the most stable alternative to a removable denture.
Which option fits depends on how many teeth are missing, the bone available, and your budget. Your doctor reviews your case with imaging at the consultation and walks through what applies to you.
Treatment Process
A standard implant, from first consultation to final crown, takes about three to six months, though most of that is healing rather than chair time. The visit starts with an exam and imaging to check bone density and plan the implant position. The post is then placed under local anesthesia, with sedation available for anxious patients; the surgery itself is one to two hours. Over the following months the bone fuses to the post while you wear a temporary tooth, and once that healing is complete, the abutment and the final custom crown are attached at a last visit.
Sometimes needed first
- Tooth extraction, if the failing tooth is still in place.
- Bone grafting, to rebuild volume where there is not enough bone.
- A sinus lift, for upper back teeth where the sinus sits close to the jaw.
- Gum treatment, so the tissue is healthy before surgery.
Implants vs. Alternatives
A bridge is faster to place and costs less up front, but it requires grinding down the healthy teeth on either side to anchor it, and the bone under the gap keeps shrinking underneath it. A removable denture is the least expensive option, but it rests on the gum with no root to stimulate the bone, so it needs relining or replacing every several years as the jaw continues to change shape.
An implant touches nothing next to it, stimulates the bone the way a natural root does, and can last a lifetime with proper care, which is why it is usually the better long-term value even though it costs more to start. Your doctor will walk through where each option fits your case and your budget rather than assuming implants are automatically right for every situation.
Healing & Care
The first couple of weeks
- Mild swelling and bruising for a few days. Ice and an over-the-counter pain reliever handle most of it.
- Soft foods for the first week, avoiding direct chewing on the implant site while it heals.
- No smoking or vaping. Both noticeably reduce healing and implant success.
- Gentle salt water rinses twice a day to keep the area clean without disturbing it.
Long term
- Brush and floss daily. The implant itself cannot decay, but the gum and bone around it can still develop disease.
- Keep your routine cleanings. Every implant is checked at every visit.
- Do not use teeth as tools. The crown can chip even though the implant underneath is strong.
- Wear a night guard if you grind. Grinding shortens the life of any restoration, implants included.
Dental implants, answered
Am I a candidate for a dental implant?
Most adults in reasonable health are. The main requirements are enough bone to support the post, healthy gums, and overall health that allows for a minor surgical procedure. Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, and some medications can complicate things and may call for extra evaluation. A consultation with imaging is the only way to know for your case.
How long does the whole process take?
A typical single implant takes about three to six months from placement to final crown. The surgery itself is one to two hours; the rest is the bone fusing to the post.
Does it hurt?
Less than most people expect. The surgery is done under local anesthesia, with sedation available if you prefer. Most patients have mild soreness for a few days afterward, similar to a tooth extraction, and an over-the-counter pain reliever handles it.
How much do implants cost?
It depends on the number of implants, whether bone grafting is needed, and the type of crown. We check your plan and give you a full, itemized estimate at your consultation before anything is scheduled.
Does insurance cover implants?
Coverage is improving but still limited. Some plans contribute toward the crown portion and occasionally part of the surgery, but few cover the full cost. We verify your benefits and lay out the numbers before you decide.
What if I don't have enough bone?
Bone grafting can rebuild the volume needed to support an implant, which is common when a tooth has been missing for a while. Grafting adds time, typically a few months for the graft to integrate before the implant goes in, but it makes implants possible for many more patients.
Can an implant fail?
It can, though the AAOMS puts overall success around 95 percent. The most common causes of failure are smoking, poorly controlled diabetes, and gum disease around the implant from inconsistent home care.
Will it look natural?
Yes, when properly placed and crowned. The crown is custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your surrounding teeth, and most patients tell us they forget which tooth was replaced within a few months.