Dental Implant FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re considering dental implants to replace missing teeth, you likely have many questions. We want to ensure you feel fully informed about this innovative tooth replacement solution. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about dental implants.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small titanium posts or screws that serve as artificial tooth roots. They are surgically placed into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. Over time, the implants fuse with the bone through a process called osseointegration. This creates an incredibly stable foundation for prosthetic tooth crowns, bridges, or dentures.
Who Is a candidate for Dental Implants?
Most people with good overall health are candidates for dental implants, regardless of age. Even if you don’t currently have any missing teeth, implants may be an option to replace severely damaged or decayed teeth. In cases of insufficient jawbone density, a bone graft procedure can often rebuild the bone to support dental implants.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of Dental Implants?
Dental implants offer numerous advantages over traditional tooth replacements like dentures and bridges. They look, feel, and function just like natural teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence. Implants also prevent bone loss and jawbone deterioration that can occur with missing teeth. While dental implants have higher upfront costs, their permanence and longevity make them a wise long-term investment.
What are the alternatives to Dental Implants?
Bridges and dentures are the primary alternatives to dental implants, but they come with significant drawbacks. Unlike implants, they do not prevent bone loss, which can dramatically alter your facial appearance over time. Dentures may even accelerate this bone deterioration process. Implants are the only solution that preserves your jawbone health and youthful facial structure.
What if I am missing a lot of teeth?
For patients who are missing an entire row of teeth (or close to that), we offer full arch replacements, also known as implant-supported dentures. During this procedure, a full denture is attached to just four to six implants that are placed in the jaw. It is a wonderful aesthetic and functional solution for patients, many of whom are able to go home the same day as surgery with their teeth attached!
What is The Dental Implant Treatment Process?
Do I have to have bone grafting?
Patients with insufficient jawbone mass will need to undergo bone grafting – a simple and very common oral surgery procedure that involves the introduction of bone graft material into the tooth site to encourage the body to produce new bone in the area. It typically takes a few months for the body to build new bone and this can often be done at the same visit as your implant surgery. For patients with severe bone loss the grafting is done before the implant surgery.
How long do implants last?
With proper care and maintenance, dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. The success rate of implants exceeding 20 years is 95 percent. Compare this to the five-year lifespan of traditional dentures.
Do dental implants hurt?
Most patients report feeling minimal discomfort during the implant placement process. Anesthesia can keep you comfortable during surgery. Mild swelling and tenderness typically fade within a few days using over-the-counter pain relievers.
How do I care for implants?
Caring for implants involves diligent oral hygiene (twice-daily brushing and flossing), eating a balanced diet, regular dental visits, and avoiding chewing hard foods/ice. Avoid smoking, as it increases the risk of implant failure.
Can implants be placed immediately after tooth extraction?
Immediate implant placement directly after extraction is sometimes possible if bone healing and strength are adequate. More commonly, grafting procedures and extractions are done before placing the implant a few months later.
How much do implants cost?
While the cost of dental implants may initially seem expensive, it is important to see them as an investment in your health and lifestyle. In the long term, dental implants typically cost less than bridges. It is also important to keep in mind that alternatives such as dentures and dental bridges require replacement every few years, while dental implants can be with you for a lifetime.
Does dental insurance cover dental implants?
Unfortunately, dental insurance companies may still consider dental implants to be “elective” and therefore deny coverage. We have a variety of financing options to help patients who are interested in dental implants but are unsure if they can afford it. Please reach out to our dental implant coordinators by calling for more information.