FAQ

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. They can support crowns, bridges or removable appliances while providing a stable function.

Why choose dental implant?

Dental implants feel and function just like your natural teeth. They can never develop decay. It will no longer be necessary to file down the teeth in order to replace the missing tooth with a bridge. There are no Dietary Restrictions and you can eat anything.

Are dental implants safe?

Implants have a high success rate of over 95% and are considered a safe, long-term solution when performed by a qualified dental professional and restored properly

Is the dental implant procedure painful?

The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and you should not feel any discomfort. Implant placement has by far less post-op discomfort compared to having a tooth removed. Some soreness afterward is normal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications such as Motrin, Tylenol, Aleve, etc.

How long is the procedure?

Implant placement typically takes about an hour. In more delicate cases, it can take longer.

Are all implant brands the same?

There are over 200 implant brands worldwide. Different manufacturers make different parts with unique designs, materials, compatibility and connection systems which will set the limit of the restorative options. Higher end implant companies offer many parts; hence,  many different restorative options.   

Established brands have long term clinical trials and studies show 95–98% survival rates at 10–20 years. Cheaper, off-brand implants lack long-term research and longevity. These off-brand implants have not been tested to determine how the implant design will perform over time, hence, the failure rate is not clinically established.   

Cheaper or lesser known brands are also more likely to discontinue their line of product. If the company disappears, and it does happen, getting replacement parts can become very challenging.  An implant is rendered useless should spare parts need to be purchased for repair or for a new appliance fabrication. 

What are the alternative options instead of an implant?

You can ask for a removable appliance. If you want a fixed appliance then a bridge is another option; however, a bridge is not always indicated for every case just the same way that an implant is not always a good choice for every case. 

Are implants expensive?

They do cost more upfront because they require multiple procedures; however, they will cost less to maintain in the long run compared to a bridge. When the time comes to replace a bridge, 3 new crowns are needed, whereas, with an implant only a single crown will need to be replaced. Keep in mind the cost saving is case by case, and it will vary depending on the restorative case.

Are additional procedures required in addition to the implant?

If you do not have sufficient amount of bone then bone grafting is necessary to create the proper bone width prior to implant placement.  Sometimes the bone graft procedure can be completed at the time of implant placement.

How long do dental implants last?

Many factors will contribute to longevity. With proper care, we hope your implant will last a lifetime.

Will my implant look and feel natural?

Yes, this is as close as it gets to having the chewing sensation of a natural tooth.

Can dental implants get cavities?

No, the implant itself can’t decay; however, the surrounding gum and bone can develop inflammation and possibly lead to implant failure if not cared for properly.

Can an implant fall out while chewing?

No. A healthy implant is very securely held in place by the jaw bone and does not move at all. Only an implant that is being rejected by the body could get loose and fall out. It will typically present certain symptoms.

The implant crown is the only part that can actually get loose and fall out. The crown is held in place with either cement and/or a screw. If the screw loosens or the cement start failing then the crown will become loose and fall out. In most cases it can be easily be reattached to the implant.

What should I expect after the procedure?

Mild swelling or soreness for a few days but you can return to work the next day. Avoid chewing on the surgery site during the initial healing phase for few weeks. Sutures will be removed after 2-8 weeks depending on the case. Follow-up visits to monitor the healing process.

How should I care for my dental implants?

Brush and floss daily as if you would a natural tooth. Chronic inflammation significantly increases the risk of bone loss. Regular dental cleaning is crucial.

How long do I have to wait before it can be restored?

The implant will need 3-4 months to integrate with the jaw bone. Then it can take 2-4 weeks to restore it depending on the restorative plan. Complex cases will need more time.

How many implants are needed for an implant-supported bridge?

The number of implants depends on the number of missing teeth, bone quality, bridge length, and bite forces. In many situations, two implants can successfully support a bridge replacing three teeth.

Is an implant-supported bridge better than a traditional bridge?

An implant-supported bridge offers several advantages because it does not rely on adjacent healthy teeth for support. It also helps preserve jawbone and provides excellent long-term stability.

Can an implant crown/bridge be repaired?

In many cases, yes. The ability to repair the restoration depends on the bridge design, restorative material, and the nature of the problem.

Can food become trapped beneath or around an implant restoration?

Some food accumulation beneath implant bridge or around a crown is normal. Proper oral hygiene techniques and specialized cleaning aids help keep the area clean and healthy.

Can I benefit from dental implants if I already have a full denture or partial denture?

As a matter of fact, implants provide the highest lifestyle impact in those individuals with few to no teeth. If you have a partial or full denture, are you avoiding certain types of food? Would you like your replacement teeth to be stable enough so that you could bite into anything? The solution to your problem is getting dental implants! These act as an anchor to stabilize your appliances and greatly enhance your quality of life. Depending on the number of implants placed, you will most likely never have to use denture glue.

I already have a denture. Will I need a new denture for newly placed implants?

Implants can be placed underneath an existing full denture. The question is: Can the implant be utilized using the existing denture? In most cases it can be done, but it will weaken the denture because it lacks the proper design to be supported by implants. A proper implant supported denture should have an internal metal frame just the same way concrete walls have internal metal rebar. This will greatly strengthen and increase the longevity of your denture. Almost all pre-existing dentures lack any metal support. So when you start cutting into the denture to create space for the implant components, you will greatly weaken the denture. Eventually the denture will develop fracture lines.