Dental Implants FAQs

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is a titanium post placed surgically into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Bone grows directly onto the titanium surface over three to six months, anchoring the implant firmly enough to carry a crown, bridge, or denture. Mint Dental Loft uses implants to replace a single tooth or to support a full arch.

How long do dental implants last?

The implant post itself is designed to be permanent and commonly lasts decades once bone has integrated with it. The crown attached to the post wears like any restoration and is usually replaced after ten to fifteen years. Mint Dental Loft monitors both the implant and the surrounding bone with radiographs at recall visits.

Is the dental implant procedure painful?

No. Implant placement is performed under local anesthetic and most patients report less discomfort than a tooth extraction. Expect soreness and swelling for three to five days afterward, managed with over-the-counter anti-inflammatories and ice. Mint Dental Loft offers nitrous oxide or oral sedation for patients anxious about the surgery.

How long does the dental implant process take?

From placement to final crown the process usually takes three to six months, most of which is the healing period while bone integrates with the titanium post. A bone graft or sinus lift adds three to six months before the implant can be placed. Mint Dental Loft provides a temporary tooth during healing so the gap is never visible.

Am I too old for dental implants?

No. There is no upper age limit for dental implants, and bone quality and general health matter far more than age. Mint Dental Loft assesses bone volume with radiographs and reviews medications and medical conditions that affect healing, including uncontrolled diabetes, bisphosphonate use, and smoking.

Are dental implants better than dentures?

Implants preserve the jawbone, which removable dentures do not. Bone resorbs once tooth roots are gone, so a denture that fits today loosens as the ridge shrinks underneath it. Mint Dental Loft also offers implant-supported dentures, which anchor a denture to two or more implants and combine implant stability with the lower cost of a denture.

How much do dental implants cost, and will insurance help?

A single implant with its abutment and crown generally runs $3,000 to $5,000. Dental plans increasingly cover a portion, often the crown rather than the surgical placement, subject to the annual maximum. Mint Dental Loft submits a pre-treatment estimate and offers CareCredit, Cherry, and Sunbit financing.

What are the risks or complications of dental implants?

The main risks are failure of the bone to integrate with the post, infection of the surrounding tissue, and nerve or sinus involvement if the implant is poorly positioned. Success rates exceed 95 percent when placement is planned from three-dimensional imaging. Mint Dental Loft screens for smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, and untreated gum disease first, since those are the strongest predictors of failure.

How do I care for my dental implants?

Brush twice daily and clean around the implant every day with floss, interdental brushes, or a water flosser. The implant cannot decay, but the gum and bone around it can become infected in a condition called peri-implantitis, which is the leading cause of late implant loss. Mint Dental Loft checks the tissue and bone level around each implant at recall visits.

How do I get started with dental implants at Mint Dental Loft?

Call Mint Dental Loft in Altadena at (626) 639-8618 or request an appointment online. The consultation includes an examination, radiographs, and an assessment of bone volume, and produces a written plan covering the number of implants, any grafting required, the timeline, and the cost.