Dental implant
The titanium root placed in your jawbone to replace the missing tooth.
Getting a dental implant is the closest thing to getting your natural tooth back. It is not a same-day fix, but a careful process that requires planning, patience, and multiple visits so the titanium root can properly integrate with your jawbone.
At Dr. Jesara López's clinic, we give you an honest evaluation. We explain the steps, the timeline, and provide a written treatment plan with clear costs before any work begins.
Your surgery is performed by Dr. Fidel Machado, a specialist in implantology and prosthodontics. This means the same doctor who places your implant also plans your final tooth from day one. Our team also includes a periodontist, a prosthodontist, and oral surgeons in the same clinic for complex cases.
The titanium root placed in your jawbone to replace the missing tooth.
The final tooth that goes on top of the implant, either metal-free or metal-porcelain.
A necessary procedure when there is not enough bone to support the implant.
A complete set of fixed teeth supported by implants, using materials like titanium and zirconia.
We assess your mouth, check your bone levels, and provide a clear, written treatment plan with costs.
The implant is placed. Plan to rest for the first 24 hours, stay on a liquid diet for the first 3 days (then very soft foods), and don't smoke.
We wait 3 to 6 months for the implant to fuse to your bone, with check-up visits to monitor healing.
We take impressions and place your permanent crown, then send you the home-care guide and book check-ups every 6 months.
| Implant | Bridge | Removable Denture | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neighboring teeth | Untouched | Shaved down to support the bridge | Used as support with clasps |
| Removable? | No, it is fixed | No, it is fixed | Yes; taken out for cleaning and usually at night |
| Time & Visits | Several visits over 3 to 6 months | Fewer visits, faster process | Few visits, the fastest option |
| Daily care | Special floss, interdental brush, water flosser | Special floss under the bridge | Cleaned outside the mouth with a special brush |
| When to choose | To preserve bone and protect other teeth | If neighboring teeth already need crowns | As an alternative to surgery |
The implant process takes several visits over 3 to 6 months. It involves the surgery, check-ups, and finally placing the crown once the bone has healed.
In some cases, we can place an immediate implant on the same day as the extraction. This depends entirely on your bone levels, if there is any infection present, and the doctor's clinical criteria.
If an implant fails to integrate with the bone, it must be removed. Once the bone heals, we can generally try placing another implant.
You need to rest for the first 24 hours. Swelling peaks around day 2 or 3. We prescribe painkillers before the anesthesia wears off, and you must avoid intense exercise for 72 hours.
Plan to go home and rest for the first 24 hours after surgery. According to our care guide, short flights after the first day are generally fine. Let us know at your evaluation if you have travel planned close to your surgery date.
Yes. Smoking is the main cause of implant failure, so avoid tobacco completely while the implant heals. Also skip alcohol for at least 2 weeks (and while you're on antibiotics) and intense exercise for 72 hours.
We accept cash, debit, credit cards and bank transfers, including US dollars (cash or card). We don't quote prices without seeing you, because every case is different (for example, whether you need a bone graft). At your evaluation you get a written plan where the implant, the crown and any graft are listed separately with their cost.
You will need to use Super Floss, an interdental brush, and a water flosser daily. You also need professional cleanings every 6 months using special instruments for implants.
Written by the doctor to help you before and after your treatment.
We go over your options and costs at your exam, before any treatment starts.