FAQ
1. What are dental implants?
A dental implant composed of three key components: a small titanium screw that is inserted into and fuses with the jawbone, an “abutment” or post which attaches to the implant, and a crown (in the case of one implant) that fits over the abutment to provide a natural looking tooth that functions well. Dental implants may be used to replace individual teeth, multiple teeth, or all your teeth in one or both arches. In the case of a full arch, 14 teeth may be supported by as few as four implants.
2. What are the benefits of dental implants?
1. Implants are fixed in place, and look and perform almost like natural teeth
2. Implants fit precisely without slipping or the need for adhesives
3. Implants preserve facial features, and restore a natural smile
4. Implants avoid damage to surrounding healthy teeth
5. Implants prevent loss of bone in the area of the missing teeth
6. Implants and beautiful new teeth can now be placed all in the same day
7. Implant treatment can last a lifetime
8. Implants improve your appearance, your confidence, and your ability to eat the foods you like, and participate in an active lifestyle, without worry about your teeth
3. How successful are dental implants?
Dental implants successfully integrate with the bone in more than 97% of the cases. In those few cases where an implant becomes loose, your oral surgeon will remove the implant and place a new one in a slightly different position to achieve better integration with the bone.
4. Can anyone get dental implants?
Almost everyone that has lost a tooth, several teeth or even all of their teeth is a candidate for dental implants. There are very few situations in which implants are not indicated. In fact, the dental profession is undergoing a great paradigm shift in that regular restorative dental crowns, bridges, partial and full dentures are considered obsolete, to be used only as alternatives to the more ideal, and more successful treatment of dental implant supported restorative dentistry.
5. What is involved in getting dental implants?
Traditional dental implant treatment involves an exam by your dentist, placement of the implants by your dentist or a specialist, several months of healing time, then creation of your prosthesis (new teeth) by a specially trained restorative dentist. The entire process takes up to 12 months, or more.
Newer technologies (such as the 3-D CAT scanning, implant design and treatment protocols) allow new teeth to be placed the same day as the dental implants, greatly reducing treatment times.
6. How painful is the dental implant procedure?
This procedure, as any other oral surgical procedure, has some associated pain. However, many implant patients comment that they were surprised at how minimal the pain and discomfort of their procedure were, especially when performed under IV sedation.
Once the implants are placed, your new teeth are fixed to the implants, and do not rest on you gums, thus avoiding aggravation to the surgical site. This means less pain than traditional dentures or other treatment approaches, and shorter duration of discomfort.
7. Who places dental implants? Where do I go for my treatment?
Dental implants may be placed and restored by any licensed dentist. However, as with other complex dental procedures such as root canals and orthodontics, most dental implants are placed and restored by specialists (oral surgeons, periodontists and prosthodontists) who have additional training, qualifications, and experience in implant dentistry.
8. What is the dental implant cost and does insurance cover it?
Dental implants cost is few thousand dollars per implant and you can get an accurate cost by coming to our complimentary examination. Dental implant treatment may qualify for some insurance coverage, but is generally limited to the coverage provided for a bridge or partial denture.
9. How do I care for my dental implants and new teeth?
Implant supported teeth need to be brushed and cared for just like natural teeth, though flossing will be different. As with natural teeth, you will need to visit your dentist periodically for cleanings.
10. Am I too old to have implants?
Age appears not to be a factor for dental implant success. Bone healing around dental implants occurs in patients from the 6th to the 10th decade of life with almost equal success as in younger patients.
The only thing to stand in the way of dental implant treatment in the elderly is general medical health. There are a number of medical conditions that can preclude treatment. Therefore, in addition to a general health history, a physical, blood studies and cardiograms may be required, as well as a release from your medical doctor.
Below you will find a wide array of interesting and educational links that we feel will benefit your understanding and knowledge of your dental health.
Dental Associations
American Academy of Implant Dentistry
International Congress of Oral Implantologists
Academy of General Dentistry
American Dental Association
Dental Procedures and Topics
Air Abrasion
Anesthesia
Bad Breath
Braces
Bridges
Bruxism
Canker Sore
Composites/Bonding
Crowns
Digital X-ray
Extractions
Flap Surgery
Flossing
Flouride
Gum Disease
Impacted Teeth
Implants
TMJ
Lasers
Oral Cancer
Plaque
Scaling and Root Planing
Sealants
Sensitive Teeth
Tooth Decay
