About Dental Implants
A dental implant is the closest thing modern dentistry has to growing a new tooth. A small titanium post is placed in the jawbone where the root used to be; over a few months the bone fuses to it; and a custom crown is attached on top. The result looks, feels and functions like a natural tooth. Implants do not decay, do not require reshaping the neighboring teeth the way a bridge does, and preserve the jawbone that otherwise shrinks after a tooth is lost. For many patients missing a single tooth, an implant is the best long-term investment available.
Implants also solve larger problems. Two or more implants can anchor a bridge that replaces several teeth, and a small number of implants can secure a full denture so that it no longer slips, rubs or needs adhesive. For long-time denture wearers, implant retention is frequently described as life-changing.
Implant treatment is a team effort, and we are clear about who does what. Dr. Lance Carter is a general dentist who plans your case, evaluates your bite and the space available, and designs, fits and maintains the final restoration. The surgical placement of the implant post is performed by a local oral surgeon or periodontist with whom we coordinate closely. You will know the plan, the sequence and the costs from both offices before anything begins.
The full process typically spans three to six months, most of that healing time. If a tooth must first be removed, or if bone grafting is needed to build enough support, that adds to the timeline. Once the implant has integrated, the restorative steps in our office are straightforward: a scan, a custom abutment and crown from the laboratory, and a delivery visit. From then on, an implant is cared for like a natural tooth, with daily brushing and flossing and regular cleanings and exams.
Benefits
- Looks, feels and chews like a natural tooth
- Does not require grinding down the neighboring teeth
- Preserves jawbone and facial structure
- Can anchor bridges or stabilize a loose denture
- Restoration designed and maintained by the dentist who knows your mouth
Is it right for you?
Adults missing one or more teeth who have healthy gums, adequate bone, and a medical history compatible with minor oral surgery. Non-smokers and well-controlled diabetics do best. Patients with a loose lower denture are excellent candidates for implant retention. Teens should generally wait until jaw growth is complete. If bone is thin, grafting can often make an implant possible. Patients who are not surgical candidates still have good options in a bridge or partial denture, and we will lay those out honestly.
What happens, step by step
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Consultation, X-rays and a discussion of implant versus bridge or partial
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Coordinated referral for surgical placement, including any extraction or grafting
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Healing and integration, typically three to six months
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Digital scan in our office and laboratory fabrication of the abutment and crown
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Delivery, bite adjustment and home-care instruction
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Ongoing maintenance at regular hygiene visits
What to expect at your visit
Your first visit is a consultation with X-rays and a candid conversation about whether an implant is the right choice. If so, we coordinate the surgical appointment with the specialist and share records. Placement is typically done under local anesthesia with sedation options available at the surgical office; most patients describe the recovery as easier than an extraction. After a healing period, you return to our office for a scan, and about two weeks later the finished crown is attached. The delivery visit is comfortable and takes under an hour.
Why choose Regency Dental Group
The restorative phase is where an implant succeeds or disappoints, and it is the phase we control. Dr. Carter plans the case backward from the final tooth, so the surgeon places the implant where the crown needs it to be, not the other way around. We use digital scanning, work with an experienced dental laboratory, and adjust the bite meticulously so the implant is not overloaded. Because we see you for regular hygiene visits, we monitor the implant for years afterward and catch any gum inflammation early. We are transparent about the two-office arrangement and about costs from both offices, and we offer CareCredit to spread out the investment.
Aftercare
Follow the surgical office's instructions during healing. Once restored, brush and floss the implant daily, use a water flosser if recommended, and keep hygiene visits every six months or as advised. Avoid smoking, which is the single largest risk factor for implant failure. A night guard is advisable if you grind.
Cost, insurance and timing
Implant treatment involves fees from two offices: the surgical placement and, in our office, the abutment and crown. We provide a written estimate for our portion and help you obtain one from the surgical office. Many dental plans now contribute toward implants as a major service, often with an annual maximum that may spread coverage across two plan years; we will map that out with you. CareCredit financing is available.
Frequently asked questions
Do you place dental implants in your office?
Dr. Carter is a general dentist who plans the case and provides the crown, bridge or denture that attaches to the implant. The implant post itself is placed by a local oral surgeon or periodontist we coordinate with.
How long does the implant process take?
Typically three to six months from placement to final crown, longer if an extraction or bone graft is needed first.
How long do implants last?
The implant post can last decades with good care. The crown on top may need replacement after many years of wear, like any restoration.
Does insurance cover implants?
Many plans contribute toward implants as a major service. Coverage varies widely; we verify your benefits and give you a written estimate.
Dr. Lance Carter is a general dentist licensed by the Dental Board of California. Services on this page that are associated with a recognized dental specialty are provided by a general dentist who is not a licensed specialist in that field. When a case is better served by a specialist, we say so and coordinate the referral.
The information on this page is general education, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Outcomes vary by patient. Please schedule an exam to discuss your specific situation.