FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Dental implants are prosthetics made of titanium alloy that replace the root of the tooth and support a prosthesis. Dental implants contribute towards improving your physical appearance and ability to chew and are suitable for patients who have lost one, several, or all of their teeth. These prosthetics, once anchored to a healthy bone, provide reliable stability for the patient’s new teeth.

Not necessarily. Our Tehachapi dentist will assess the number of teeth that need to be replaced and the size of the prosthesis. Dr. Sanchez will also calculate how many implants are required. Each case has to be studied and planned in detail.

Your jawbone begins to shrink from lack of stimulation. Losing your teeth will affect your smile and change the shape of your face, causing you to look prematurely aged.

Dental implants can be placed in most adults. Adolescents may be eligible once their face structure has matured. Tehachapi  dental implant expert Jose David Sanchez, D.D.S. can explain the benefits and risks to see if dental implants are right for you.

No, dental implants are typically placed under IV sedation by Dr. Sanchez. With sedation dentistry you will feel relaxed and may sleep through your dental treatment and wake up with a brand new smile.

You may return to work the next day unless otherwise instructed by Dr. Sanchez. You may be prescribed medication to alleviate any minor discomfort you may have.

They may be placed in as little as 30 to 60 minutes depending on the location and the number of implants placed and the impact of the nearby teeth.

A graft may be needed if Dr. Sanchez determines there is not sufficient bone or gum tissue.

Treatment time varies by patient. Typically, you will have some type of temporary teeth until your implants bond to the bone. Dr. Sanchez can provide a time estimate based on your treatment needs.

Home care for your implants consists of brushing and flossing. Regular dental visits to our Tehachapi dental office are required for long-term health and success.

Implants can last many years if cared for properly. Many implants have been in place for more than 40 years.

Dental implants have an extremely high average success rate of 99%.

Dental implants are low maintenance and provide stability and confidence in your smile. Therefore, the long-term value of dental implants far exceeds conventional treatment options.

Most dental insurances only cover the cost to remove the tooth. They rarely cover the actual restoration of the tooth, which includes replacing the tooth root with a titanium prosthesis and the dental crown. That’s why most dental offices offer financing through a third party lender, to help patients afford the comlex procedure.