Common Questions about Dental Implants

What can happen if I have missing teeth?

Aside from the obvious cosmetic problem, missing teeth will cause your jawbone to shrink and cause the other teeth in your mouth to drift or move. This can change the biting forces and overload adjacent teeth and will not only result in a poor bite, but may lead to jaw problems. Without having dental implants or other treatment to restore your missing teeth, it will be more difficult to chew properly, and your face may lose its full, youthful appearance.

Am I a good candidate for dental implants?

To be a good candidate for dental implants there must be enough jaw bone remaining after your tooth has been extracted. This is required to support the implant, and grafting may be necessary otherwise. Your mouth and jaw must also be full-grown, meaning dental implants are often not a viable option for adolescents. For best results, a dental implant should be placed as soon after tooth extraction as possible. Smoking, tobacco use and unhealthy gums may also make this treatment less predictable.

Will I need general anesthetics to get dental implants?

No. Although the implants are surgically placed in your jaw bone, local freezing is all that is required to ensure a comfortable experience for you. Even so, sedation dentistry is available for clients who may feel anxious or fearful about the treatment.

Is dental implant treatment painful?

No, surgical placement of a dental implant is not painful since it is done under local anesthetic, and placing a dental crown on the implant is a comfortable procedure that doesn’t require any freezing at all.

Once your treatment is complete, however, you may experience some mild discomfort where your dental implant was placed. We will provide information on how to relieve this discomfort and on any conditions that are worth watching for, where you may need to contact our office.

Are dental implants covered by my insurance?

The extent of insurance coverage for dental implants will depends on your individual health plan, though treatment is often subject to annual maximum benefit limits. You may wish to consult with your insurance provider for more information.

How do I care for my dental implants?

Dental implants require the same care as your natural teeth, including regular and proper brushing and flossing, and regular preventive hygiene visits.

After your dental implant is placed, we will provide information on how proper care during the healing period (osseointegration), as well as provide recommendations on ensuring their long-term success. This will help to keep your smile beautiful.

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants, when placed properly by a well-trained practitioner, are one of the longest lasting restorations available in dentistry. With proper oral hygiene, regular preventive hygiene visits, use of a splint or night guard (if required), and good general health including not smoking, a dental implant is expected to last your entire lifetime. Though the crown placed on the implant may need to be replaced or re-cemented, depending on your bite and other usage factors, a dental implant is a durable solution compared to a fixed dental bridge that may only last 10-15 years in good shape.

Where can I find more information on dental implants?

For more information on dental implant products, or general information on implant dentistry, please visit the following websites of dental implant manufacturers:

• Astra Tech Dental
• Straumann – "Naturally Attractive"
• Nobel Biocare