Dental implants are one way to replace missing teeth. An implant is a post in the jaw that a replacement tooth can attach to, and it takes the place of the tooth root. Whether one tooth, several teeth or a full arch is missing, we advise which option applies after an examination. An implant is one way to replace a tooth, and we explain the other options too. We offer implants at Oak Tree Dental in Poway and the surrounding area. Call our team at (858) 748-2101 to ask about implants or book a visit.
Oak Tree Dental offers implants in Poway. At Oak Tree Dental, Dr. Rafik Riad, DDS, places and restores dental implants in Poway, using digital planning and 3D cone beam imaging. Oak Tree Dental also has a periodontist and oral surgeons. When a case needs it, a periodontist or an oral surgeon can examine you. We welcome new patients, and payment plans are available through Cherry, Sunbit, Proceed and CareCredit. Call (858) 748-2101 or book online.
The dental implant process
An implant starts with a small post. After placement, the jawbone grows onto the post and holds it firmly, which gives a replacement tooth a steady base. An implant also encourages new bone to form in the jaw. With insufficient bone quantity, our dentist may plan a bone graft before placing the implant. Implant placement is usually done under a local anesthetic.
Implants and the jawbone
An implant post is placed in the jawbone, and over time the bone fuses with the post to hold it in place. Before placement, we check the bone to see whether there is enough to support an implant. When there is not enough bone, a bone graft, which adds bone material to the jaw, may be needed first. After the implant is placed, we protect the site with a healing cap or a temporary crown. This keeps food out while the site heals. When healing is finished, we attach the permanent crown or bridge to the implant. Placement is usually straightforward, though how it goes depends on your general health and your teeth and gums. WebMD has general information about dental implants. Given good care, an implant can last a lifetime** (see results note) and work much like your natural teeth.
Your consultation and medical history
At the consultation, we review your oral health and your medical history, and we may take X-rays and imaging. Dr. Rafik Riad places implants at our office, using digital planning and 3D cone beam imaging. We then explain the plan to you. Good oral health helps us plan implant treatment. We check the gums, the bone and the remaining teeth, and look at factors such as medical history that can affect healing. We then evaluate whether implants are suited to you. Being a good candidate depends on the health of your gums, your bone and your body overall.
What implant placement involves
Implant dentistry is a branch of dental surgery. We place the implant post in the jawbone, usually under a local anesthetic, and close the gum tissue over or around it. We explain each step before treatment begins.
How to care for dental implants
Implants and dental bridges are different ways to replace a tooth, and we explain each one. You care for an implant much as you care for your own teeth. That means brushing and flossing around the implant and keeping regular dental checkups.
Gum tissue and the surrounding teeth
Healthy gum tissue around the implant, and healthy surrounding teeth, are part of keeping an implant in good order. Brushing, flossing and regular checkups help protect both. If the gums look red or feel sore, please contact us promptly.
Proper care after treatment
Proper care starts as soon as the implant is placed. We give you instructions for cleaning the area, and regular visits let us check the implant and the gums around it. Contact us if something feels wrong.
Implants and your existing teeth
A single implant replaces one missing tooth and does not rest on the teeth beside it. At the same visit, we also look at the neighboring teeth and the other existing teeth. If you are replacing a missing tooth, we explain the options that apply to you.
Treatment planned around individual needs
Each treatment plan is built around individual needs, because the number of missing teeth, the condition of the bone and a person's health all differ. We explain the options to replace missing teeth, including implants, bridges and dentures, and the benefits and limits of each.
The cost of dental implants
What dental implants cost depends on the treatment. The main factors are how many implants are needed, whether a bone graft is needed first, and the type of crown, bridge or denture that the implants hold. Payment plans are available through Cherry, Sunbit, Proceed and CareCredit. We accept most major PPO dental insurance plans and can verify your benefits before your visit. Talk to us at Oak Tree Dental, and we explain the cost for your case at the consultation. Call (858) 748-2101 and our team can answer your questions about payment plans and insurance.
Healing after dental implant surgery
We explain what to expect during healing for your own case. Call us if you have questions during healing. We explain what to eat while the area heals. Follow the aftercare instructions we give you during healing.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: Dental Implants in Poway, CA
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: Benefits of dental implants
People with missing teeth can ask whether they are a candidate for dental implants. A dental implant replaces a missing tooth, and the crown on top is made to look like your other teeth. Four things to know about implants.
- Comfortable*** (see results note). A replacement tooth is attached to a post placed in the jaw.
- Functional. A replacement tooth on an implant is made for chewing and speaking.
- Permanent* (see results note). Implant posts are placed in the jaw and left in place. They can last a lifetime** (see results note) with good care. A fixed tooth on an implant is removed only by a dentist.
