What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a titanium peg that is placed into the bone to replace a missing tooth root. Restoring a missing tooth involves surgically placing the implant into the bone and 3-6 months later attaching a crown onto the implant.
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
When we see you for the intial consultation, we perform a clinical exam and ct scan exam in order to determine your potential for implants. The CT scan will show us the amount of bone present to place the implant. We will make an attempt to answer all your questions.
How long can implants last?
Different long term research studies have shown that implants which have been placed in good bone can last for a patient's lifetime. Implants can fail initally within the first few weeks due to infection or if the bone does not integrate with the implant. Implants can fail long term if you do not take care of your oral hygiene or if additional teeth are lost and not replaced. This places excessive load on the implants. Certain medical conditions and smoking reduce the success rate of implants.
Why is there a 3-6 month waiting period before attaching the crown onto the implant?
Implants attach to bone by a process known as osseo-integration. This can take 3-6 months. I prefer to wait for this time period before attaching the crown as this places a load on the implant that it may not be ready to handle.
Is it painful during or after the surgery to place the implant in the jaw?
The area is frozen with local anesthetic. However you also have the option of being sedated. You will be given medications for any discomfort. However most of our patients do not need the pain medication and are back at work the next day.
Is dental implant treatment expensive?
Dental implant treatment used to be expensive. There were only a few companies that made dental implants and only some specialists who placed them. However prices have come down significantly with more companies now producing dental implants and more dentists providing the service. Our prices for dental implant treatment are very competiitve. We charge from 1000 to 1600 for dental implant surgery depending on the area that the implant is needed.
What will my insurance pay?
Although portions of the procedures involved may be covered, the implant itself is not a covered benefit on the majority of insurance contracts. We are, however, persistent in doing the best we possibly can in obtaining benefits for out patients from their medical and dental insurance.
I am sure that you have many more questions. Feel free to call us and come in for a consultation. We will gladly answer all your questions and simplify the process. If you are being referred by another dentist or denturist, please make sure that they send us your dental records.
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