Dental Implants: What You Should Know

At Dr. Prabhdeep K. Gill’s dental office in Fresno, CA, we recognize that a major concern for patients contemplating dental implants is how long they might be without teeth during the process. Rest assured, in the majority of cases, you will not have to be without teeth at any point.

After your initial consultation and treatment planning with Dr. Gill, the surgical phase of implant placement involves the following steps:

• Extraction of the remaining tooth 
• Bone grafting 
• Implant surgery

During this healing time, we will provide you with a temporary prosthesis or denture immediately after the implant placement. This temporary restoration will remain in place until the implant has fully healed and integrated with the bone, ensuring that you always have a tooth or teeth in place while waiting for the final restoration.

The final stage of the dental implant process at our clinic is the placement of the permanent crown onto the implant, following the successful osseointegration of the implant. 

At Dr. Prabhdeep K. Gill, DDS, we ensure that your journey to a permanent dental implant is as comfortable and worry-free as possible. We prioritize your appearance and ability to eat and speak throughout the entire process, so you won’t have to spend that time without teeth.

When considering dental implants, the number of teeth you need to replace is a key factor to consider. However, implants are not always a one-to-one replacement – you do not necessarily need one implant for every missing tooth. At our Fresno dental practice, Dr. Prabhdeep Gill and her team are experts in determining the best approach for individual patients.

For individuals missing all their teeth, common solutions include full dentures or implant-supported full dental bridges. Typically, a full mouth restoration involves placing four to eight implants in the upper jaw and four to six in the lower jaw, although this can vary depending on individual needs. Dr. Gill and her experienced team will carefully evaluate your specific condition and suggest the most suitable treatment plan.

The number of implants needed is influenced by several factors, including how many teeth are missing, the condition and location of the jawbone, the type of implant selected, and the patient’s general health and oral hygiene. Additional considerations include the bone quality and volume in the jaw, the strength of the bite, the type of replacement teeth planned, and the specific placement of the implants within the mouth. Dr. Gill will perform a comprehensive assessment to determine these factors and recommend the best approach.

Dental implants, popular for their natural look, feel, and function, are among the tooth replacement options we offer. We also provide bridges and dentures as alternatives, according to the suitability and preference of our patients.

Post-tooth extraction, a natural healing process known as alveolar ridge resorption occurs, during which the jawbone and surrounding tissues gradually remodel to fill in the extraction socket. We use two main methods for placing dental implants after tooth extraction: immediate and delayed implant placement. Immediate implant placement involves placing the implant directly into the extraction site right after the tooth is removed. This technique is often ideal for patients with strong bone density and good overall health, especially if the extraction was necessary due to trauma or severe infection.

Delayed implant placement, on the other hand, typically requires a waiting period of 3 to 6 months after extraction, allowing the jawbone to heal and strengthen. This approach is generally preferred for individuals with weaker bone structure, a history of smoking, or periodontal disease, as it ensures the bone is stable enough to support the implant.

At Gill Family Dentistry, we consider your overall health, bone density at the extraction site, the type of extraction performed, and your personal preferences when deciding on the timing of the implant. Our dentists may recommend waiting until the area has healed and any infection has been treated before proceeding with implant placement.

With extensive expertise in implantology, our team is skilled in performing single-day dental implant procedures. This approach follows the same steps as traditional implants, including tooth extraction, making an incision in the gum tissue, surgically placing the implant in the jawbone, attaching the abutment, and placing a temporary crown. However, unlike the traditional multi-step process, we complete all these procedures in a single appointment, significantly cutting down on the overall treatment time for our patients.

While single-day dental implants offer significant advantages like reduced discomfort and swelling, improved aesthetics and functionality, and a long-lasting solution, they do carry potential risks and limitations. These include a higher risk of implant failure, infection, and other complications due to the accelerated process. Furthermore, the cost may be higher than traditional implants.

Deciding on a single-day dental implant is a crucial choice that should be discussed with your dentist. They will assess your oral health and determine your eligibility for the procedure. Our practice focuses on personalized care to ensure the best long-term results. Be sure to discuss the suitability, risks, and benefits with your dentist.

At Prabhdeep K. Gill DDS, we understand that dental implants can be a significant investment. Dental insurance plans can vary greatly in their coverage, but most typically cover a portion of the cost for dental implants. The amount your insurance pays depends on the specifics of your plan, such as deductibles, annual maximums, and the percentage of coverage.

Dental implants are a highly effective and widely favored option for replacing missing teeth, and they are available at our dental practice. However, the cost of the procedure can be significant. While dental insurance may cover a portion of the expenses, the amount of coverage will vary depending on the details of your insurance plan.

Several factors influence the insurance coverage for dental implants, including the type of plan, deductible, coverage limits, and waiting period. Dental insurance plans mainly fall into two categories: PPO and HMO. PPO plans typically offer more flexibility and coverage than HMO plans, which is something to consider when selecting a plan.

Not all dental insurance plans cover dental implants, as some consider them cosmetic. It’s essential to check with your provider and consult our team to understand your coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs. We also offer payment plans to make implants more affordable. 

At Prabhdeep K. Gill DDS, we believe implants are a long-term, cost-effective solution compared to dentures or bridges, and we are committed to helping you navigate your financial options. For any concerns or if you need to schedule a follow-up appointment, please contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 7215 N First St Suite 107 Fresno CA 93720. We serve patients from Fresno CA, Clovis CA, Burness CA, Gordon CA, Calwa CA, and Easton CA.