Dental Implants in West Covina, CA
Long-lasting tooth replacement for one tooth, several teeth, or a full smile, planned and placed by a team that knows you by name.
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A Permanent Solution for Missing Teeth
A dental implant replaces a missing tooth from the root up. A small post, usually made of titanium, is placed in the jawbone where the natural root used to be. Over the following months the bone grows around the post and holds it firmly in place. Once it has healed, we attach a custom crown, bridge, or denture that is shaped and shaded to match your smile.
Patients choose implants because they want teeth they can stop thinking about. Implants do not slip, they do not need adhesive, and they do not rely on the neighboring teeth for support. They also help keep the jawbone active, which supports the natural shape of your face over time. Whether you lost a tooth recently or have been living with gaps or loose dentures for years, there is likely an implant option that fits your needs.
Types of Dental Implants and Restorations
Every smile is different, so implant treatment is not one-size-fits-all. During your consultation, our team will walk you through the options below and help you decide which approach makes sense for your mouth, your goals, and your budget.
Single Tooth Implant
When one tooth is missing, a single implant topped with a custom crown fills the space on its own. The teeth on either side are left untouched, which is a key advantage over a traditional bridge. A single tooth implant is often the best choice for a front tooth lost to injury or a back tooth that could not be saved with a root canal and crown.
Multiple Teeth: Implant-Supported Bridge
If you are missing two or more teeth in a row, you may not need an implant for every tooth. An implant-supported bridge uses two implants as anchors to hold a row of connected replacement teeth. This approach restores a larger gap with fewer implants, and because the bridge rests on implants instead of natural teeth, your healthy teeth stay intact.
Full Arch Restoration (All-on-4 Style)
For patients missing most or all of the teeth in the upper or lower jaw, a full arch restoration replaces the entire row with a fixed set of teeth anchored to a small number of implants, often four. The teeth stay in place full time and are only removed by our team during checkups. Many patients choose this option to move away from a removable denture or to replace teeth that are failing all at once.
Implant-Supported Dentures (Overdentures)
Implant-supported dentures, also called overdentures or snap-on dentures, clip onto implants placed in the jaw. They stay firmly in place while you eat and speak, yet you can still remove them at home for cleaning. This option is popular with current denture wearers who are tired of slipping, sore spots, and adhesives, and it can often be done with fewer implants than a fixed full arch.
Mini Implants
Mini implants are narrower than standard implants. In some cases they can be used where there is less bone available, or to help stabilize a lower denture. They are not the right fit for every situation, so ask us during your exam whether they could be an option for you.
Supporting Procedures
Some patients need a little extra preparation before an implant can be placed. These procedures help create a strong, healthy foundation.
Bone Grafting
When a tooth has been missing for a while, the jawbone in that area can shrink. Bone grafting adds bone or bone-like material to rebuild the site so it can support an implant. Grafting may be done at the same visit as an extraction or implant placement, or as a separate step beforehand. Learn more on our oral surgery page.
Tooth Extraction
If a damaged or failing tooth needs to come out first, we can often handle the extraction here and plan your implant at the same time, so you are not left wondering what comes next.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
Many adults who are missing teeth are good candidates for implants. You may be a good fit if you:
- Are missing one, several, or all of your teeth
- Have healthy gums, or are willing to treat gum disease first
- Have enough jawbone to support an implant, or are open to bone grafting
- Are in good general health
- Do not smoke, or are willing to cut back during healing
- Want a long-term alternative to a bridge or removable denture
Certain health conditions and medications can affect healing. Be sure to share your full medical history with us so we can plan safely. If implants are not the right fit for you today, we will talk you through other options.
What to Expect: The Dental Implant Process
Implant treatment usually happens in stages over several months. Here is what the journey typically looks like.
1. Consultation and Planning
Your first visit includes an exam, a review of your health history, and imaging of your teeth and jaw. We will explain your options, answer your questions, and give you a clear treatment plan and cost estimate before any work begins.
2. Implant Placement
The implant is placed in the jawbone during a minor surgical procedure. The area is numbed so you stay comfortable. If you feel anxious about treatment, let us know so we can talk through ways to help you feel at ease.
3. Healing
Over the next few months, the implant bonds with the surrounding bone. This step is what gives implants their strength. Most patients go back to normal daily activities within a day or two, and we will check in along the way to make sure healing is on track.
4. Final Restoration
Once the implant has fully healed, we attach your permanent crown, bridge, or denture. It is custom made to match the color, shape, and bite of your natural teeth, so it looks and feels like part of your smile.
Dental Implants vs. Bridges and Dentures
Bridges and dentures are proven treatments and still the right choice for some patients. Here is how implants compare:
- Protects healthy teeth: A traditional bridge requires reshaping the teeth on either side of a gap. An implant stands on its own.
- Helps preserve bone: Implants stimulate the jawbone much like natural roots. Bridges and traditional dentures do not, so bone in the gap can shrink over time.
- More stable: Implant-supported teeth do not slip or shift when you eat, talk, or laugh.
- Easier to eat: Many patients find they can enjoy a wider range of foods with implants than with a removable denture.
- Built to last: With good care, implants can serve you for many years, while bridges and dentures typically need replacing or adjusting more often.
Aftercare and Longevity
Caring for implants is a lot like caring for natural teeth. Brush twice a day, clean between your teeth daily with floss or a water flosser, and keep up with regular checkups and cleanings. Implants cannot get cavities, but the gums and bone around them can still become inflamed if plaque builds up, so daily care matters.
With good home care and routine visits, many implants last for decades. The crown or denture attached to the implant may eventually need to be replaced due to normal wear, just like any dental restoration. Avoid chewing ice or hard objects, and let us know if you grind your teeth at night, since a night guard can help protect your investment.
Why West Covina Patients Choose Us for Dental Implants
Dr. Motamedi and our periodontist, Dr. Agahi, work together to plan implant treatment with precision, from the initial evaluation through final restoration.
Dental Implants FAQs
The area is fully numbed during placement, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain. Afterward, some soreness and swelling are normal for a few days and are usually managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses. We will give you clear instructions for a comfortable recovery.
Most people return to work and normal routines within a day or two. The implant itself takes a few months to fully bond with the bone before the final tooth is attached. Your exact timeline depends on the number of implants, whether grafting is needed, and how your body heals.
With good daily care and regular dental visits, implants can last many years and often decades. The crown, bridge, or denture on top may need to be replaced at some point due to normal wear.
Cost depends on how many teeth are being replaced, the type of restoration, and whether you need extra steps like extractions or bone grafting. We provide a personalized treatment plan with a clear cost estimate after your consultation, so there are no surprises.
Coverage varies by plan. Some plans cover part of the implant, the crown, or related procedures. Our team will review your benefits with you and explain what to expect.
We want implant care to be within reach. Ask our team about payment options at your consultation.
There is no upper age limit for implants. What matters most is your overall health, gum health, and bone support. Many older adults enjoy implant-supported teeth, especially those who want more stability than a traditional denture provides.
Often, yes. Bone grafting, or a different type of restoration such as an implant-supported denture, may make treatment possible. A consultation and imaging will tell us what is possible in your case.
Schedule a Dental Appointment in West Covina
Ready to Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants?
If you are missing one tooth or many, our team at West Covina Perfect Smile Dentistry is here to help you explore your options and choose the right plan with confidence. Schedule a consultation today, call us at (626) 330-6655, or send us a message through our contact page.