Free Guide to Dental Implant Options in Barstow

Understanding Dental Implants: What They Are and How They Work

A dental implant is a replacement tooth that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth. The implant itself is a small screw made of titanium that a dentist surgically places into your jawbone where a tooth is missing. Titanium is used because it's strong, lightweight, and your body doesn't reject it. Over several months, the bone around the implant fuses to it in a process called osseointegration. Once this happens, the implant becomes a stable foundation.

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After the bone has fused to the implant, a dental professional attaches a crown—the visible part that looks like a tooth—to the top of the implant. This crown is custom-made to match the color, size, and shape of your other teeth. Unlike dentures or bridges, implants don't rely on your other teeth for support, and they don't slip or move around in your mouth.

The process typically takes several months from start to finish. Your dentist will first take X-rays and examine your jawbone to make sure you have enough bone structure to support an implant. If your bone is too thin or soft, bone grafting may be necessary before the implant can be placed. After the implant is inserted, you'll need to wait three to six months for osseointegration to occur. During this waiting period, you can often wear a temporary tooth so you don't have to go without.

Implants can replace a single missing tooth, or multiple implants can support a bridge or denture that replaces several teeth. Some people get implants to replace all their teeth. The number of implants needed depends on how many teeth are missing and the condition of your jawbone.

Takeaway: Dental implants are titanium posts placed in the jawbone that fuse with bone over time, then support a crown or other restoration. Understanding this basic structure helps you see why implants are durable and long-lasting compared to other tooth replacement options.

Dental Implant Options Available to Barstow Residents

Barstow residents have several types of dental implants and restoration options to consider. The main types of implants are endosteal implants and subperiosteal implants. Endosteal implants are the most common type—these are the small screws placed directly into the jawbone. Subperiosteal implants are used less often and are placed on top of the jaw under the gum when there isn't enough bone height or depth for an endosteal implant.

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Within endosteal implants, there are different materials and designs. Most implants are made of titanium or titanium alloy. Some newer implants are made of zirconia, a white ceramic material that some people prefer because it's tooth-colored and doesn't show through the gum like a metal implant might. However, titanium implants have a longer track record and more research supporting their success.

For tooth replacement, you have options depending on how many teeth you're replacing. A single crown on an implant replaces one tooth. An implant bridge uses two or more implants to support a bridge that replaces several teeth in a row. An implant-supported denture uses two to six implants to hold a full denture in place, making it much more stable than a traditional denture that relies only on suction to stay in your mouth.

Barstow dental offices may offer different implant brands. Some of the most widely used brands include Straumann, Nobel Biocare, Zimmer Biomet, and Osstem. Different brands have slightly different shapes and designs, but they all work on the same basic principle. Your dentist will choose an implant brand based on their training, experience, and what they believe will work best for your situation.

Some dental practices in the Barstow area may also offer digital implant planning using 3D imaging. This technology lets your dentist see exactly where your bone is and plan the implant placement before surgery. This can lead to more precise placement and potentially faster healing.

Takeaway: Barstow residents can choose from several implant materials, designs, and restoration types. Learning about these options helps you have an informed conversation with your dentist about what might work best for your needs and budget.

The Dental Implant Process: What to Expect From Start to Finish

The dental implant journey begins with a consultation. During this visit, your dentist will examine your mouth, take X-rays, and ask about your medical history. They'll assess how many teeth you're missing, the condition of your jawbone, and whether you have any health conditions that might affect implant success. Be honest about any medications you take, smoking habits, and past medical treatments. All of this information helps your dentist determine if implants are a good choice for you.

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If your jawbone doesn't have enough volume, your dentist may recommend bone grafting before implant placement. Bone graft material can come from your own bone (taken from another area of your jaw or body), from a donor, or from synthetic bone material. The bone graft is placed where it's needed and takes three to nine months to fuse with your existing bone before an implant can be placed.

Once your dentist confirms you have adequate bone, they'll schedule the implant surgery. On surgery day, your mouth will be numbed with local anesthetic, similar to what you'd receive for a filling. Some patients choose sedation as well. Your dentist will make an incision in the gum, carefully drill into the bone, and insert the implant screw. The gum is then stitched closed around the implant. The entire procedure usually takes 30 minutes to two hours, depending on how many implants are being placed.

After surgery, you'll experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, but most people manage this with over-the-counter pain medication and ice packs. Your dentist will give you specific instructions about eating soft foods, avoiding strenuous activity, and caring for the surgical site. Most people return to normal activities within one to two weeks.

Over the next three to six months, osseointegration occurs—your bone grows and fuses to the titanium implant. During this time, you generally wear a temporary tooth so you can chew and smile normally. Once osseointegration is complete, your dentist will take another X-ray to confirm the implant is stable, then place an abutment (a connector piece) on top of the implant. A few weeks later, your custom crown is attached to the abutment. From start to finish, the entire process typically takes four to nine months.

Takeaway: The implant process involves consultation, possibly bone grafting, implant surgery, a healing and osseointegration period, and finally crown placement. Knowing the timeline and what happens at each stage helps you plan your schedule and manage expectations.

Cost Considerations and Pricing Information for Barstow

Dental implants are a significant investment. In the Barstow area, a single dental implant with crown typically costs between $3,000 and $6,500. This price includes the implant itself, the abutment, and the crown. If bone grafting is needed, add $500 to $3,000 depending on the amount of bone needed and the type of graft material used. If you need multiple implants or implant-supported dentures, the total cost increases accordingly.

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Prices vary between dental practices in Barstow for several reasons. Some dentists have more extensive training and experience with implants, which may be reflected in their fees. The brand of implant used can affect cost—some brands are more expensive than others. The complexity of your case matters too. If your bone is in good condition and the implant placement is straightforward, the cost may be lower than a complex case requiring bone grafting or specialized techniques.

Most dental insurance plans don't cover implants because they're considered cosmetic or elective. However, some plans cover a portion of the cost—typically 10 to 50 percent. Dental schools in California, including those in nearby areas, sometimes offer implant services at reduced rates. Students perform the procedures under close supervision from experienced instructors. The cost is usually 40 to 60 percent less than private practice, but treatment takes longer because students work more slowly.

Many Barstow dental offices offer payment plans that let you spread the cost over time. Some practices partner with dental financing companies like CareCredit