Dental Implant FAQ's

What exactly is a dental implant?

To replace a tooth with an implant, the jawbone is surgically implanted with a new artificial "root." After the titanium "root" has been infused with your bone, it may be utilized to support a crown, bridge, or denture. Implants can also be used to replace other forms of dentures, such as partials. The success rate of dental implants is exceptionally high. Root-form implants are made of titanium, a biocompatible material, which contributes to this. Implants like hip and knee replacements are typically made of titanium because the human body tolerates it well. Dental implants have become the industry standard for replacing old dentistry and missing teeth. They look and feel like natural teeth and have a higher success rate than any other type of tooth replacement. Implants may cost more upfront, but the long-term benefits far outweigh the difference in cost. One of the most important investments a person can make is in their general health and well-being through implant dentistry. Unlike bridges, partials, and dentures, dental implants may last a lifetime. Unlike bridges, partials, and dentures, dental implants restore the missing tooth root, preventing jaw bone loss. The loss of a tooth will alter the smile and facial shapes throughout time. A bridge needs the healthy surrounding teeth to be trimmed down and fashioned to accommodate a crown. Dental implant therapy does not affect neighboring teeth. The missing root and crown are restored, leaving healthy teeth intact.

Hooks secure removable partials to healthy teeth. Partial hooks on good teeth cause dental tension and eventually loosen the healthy teeth. Full arch dentures and partials have the additional drawback of speeding up bone resorption, promoting premature aging.

What will my teeth look like and feel like?

A single implant-supported tooth is like going back in time. The implant replaces the original tooth root, preserving the jaw bone and supporting gum tissue. Single implants may support single teeth or an implant bridge. Dental implants may also support full-arch dentures, which appear, feel, and operate like natural teeth. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that avoids jaw bone resorption, which may alter your smile and facial appearance. In addition, dental implants provide the best long-term esthetics of any treatment option.

Am I a Dental Implant Candidate?

If a patient is in good health and lacking teeth, a dental implant can be utilized to replace them. Aspects to consider include: Quality and quantity of implantable bone. Uncontrolled diabetes or other medical conditions. Few disorders prevent a patient from obtaining long-term implant treatment. Even people who have lost a lot of bone can get dental implants; however, further treatments may be necessary. Most people who were previously deemed ineligible for this type of treatment can now have effective implant treatment.

Is my age a consideration in Dental Implant treatment?

There isn't much of an age limit as long as your general health is strong. The desire to enhance one's quality of life is more essential than one's chronological age, to be honest. Implant-supported dentures are a common update for denture wearers. It gives them a new sense of self-confidence in their smile and speaking, as well as allows them to eat things that were previously off-limits.

How long will it take to finish the implant treatment? 

It can range from a few weeks to a few months for a traditional procedure to be completed, depending on how well the bone is prepared for the implants. The overall treatment duration might range from six to nine months if further surgery is necessary to enhance the bone. "Same day implants" may be an option for some patients who qualify for Immediate Load/ Immediate Function treatments.

Is it uncomfortable to have a dental implant placed? Most implant patients state that the discomfort is significantly less than they imagined and is no more notable than having a root canal or having a tooth pulled, like the procedure itself. Although you will be asleep throughout the process, most people find that taking over-the-counter painkillers is sufficient to alleviate their discomfort.

Longevity of Dental Implants?

The quality of the surgical and restorative therapy, adequate home maintenance, and frequent check-ups with your dentist or dental expert can all contribute to the long-term success of dental implants. Dental implants are one of the most effective medical-dental treatments, with reported success rates of 95%. Dental implants have been around for almost 30 years and have extensive clinical research to back them up. Comparatively, a tooth-supported bridge (traditional dentistry) lasts 7-10 years, while partials and dentures last five years on average. Can a dental implant support dentures? Every patient's condition is different, but we may sometimes use an existing denture by modifying it to suit the implants.

What is the difference between a traditional crown and bridge and an implant-supported crown and bridge?

There are several distinctions. A dental implant helps to preserve the jaw bone. Dentists do not have to grind down neighboring healthy teeth to pegs to accept a crown. Implants outlast traditional crown and bridge procedures. Implants are intended to last a lifetime, whereas a traditional crown and bridge are expected to last about seven years before needing to be replaced.

Although dental implants have become the standard of care, they are more expensive than traditional tooth replacement methods. They are a better value for money; however, some dentists still recommend conventional tooth-supported bridges for patients due to their comfort level, or when patients insist on having the lowest possible fee for tooth replacement. Most dentists today despise the idea of grinding down perfectly healthy teeth to place a traditional bridge and will almost always recommend dental implant treatment in these cases.

When is it necessary to extract a tooth and replace it with a dental implant?

There are times when extracting a tooth and replacing it with a dental implant is the best option. When a natural tooth is failing or on the verge of failing. If the bone that supports the teeth has been eroded by severe periodontal disease (gum disease). It is sometimes preferable to extract the teeth, eliminate the disease and infection, and replace the teeth with a dental implant in these cases. When the nerves in a tooth are removed during a root canal, the tooth becomes brittle and susceptible to fracture. Teeth with severe fractures are typically extracted and are excellent candidates for dental implant treatment.

Is there any special maintenance needed for dental implants?

Dental implant aftercare at home. As with natural teeth, you should brush and floss your dental implant crown and bridge just like you would a natural tooth to keep it in good condition. For people who have lost all of their teeth, brushing and flossing are a little more complicated because they require special equipment. Implant-supported replacement teeth that are permanently fixed are cleaned in the same manner as natural teeth. The long-term success of implant treatment is dependent on these follow-up visits and proper home care.

How much does it cost to get a dental implant?

According to the number of lost teeth, the type of implant-supported teeth (treatment option) selected, and whether further procedures are required to get the right esthetic or functional result, dental implant treatment costs can range from $3,000 to $20,000 per tooth. The only method to get an accurate estimate of a patient's dental care costs is to meet with your dentist for an examination and consultation. However, long-term implant treatment is generally more cost-effective than other treatments, such bridges, partials, and dentures, which require replacement every five to ten years.

Is my insurance going to pay for dental implants?

Dental implants may or may not be covered by your dental insurance policy. An employer's willingness to pay for a dental plan is the determining factor. Basic preventive care, basic treatment, and dental emergencies are typically covered under most dental insurance coverage. Only the essentials are covered by most insurance plans, which have an annual maximum benefit of $1,000-$1,500. However, if a particular request is made for alternative benefits (partials and dentures and some diagnostic records), most insurance plans will pay the same benefit they would cover for the lowest-cost alternative treatment choice (partials and dentures) and some of the diagnostic data. You should check your dental and medical insurance policies to determine what they cover. No Medicare benefits are provided for implant treatment. In the end, it's best to assume it will not be covered by insurance.