According to studies, an estimated 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, and approximately 40 million Americans are missing all of their teeth. The problem gets worse as we age, with nearly 30 percent of adults between the ages of 65 – 74 having no natural teeth. Men and women lose their teeth mainly because of cavities, periodontal disease, or an injury. If you fall into any of these categories, you may be a candidate for dental implants.

At Corona Oral Surgery and Implant Center, there are many ways that our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons, Dr. Prabh Grewal and Dr. Arthur Kilkuts, can replace missing teeth for Corona, Norco, and Eastvale, CA patients. However, there is almost no other tooth replacement option that gives the most long-lasting results than dental implants. Our natural-looking dental implants use Straumann® technology for a custom fit. This fixed implant uses a titanium screw that serves as an artificial tooth root along with a custom crown that replaces the missing tooth. When you have missing teeth you want to replace, call Corona Oral Surgery and Implant Center to schedule an appointment to learn about dental implants in Corona, CA.

Causes of missing teeth

Your smile is usually the first thing that others notice about you. However, for men and women who have missing teeth, the thought of social interaction and the chance that others may notice obvious holes in the mouth may be quite intimidating. Your teeth have an important job and are used every day for activities like chewing, talking/word pronunciation, clear communication, and your overall oral and general health.

So, it’s safe to say that missing teeth can create quite an impact. Here are some of the most common reasons for missing teeth:

• Tooth decay

• Gum disease

• Trauma to the mouth

• Extractions

• Aging

• genetics

How are dental implants placed?

The process of receiving dental implants will span over multiple visits. At Corona Oral Surgery and Implant Center, our team will prepare your gums for surgery with sedation or local anesthesia. Next, an incision is made into your gums. From there, Dr. Grewal or Dr. Kilkuts will surgically insert a metal, screw-like post into the jawbone where your tooth is missing, providing a strong base for an artificial tooth, or crown, to be placed later. Your incision will then be closed with sutures. For patients with advanced bone deterioration, they may require bone grafting.

A healing period called osseointegration, where your bone fuses with the implant, follows, which may take many months. The process is important as it enables the jawbone to heal tightly around the dental implant, absorbing it into the gumline like a natural tooth.

After full healing, a custom-made crown is placed atop your implant to complete your final restoration.

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants are a proven and long-lasting way to fix tooth loss for patients in Corona, Eastvale, and Norco, CA. When these implants are properly cared for, they can last up to ten years. When you lose teeth, the bone underneath will deteriorate. Dental implants help prevent further tooth loss and any changes to your face caused by this deterioration.

How to extend the life of your dental implants

There are many ways you can make your dental implants last, including:

1. Proper oral hygiene: Ultimately, how well you care for and maintain your dental implant and natural teeth affects how long they will last. Regular brushing and flossing and dental check-ups every six months are a must.

2. How you use your teeth: Don’t use your teeth as a tool. Never chew or bite on a hard object as your dental implant can break or chip, and require a replacement.

3. Location of your implant: Implants in the back of the mouth receive more pressure. This means that a dental implant in the back of the mouth is more likely to fail quicker.

Does dental insurance cover implants?

In some cases, dental insurance companies may cover a portion of your dental implants when it is deemed medically necessary. Our professional team can review your insurance coverage as well as discuss out-of-pocket financial obligations at your consultation before you commit to dental implants.

Replace missing teeth with dental implants

There are many benefits to getting dental implants in Corona, Eastvale, and Norco, CO. At Corona Oral Surgery and Implant Center, Dr. Prabh Grewal and Dr. Arthur Kilkuts will closely examine a patient’s teeth and gums to determine if they’re a candidate for this missing tooth solution. We offer implant-based crowns, bridges, and dentures for long-term tooth replacements. To schedule an appointment to learn if you’re eligible for dental implants, call our Corona, CA office today.