Question: Who is qualified to place dental implants?

Answer: Dental specialists who have completed advanced university training are the most qualified to place dental implants. Your surgeon needs to have intimate knowledge of the implant procedure and must have a gentle technique. As with most other medical procedures you need to make sure that your surgeon places dental implants frequently and with a high degree of success.

Question: Am I a Candidate for Dental Implant Treatment?

Answer: Nearly everyone who is missing one or more teeth and in general good health is a candidate for dental implant treatment. There are a few medical conditions that can undermine the success of implant treatment, such as uncontrolled diabetes. However, there are very few conditions that would keep someone from having implant treatment altogether.

Question: Do Dental Implants Ever Fail?

Answer: Dental implant treatment is one of the most successful procedures in the medical/dental field, with documented success rates of over 95%. In our practice the success rates are close to 98%. Although successful treatment is very predictable, there are rare occasions where the bone does not completely bond to the implants. When this happens, new implants are placed, and the success rate for the replacement implants are even higher.

Question: Does the Body Ever Reject Dental Implants?

Answer: No. Root form implants are made of a safe biocompatible material called titanium. Because titanium is accepted so well by the human body, it is also used for orthopedic implants, such as hip and knee replacements.

Question: If Dental Implants Preserve Bone, Why would a dentist recommend a tooth supported bridge?

Answer: Since dental implants preserve bone, if a patient qualifies as a candidate, implant treatment is usually the treatment of choice. However, until the late 1980's, traditional tooth supported bridges were considered the best treatment option for replacing missing teeth.

In addition, there have been many improvements in dental implant systems over the past decade, giving more options for dentists to provide for their patients. Some of the enhancements have resulted in better esthetics for replacement of anterior teeth. Prior to the development of these improvements, some dentists felt that their patients were better served with traditional bridges.

Question: Are there situations where you would recommend extracting a tooth and replacing it with an implant supported crown?

Answer: There are many situations where natural teeth are either failing, or are about to fail. This includes severe periodontal disease (gum disease) that has eroded the bone that supports teeth. Sometimes in these cases, it is preferable to extract the teeth; eliminate the disease and infection and replace the teeth with implant supported crowns/bridges.

There are also situations where a tooth has had a root canal (nerves have been removed from the tooth) leaving the tooth brittle and susceptible to fracture. In cases where the tooth needs to be retreated and the prognosis is not favorable, it is preferable to extract the tooth and replace it with an implant supported crown.

Teeth with severe fractures are usually extracted and are ideal candidates for replacement with dental implant treatment.

Question: Are there different types of Implants?

Answer: Although there are different types of implants, the root-form implants are the type most commonly used today. This is primarily due to the extremely high success rates of this type of implant and the fact that they can actually preserve bone, function as replacement, or substitute tooth roots.
There are also different manufacturers of dental implants. At our practice we only used FDA approved implants from extremely reputable companies that use state of the art implants. These implants have a proven track record and extremely high success rates.

Question: What is involved with taking care of dental implants?

Answer: The home care recommended varies depending upon the type of implant supported replacement teeth. For example, a single implant supported crown is cleaned like a natural tooth, with regular brushing and flossing. Implant supported bridges that replace a few teeth are cleaned like tooth supported bridges.

Question: Will My New Teeth Look Natural?

Answer: Your new teeth will be as close as possible to your natural teeth. They will actually look, feel and function like your own teeth.

Question: How Long Do Implants Last?

Answer: Documented clinical research demonstrates that implant supported replacement teeth have been successful for over 30 years. These were some of the first root-form implant cases ever completed and they have been closely monitored from the beginning. It is highly likely that these cases will be successful throughout the lifetime of those patients.

Dental implants are designed to be permanent: however many factors contribute to the long-term success of implant treatment, such as home care and regular maintenance visits to the dentist or dental specialist.

By comparison, research demonstrates that the typical tooth supported bridge lasts from 7-10 years and that partials and dentures are functional for an average of only 5 years. Insurance statistics indicate that bridges, partials and dentures last 5 years and they generally pay for necessary replacements every 5 years.

Question: Is the Surgical Procedure Painful?

Answer: Most implant patients report that the discomfort is far less than they expected, and is much like having a tooth extracted. And although everyone is different with regard to pain tolerance, most patients are very comfortable simply taking Tylenol afterward.

Question: Am I Too Old for Dental Implants?

Answer: Overall health and a desire to improve the quality of life are much more important considerations than age. When dental implants were first developed, back in the 1950's, implant supported replacement teeth were originally designed as a solution for older patients who were missing all of their teeth. Since then, many patients well into their 90's have had dental implant treatment without a single problem.

Question: What is the Cost of Dental Implant Treatment?

Answer: An investment in dental implant treatment is an investment in overall health, appearance and well being, as it involves preserving the integrity of facial structures, as well as replacing missing teeth.

The actual cost of implant treatment is based on a number of factors, such as the number of teeth being replaced, the type of Implant supported teeth (treatment option) recommended and whether additional procedures are necessary to achieve the proper esthetic and functional result.

There is often a misconception that there is a set cost for each implant. The fees are calculated based on the amount of time the we anticipate spending to complete treatment (implant placement, other surgical procedures, fabrication of replacement teeth…) as well as the estimated cost of implants, other components and materials necessary to complete treatment and dental laboratory fees.

The only way to accurately estimate the cost for an individual patient is to have an examination and consultation.

Question: Will My Insurance Pay for Dental Implants?

Answer: The extent of your coverage will depend on your individual plan and the dental implant benefits included. Very few dental insurance plans cover implant placement; however, fabrication of the replacement teeth is often partially covered.