Dental Implants Specialist

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a metal post that Dr. Arora installs in the socket of your missing tooth to act as a root for your replacement tooth. Over time, the post will become part of your jawbone, so when he attaches your artificial replacement tooth to the implant, your teeth will keep their alignment and fit.

Dental implants behave like natural teeth and are highly durable, and they serve several important functions. Keep in mind that missing even one tooth can cause the rest of your teeth to shift and interfere with your ability to speak clearly or chew food. Implants can help you:

• Restore your smile
• Replace missing teeth without affecting the surrounding teeth
• Relieve issues with joint pain or your bite resulting from missing teeth
• Provide support for other necessary dental work
• Restore or enhance facial tissues

If you’re in good enough health to receive routine oral surgery, such as a tooth extraction, and are missing one or more teeth, an implant may be exactly the solution you need.

What is the process for receiving a dental implant?

You’ll need to be prepared to commit several months to the process of receiving a dental implant, but it's worth it as the results can last a lifetime. At your initial consultation, Dr. Arora first takes X-rays and impressions of your teeth to determine your implant options and works with you to develop a treatment plan.

The next step is for Dr. Arora to place the implant in the socket of your missing tooth. He’ll numb the treatment area while he does this, and you’ll likely find the procedure nearly painless and be able to return to work the next day. However, as with any dental surgery, you may experience some swelling and bruising, which Dr. Arora will help you manage.

Once he’s installed the implant, you’ll need to allow time for the surrounding bone to heal, and for the implant to fuse with your jawbone so it can safely support your replacement tooth. This process, called osseointegration, generally takes three to six months. Once it’s ready, Dr. Arora makes a customized artificial tooth and fits it onto the implant.

How do I care for an implant?

Though implants do not decay, you’ll want to treat them like any other teeth, regular brushing and flossing, and also continuing to go into the office for regular dental cleanings and exams.

To learn more about replacing your missing teeth with implants, call Dr. Alok Arora, DMD, in Menlo Park, California, or schedule a consultation online today.