What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a replacement for the root of a missing tooth. It is a small titanium post placed into the jawbone, topped with an abutment (a connector) and a custom crown, bridge, or denture that is made to match your natural teeth in color and shape.
Unlike a traditional bridge, an implant does not require the teeth next to the gap to be trimmed down. Because the post sits in the jawbone, it also helps keep the bone from thinning over time, which is one reason many patients choose implants over dentures.
Who are dental implants for?
Implants are often considered by adults who have lost one tooth, several teeth in a row, or most or all of their teeth. Your dentist will look at your bone, gum health, and overall oral health to see whether implants are a good fit for you.
Some patients need preparation first. If the jawbone is too thin, a bone graft may be needed to build up the area before the implant is placed. Harmony Dental Care handles bone grafting and sinus lift procedures in its own office, so you do not need a referral to another practice for that step.
Types of dental implants offered
- Single-tooth implants. One implant post with a crown. The neighboring teeth are not changed.
- Implant-supported bridges. Two implant posts support a bridge that replaces two or more teeth in a row.
- All-on-4 full-arch implants. Four implants support a full set of fixed teeth for an entire arch.
- Implant-supported dentures. Dentures that snap on or are fixed in place, anchored by two to four implants.
Dr. Khaef provides these options at the West Covina office. Dr. Nguyen, a DMD, manages implant placement and restoration for many patients. Your dentist will recommend the option that matches your case.
What to expect during the implant process
The process usually happens in several stages, and the timing depends on your individual case.
Step 1: Consultation and 3D planning
At your first implant visit, the dentist examines your teeth, gums, and jawbone. Harmony Dental Care uses 3D CBCT imaging to look at bone density, gum health, and anatomy. The images are used to build a digital treatment plan that shows the position and angle of each implant before surgery begins.
Step 2: Implant placement surgery
The titanium post is placed into the jawbone with local anesthesia. Depending on the case, a temporary tooth or set of temporary teeth may be attached the same day. Your dentist will tell you whether this applies to you.
For comfort, the office offers a numbing gel, warm blankets, and noise-canceling headphones during treatment. Most patients describe the numbing as the main part of the process, but everyone responds differently, so ask your dentist what to expect for your procedure.
Step 3: Healing and osseointegration
After placement, the implant needs time to bond with the bone. This process is called osseointegration. For many patients it takes about three to six months. During this time, your dentist will schedule check-ups to monitor healing.
Step 4: Final restoration
Once the implant has healed, a custom crown, bridge, or full-arch prosthesis is attached. The final tooth is designed to match the color, shape, and translucency of your natural teeth.
All-on-4 implants in West Covina
All-on-4 is a full-arch option that uses four implants to hold a complete set of fixed teeth. Two implants are placed straight in the front of the jaw, and two are angled in the back. This angled placement can help make use of the bone that is available, which may reduce the need for bone grafting in some cases.
Harmony Dental Care uses 3D imaging and digital surgical planning for All-on-4 cases. Many patients receive a temporary set of teeth on the same day as surgery. The final teeth are attached after the implants have healed. Whether you need additional bone support depends on your exam and scans.
The practice’s All-on-4 information lists a typical range of $18,000 to $35,000 per arch. The final cost depends on the material used for the teeth and on your individual treatment plan, so ask for a written estimate for your own case.
How much do dental implants cost in West Covina?
The cost of dental implants depends on your treatment plan. The number of implants, whether bone grafting is needed, the type of final tooth, and the materials used all affect the total. Your dentist will explain the options and the fees for your case during your consultation.
Harmony Dental Care also offers a $59 New Patient Special for new patients without insurance. It includes a comprehensive exam, digital X-rays, and a professional cleaning. This special is for the first visit and does not cover implant treatment itself.
Does insurance cover dental implants?
Whether dental insurance covers an implant depends on your specific plan. The office does not promise coverage for any plan.
Harmony Dental Care accepts PPO and indemnity plans, Medi-Cal, Denti-Cal, Smile California, and CalOptima, along with most major dental insurance plans.
