Can I Still Get Dental Implants with Bone Loss?

Having healthy gums and teeth contribute to much more than just a healthy smile. Optimal oral health is essential for speech production, nutritional intake, and preventing unnecessary bone loss and disease. At Corona Oral Surgery and Implant Center, board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons Dr. Prabh Grewal and Dr. Arthur Kilkuts offer their patients dental implant surgery in Corona, CA. Using Straumann® technology, Dr. Grewal and Dr. Kilkuts provide patients with natural-looking dental implants to replace missing teeth and restore healthy smiles that last for years.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are long-term fixtures that consist of a titanium screw that is surgically placed in the jawbone. The screw serves as an artificial root that can be connected to crowns, bridges, or dentures to replace one or several missing teeth. At Corona Oral Surgery and Implant Center, Dr. Grewal and Dr. Kilkuts help their patients determine if dental implants are right for them, the number of recommended implants, and if any preparatory treatments, such as tooth extractions, are necessary before surgery.

Am I an ideal candidate for dental implants?

Men and women who are missing one or more teeth, or who have unsalvageable teeth that need to be extracted may qualify for dental implants. Before surgery can take place, Dr. Grewal and Dr. Kilkuts inspect the patient’s mouth to assess if they have healthy gums and enough bone mass to hold the implants. If the patient has specific conditions, such as pregnancy, uncontrolled diabetes, cancer, blood disorders, or chronic tobacco use, our team may recommend against dental implant surgery.

If a patient already has significant bone loss in the jawbone, they may not be an appropriate candidate for dental implant surgery. Dr. Grewal and Dr. Kilkuts conduct thorough dental examinations of the teeth, gums, and jawbone to determine if the patient possesses a healthy oral environment for dental implants.

What is the treatment process like?

Dental implant surgeries are performed at Corona Oral Surgery and Implant Center by either Dr. Prabh Grewal or Dr. Arthur Kilkuts. The mouth is numbed with oral anesthesia, but other sedation options are available to reduce discomfort or anxiety. Using Straumann guided implant surgery, the posts are placed in the jawbone with precision. Through a process called osseointegration, the posts are given time to become one with the jawbone, which can take several months. During that time, the posts are covered with temporary crowns or caps to optimize healing. Once the implants have fully healed, customized fixtures, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures, are attached.

What is the recovery period like for dental implants?

Patients near Eastvale, or Norco, CA can expect temporary pain and inflammation after surgery, which can be relieved with cold compresses and over-the-counter medication. During the first few days, patients will have to alter their diet to liquids and soft foods. Dr. Grewal and Dr. Kilkuts send patients home with recovery tips and precautions, including how to properly clean and care for the implants during the healing process.

What are the benefits of getting dental implants?

There are several benefits to getting dental implants, including:

Creating a strong bite
Having a more secure option for dentures
Making it easier to talk
Preventing unnecessary bone loss
Eating a wide variety of foods
Providing a natural, fuller smile

Does dental insurance cover dental implants?

Traditional dental insurance policies do not typically cover dental implant surgery, while cosmetic dental plans often provide at least partial coverage. Our team works with each patient and their insurance provider to determine coverage and out-of-pocket costs prior to performing surgery.

Learn more about dental implants

If you are missing teeth or wish to replace irreversibly damaged teeth to restore your smile, cal l Corona Oral Surgery and Implant Center located in Corona, CA and schedule an appointment with either Dr. Prabh Grewal or Dr. Arthur Kilkuts today. Our team will help you learn more about the benefits of dental implant surgery and if it’s the right treatment course for you.