Dr. Loera is the dentist and owner. She does the exams, implants and crowns herself, and she speaks Spanish and English.
General dentistry in Bellevue
Implants in zirconia or titanium, explained before you choose
Dr. Loera offers zirconia implants. She also sets out how they compare with titanium, with your own scan on the screen, so the decision is yours.
Materials
Titanium and zirconia, side by side
Both replace the root of a missing tooth. This is what each one is. Dr. Loera goes through your own case at the exam.
| What we compare | Titanium | Zirconia |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | TitaniumA metal, usually titanium or a titanium alloy. | ZirconiaA white ceramic called zirconia (zirconium dioxide). |
| At the gum line | TitaniumGray, and it can show through thin gum. | ZirconiaTooth-colored. |
| Parts | TitaniumUsually two: the implant and a connector (the abutment). | ZirconiaMade as one piece or as two, depending on the system. |
| Time in use | TitaniumUsed for decades, with long-term follow-up studies. | ZirconiaNewer in dentistry, with fewer long-term studies. |
| Who it suits | TitaniumThe same: enough healthy bone and gum, found with an exam and a 3D scan. | ZirconiaNeeds enough healthy bone and gum, found with an exam and a 3D scan. |
| The fee | TitaniumQuoted in writing by whoever places it; it follows the case too. | ZirconiaQuoted in writing before treatment; it follows the case, not only the material. |
From scan to crown
What the process looks like
The steps are the same for either material. The time they take depends on you, and Dr. Loera puts the plan in writing.
- 01
Step 1: A talk and an exam
You say what you want to know. Dr. Loera examines your teeth and gums.
- 02
Step 2: A 3D scan
A scan shows the bone where the implant would go. We go through it with you on the screen.
- 03
Step 3: Your options, in writing
The material, the maker and system, every step and its fee, and the other ways to replace a tooth.
- 04
Step 4: Placing the implant
A short visit with local numbing. The bone then needs time to join the implant.
- 05
Step 5: The crown
A crown is made to match your other teeth. We check the fit and how your bite feels.
- 06
Step 6: Checkups
An implant needs cleaning and checking like your own teeth. We book follow-ups before you leave.
At the chair
A screen, a scan and your questions
Most people who come to us about implants have read about both materials and want to know which suits them. We put your scan on the screen and talk it through.
For any implant we propose, we give you the maker and the system name in writing, so you can look it up yourself.
The maker and system named
Options and fees in writing
A referral if your case needs another dentist
The people
A small office, the same faces
Dr. Loera sees you herself, and Haruto and Mamta run the rest of the visit.
Haruto Kobayashi
Dental assistant
Haruto sets up each visit and works beside Dr. Loera at the chair.
Mamta Trivedi
Patient coordinator
Mamta books visits and writes your estimate.
General care
The rest of a general dentist's work
Implants sit beside everyday dentistry. Most patients come for these.
In patients' words
What patients tell us
“She put my scan on the screen and showed me where the implant would go. I never felt hurried.”
Shonda T.Patient“I asked about titanium three times. Each time I got the same plain answer.”
Vivek R.Patient“The estimate was a page I could take home. I read it twice before I called back.”
Lea M.Patient
Sample reviews.
Questions about implant materials
What is a zirconia implant?
A replacement for a tooth root made of zirconia, a white ceramic. A crown is fitted on top. The other common material is titanium.
Is zirconia better than titanium?
Neither is better for everyone. Titanium has decades of follow-up studies. Zirconia is newer, with fewer long-term studies. Dr. Loera goes through both with your scan.
Do you place titanium implants too?
Dr. Loera offers zirconia. If your case calls for titanium, she says so and refers you to a dentist who places it.
Will my dental plan pay for an implant?
Many plans pay part of an implant, or none. The plan decides. Our fees page explains receipts and estimates.
Bring your questions about materials
Request a visit and we'll call, text or email you with a time.