Before your visit, the office offers a free insurance eligibility check. The team reviews your benefits so you know what your plan may cover before treatment is scheduled. Call (626) 858-3305 to ask for this check.
Payment and financing options
Harmony Dental Care offers flexible financing with monthly payment plans for elective and major procedures. Ask the team about these options during your visit so you can compare them with your insurance benefits.
Caring for dental implants after treatment
Dental implants are designed to last, and the titanium posts can last a lifetime with proper care. The crown or bridge can wear over time, so good daily habits matter.
- Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth with floss or the tool your dentist recommends.
- Keep your regular cleanings and check-ups so your dentist can watch the gums and bone around the implant.
- Avoid chewing very hard foods on the new teeth in the early months, unless your dentist says it is safe.
- Tell your dentist about any pain, swelling, or looseness right away.
Your dentist will give you specific aftercare instructions for your procedure.
Why patients choose Harmony Dental Care in West Covina
Harmony Dental Care has been practicing in West Covina for 20 years. Dr. Nguyen and Dr. Khaef lead the team, and both focus on continuing education and current dental technology.
The office handles implant care from start to finish in one location. That includes 3D imaging, bone grafting when needed, surgical placement, and the final restoration. The practice uses CBCT imaging, digital scanning with iTero, digital impressions, and 3D digital X-rays. For crowns, the office uses CEREC same-day milling in some cases.
Patients often mention the staff’s attention and the office’s comfort. The practice has 4.8 out of 5 stars from 148 Google reviews. Patients from Covina, La Puente, South San Jose Hills, and City of Industry visit the West Covina office for implant care.
How do I book a dental implant consultation?
Harmony Dental Care is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and is closed on Saturday and Sunday. New patients are welcome of all ages.
To schedule your first visit, call (626) 858-3305 or book online. You can ask about the $59 New Patient Special and a free insurance eligibility check when you call.
Harmony Dental Care 148 N Grand Ave, West Covina, CA 91791
Read more: What affects the cost of dental implants in West Covina.
Questions about dental implants
How much do dental implants cost in West Covina, CA?
The cost depends on how many implants you need, whether bone grafting is needed, and the type of final tooth. Harmony Dental Care reviews these details during your consultation and gives a treatment plan. The office also offers a $59 New Patient Special for new patients without insurance, which covers an exam, digital X-rays, and a cleaning.
Does insurance cover dental implants?
Coverage depends on your specific plan, so the office cannot promise what your plan will pay. Harmony Dental Care accepts PPO, indemnity, Medi-Cal, Denti-Cal, Smile California, CalOptima, and most major dental plans. A free insurance eligibility check is available before your visit.
Are dental implants covered by Medi-Cal?
Whether Medi-Cal covers an implant depends on the patient's plan and the treatment needed. Harmony Dental Care accepts Medi-Cal and Denti-Cal and handles authorizations and claims for those patients. Ask the team to review your situation before treatment is planned.
Is getting a dental implant painful?
The procedure is done with local anesthesia, so the area is numb during placement. Harmony Dental Care also offers a numbing gel, warm blankets, and noise-canceling headphones for comfort. Your dentist can explain what to expect for your specific treatment.
How long does the dental implant process take?
After placement, the implant usually needs about three to six months to bond with the jawbone before the final crown or bridge is attached. Some cases, such as All-on-4, may include a temporary set of teeth the same day as surgery. Your timeline depends on your case.
Do I need a bone graft before dental implants?
Some patients need a bone graft if the jawbone is too thin to hold an implant. Your dentist will check bone density with 3D CBCT imaging and recommend a plan. Harmony Dental Care offers bone grafting and sinus lift procedures in its own office.
How do I schedule a dental implant consultation in West Covina?
Call (626) 858-3305 or book online to schedule your first visit. The office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, at 148 N Grand Ave in West Covina. Free parking is available in front of the building.
Who will place my dental implant at Harmony Dental Care?
Dr. Khaef provides single-tooth implants, implant bridges, and All-on-4 full-arch implants at the West Covina office. Dr. Nguyen, a DMD, manages implant placement and restoration for many patients. Your dentist will confirm who will treat you at your consultation.