- Natural-looking**** (see results note). Implant-supported teeth look like natural teeth. The crown is the visible part of an implant, shaped by us to fit your mouth.
Tooth loss and the jawbone
Once a tooth is gone, the jawbone that held its root no longer receives the same stimulation, and the bone in that area can shrink over time. This is called bone resorption. We can check the bone at an examination and explain what tooth loss means for you.
Life with an implant
Many people in the San Diego area ask how an implant fits into daily life. Creating a plan for eating, cleaning and follow-up visits with the dental team helps you know what to expect. The dentist can also talk through how treatment affects your smile and your day to day life.
Many people choose dental implants as a permanent* (see results note) solution for missing teeth. The implant gives a strong and stable foundation, and its long lasting design supports longevity. Implants can enhance the appearance of a smile, and many people feel more confident with a confident smile. Unlike traditional dentures, implants are fixed in the jawbone, so the advantages include comfort and the freedom to eat favorite foods. The cost of implants is discussed at the consultation. Our dentists bring expertise and commitment to personalized care for your well being. Individual results vary.
Dental implants in Poway and San Diego County
Oak Tree Dental is a dental practice in Poway, CA, in San Diego County, and we welcome patients from Poway, Rancho Bernardo, 4S Ranch, Sabre Springs and Scripps Ranch. Our office offers implant dentistry, and Dr. Rafik Riad places implants at our office. Call us to ask about a consultation. Our office is open Monday to Wednesday and Friday from 7:00am to 3:00pm, and Thursday from 10:00am to 5:00pm. We offer care in English, Spanish, Russian and Arabic. There is parking at the office.
Implants compared with traditional dentures
A traditional denture rests on the gums and is taken out for cleaning. Teeth supported by implants attach to implants placed in the jaw. We explain which options apply to you, including the options for replacing all of the teeth.
How many dental implants do I need?
When several teeth are missing, several implants can support a bridge or a set of teeth. Our dentist decides the number and position of the implants after the consultation. If several teeth are missing, ask us about the options.
Your implant dentist in Poway
Dr. Rafik Riad, DDS, places and restores dental implants at our Poway office. At your first visit the dentist reviews your medical history, examines your mouth and takes the images needed, then explains your options and the steps of each before any treatment is planned. To ask about implants, call (858) 748-2101.
Questions answered on this page
What are the steps of getting a dental implant?
The steps are a consultation with imaging, implant placement, a healing period, and then a crown or bridge. A temporary crown or healing cap protects the site while it heals, and the whole process can take several months. We explain each step before treatment begins.
What is 3D cone beam imaging used for?
3D cone beam imaging gives us a three-dimensional view of the jawbone. We use it with digital planning to check the bone and plan where an implant can be placed.
Can implants replace one tooth, several teeth or a full arch?
A single implant replaces one missing tooth, several implants can support a bridge or a set of teeth, and a full arch of teeth can be held on four implants with All-on-4®. We advise which option applies after an examination.
Who places dental implants at Oak Tree Dental?
Our dentists, including Dr. Rafik Riad, place implants at our office in Poway, CA, using digital planning and 3D cone beam imaging. Call us to ask about a consultation.
People also ask
Q. Which options replace a missing tooth?
Q. What happens during implant recovery?
Q. Who can have dental implants?
Q. What does an implant dentist do?
Frequently asked questions
Treatment runs over several months, beginning with your initial consultation. Timing depends on the person and how many implants are placed, and we explain it at the consultation.
The crown is the part of the implant you can see. We can replace the crown. Call Oak Tree Dental so our implant dentist can take a look.
Implants can be used to support dentures, including removable dentures. After an examination, we advise whether an implant-supported denture suits you and how many implants it would need. Mini dental implants are a smaller type of implant.
Ask us what material your implant post is made of. A study compared allergy to titanium with allergy to other metals. Tell us about any allergies at your consultation, and we review your medical history.
Return to work depends on the person and the procedure. We explain what to expect after placement, and you can call us with questions. We also give you instructions for getting back to your normal activities.
Dental implant terminology
Call Oak Tree Dental about dental implants
Implants are one way to replace a missing tooth, with a crown on top. If you are missing teeth, we can explain whether an implant suits you. Call (858) 748-2101 to book a visit at Oak Tree Dental.
Individual results vary. How long a treatment lasts, and how it looks and feels, depends on each patient. *"Permanent" means fixed rather than removable. **"Lifetime" describes how long a restoration may last with good care; it is not a guarantee, and restorations can need repair or replacement. ***"Comfortable" describes a tooth that is fixed in place; how treatment feels varies from patient to patient. ****"Natural-looking" describes how a crown is made to match your other teeth; how it looks varies from patient to patient.