Dental implants
A missing tooth
An implant is a small post placed in the jaw to hold a replacement tooth. This visit finds out whether your jaw and gums can hold one.
Dr. Villanueva places the implant. Your own dentist, or a dentist he works with, makes and fits the crown on top. Before he suggests an implant he looks at the bone, the gums, and how you bite, and he tells you what the alternatives are, including doing nothing.
What Dr. Villanueva looks at
How much bone is under the missing tooth
The health of the gums around it
How the teeth above and below meet
Who will make the crown, and when
What happens, in order
Expect a consultation, the surgery, and then a healing period of some months before the crown. The range depends on your bone.
- 01
Step 1: A talk and a scan
We look at the area and take the 3D X-ray we need to plan it.
- 02
Step 2: The plan, in writing
You get each stage, who does it, and the fee for each, before anything starts.
- 03
Step 3: Placing the implant
Dr. Villanueva places the post in the jaw, with the area numbed.
- 04
Step 4: Healing, then the crown
The jaw heals around the post for a time. Then the crown is made and fitted.
Before you decide
Comfort
We numb the area for the surgery, and you can ask us to stop at any time. If you would like to talk about other comfort options, ask at the consultation, before the day.
If you wait
A gap can let neighboring teeth drift and can change how you bite. It can also wait while you decide. Dr. Villanueva tells you what he sees.
Risks and after-care
The risks include infection, damage to nearby structures and an implant that does not hold. Smoking and untreated gum disease raise them. Dr. Villanueva explains the risks and after-care in writing before you decide.
How it is billed
We give you the fee for each stage in writing before it starts, and file claims to plans we are in network with. No fee is quoted on this page.
How fees work
Questions about this visit
Who makes the crown?
Your own dentist, or a dentist we work with. We plan it together before the surgery, so the post goes where the crown needs it.
Is everyone a candidate?
No. It depends on your bone and gums, and on your health. Dr. Villanueva tells you what he sees.
How long does it take?
The surgery is one visit, and healing takes some months before the crown. We give you the range for your mouth in the written plan.
Does insurance help?
Some dental plans cover part of an implant and some do not. We check your plan before the visit and tell you in the estimate.
Ask about an implant
Dr. Eliseo Villanueva, DDS, practices periodontics. His training and licenses are on his page.