Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Implants

How long does it take to place a dental implant?

Dental implant placement is a minor surgical procedure like a tooth extraction and takes approximately 1 hour including time for anesthetic and postoperative instructions.

Am I a good candidate for dental implants?

Anyone who is missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease or decay may be a candidate for dental implants. If teeth have been missing for many years the bone will atrophy and may cause unique challenges. In most of these cases however, implants are still an option. Some medical conditions may interfere with the healing process (e.g., connective tissue disorders, steroid therapy, bone infections, uncontrolled diabetes, and cigarette smoking). We carefully evaluate each patient for potential risks and benefits of using dental implants. We also work closely with your medical doctor to make sure you are a good candidate for dental implants.

I am diabetic, can I get dental implants?

If your diabetes is under control or can be bought under good control, dental implants can be an option. However, uncontrolled diabetes will interfere with your body’s natural ability to heal. then it is important to discuss with your physician and bring it under good control before placing dental implants.

How successful are dental implants?

For more than three decades, dental implants have been used successfully. The average success rate is over 95% at 15 years. Even in a successful case there can be minor complications. About 20% of dental implants will have a minor complication. The most common is loosening of the screw that holds the crown onto the implant. This can be alarming, but is easy to fix by returning to your dentist to have the screw tightened. In some cases we cement the crown onto the dental implant. This cement can lose its bond and the crown will come off. Again, the crown can easily be recemented by your dentist. Implants can get gum disease just like natural teeth. Good oral hygiene is an important factor in insuring long lasting results from your implants. The most common cause of tooth loss is gum disease. The same is true for dental implants. Your dentist recommends using a waterpik or shower flosser each day to maintain the health of the gums around your implant. 

Is the procedure painful?

Local anesthesia is used during the surgical procedure to eliminate any pain. We also prescribe medication both before and after the surgery to accelerate healing and prevent discomfort. We also offer conscious sedation for the procedure.

How long will it take to fix teeth over the implant?

We recommend a healing period of approximately 4 to 6 months before the teeth were fixed over dental implant. A follow up appointment will be scheduled 4 months following implant placement. The implant will be evaluated and in most cases restored at that time. In the meantime we can make a temporary removable tooth to wear until the teeth can be fixed over the implant.

Will I be able to chew well after I have dental implants?

After the implants have the teeth fixed on top they feel, function and look like natural teeth. There are no food restrictions. You can eat anything hard, sticky, or chewy or crunchy.

How many implants will I need?

For a single or just a couple of missing teeth one implant is needed per missing tooth. If for example all of your lower teeth need to be replaced 3 to 7 implants are needed.

How many visits does it take to get my teeth fixed?

Including implant placement, we schedule a minimum of 3 visits to replace a single or couple of teeth. Each of these visits are 30 minutes to 1 hour. If a denture is going to be retained using implants we schedule about 5 visits. 

What is the materials for the artificial teeth?

The artificial teeth are made of ceramic or zirconia ceramic which are not only very hard materials but also look very natural like tooth enamel. They are made using CAD CAM technology and as custom made per patient.

How do you know where exactly to place the implant?

Before each surgery, we place the implant virtually using a 3D x-ray and special software. A guide is also fabricated to make sure the implant goes exactly where we want it to during the surgery.

How long does it take for the implant to heal?

After four months the implant is evaluated. If it passes then it can be restored. If not, it may require a little more time or the site may need to be regenerated and a new implant placed.

Can you remove my tooth and place the implant on the same day?

Dental implants can be placed at the same time a tooth is removed or at a later appointment. If the tooth being replaced has experienced chronic infection or if the site is very broken down, the site must heal and become disease free before an implant can be placed. The time required for healing is usually about three months.

What happens if an implant fails?

The failed implant is removed and a new implant can, in most cases, can be placed in the same or a nearby position. As with the initial implant placement, in some cases, grafting or sinus augmentation can be necessary. The time and effort for this procedure is similar to placing a new dental implant.

How do I maintain my dental implants?

Care for a dental implant is nearly the same as for natural teeth. In addition to your normal brushing and flossing we recommend using a waterpik or shower flosser to flush out any debris that might collect around your teeth or the dental implant. Good oral hygiene is an important factor in insuring long lasting results from your implants. The most common cause of tooth loss is gum disease. The same is true for dental implants.