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Common Questions:
What you need to know about dental implants

Q:  How much pain is involved in implant placement?

A:  Of course this varies from case to case and person to person. In general, for a single implant placement most patients report little to no pain. I have had several patients come in on their lunch hour and return to work with no problem. For multiple implant placement we use the Nobel Guide computer guided implant software and this greatly reduces the post operative pain because there is no stitches or incisions.

Q: Can I get a dental implant anytime after I lose my tooth?

A: Technically you can get an implant anytime after a tooth is lost. If you wait too long, it may require extra expense, time and preparation of the area such as bone grafts, prior to implant placement.

Q: When is the best time to place a dental implant?

A: If the conditions are right the optimal time to place a dental implant is right at the time of the extraction of the natural tooth. This allows the gum to better hold its natural contour around the neck of the new tooth. If the conditions are not right then the socket should have a bone graft at the time of extraction of the tooth to help preserve the bone. It will take about three months to heal and then the implant can be placed.

Q:  How soon will I have my new tooth/teeth?

A: With the computer guided technology in most cases you can have functioning teeth right away. The entire procedure can take as little as an hour.

Q:  What is a dental implant?

A: A dental implant is a small titanium fixture that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. The implant is placed in the upper or lower jaw. It will bond with the bone over time and thus serve as an anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental implants can be used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth.

Q:  Are dental implants successful

A: With more than three decades of clinical experience and over a million patients treated, statistics confirm a success rate of nearly 95 percent for individual implants*, even higher for the bridges they support.
* Results based on implants and bridges remaining and in function over a five-year period.

Q:  How much do implants cost?

A: The fee for tooth replacement with dental implants will depend on several factors, including the number of teeth being replaced and the number of implants required to support your replacement teeth. Some additional procedures may be required prior to the placement of your dental implants to ensure the long-term health of your dental implants. Typically, there is a fee for the surgical procedure and a separate fee for attaching the posts and constructing your replacement teeth. To obtain a specific fee estimate, it is necessary to have a doctor examine your mouth. After a thorough diagnostic examination, your dentist will recommend the treatment that is best for you.

Q:  Will dental implants work for me?

A: Anyone who is missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease or decay may be a candidate for dental implants. The main limitation is the amount of available bone. Your dentist is the best person to evaluate whether dental implants are a viable solution for you.

Q:  Is old age a problem?

A: Occasionally, older patients express concern that their age may prevent them from enjoying the benefits of dental implants. However, health is more of a determining factor than age. If you're healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you're probably healthy enough to receive dental implants. Certain chronic diseases may contraindicate implant treatment. Your dentist will determine if you are a candidate for dental implants after a careful evaluation of your dental and health history.

Q:  What are the advantages of dental implants over dentures or a bridge?

A: There are three notable advantages of dental implants:

• Improved appearance: When you lose entire tooth - crown and root - shrinkage of the jawbone may cause your face to look older. Dental implants can stop this process. A traditional denture or bridge doesn't. 

• Maintained natural teeth: With traditional practices, two teeth adjacent to a missing tooth must be ground down to anchor a bridge. Dental implants often eliminate the need to modify healthy teeth.

• Permanent solution: There are no loose parts to worry about. The implant is stable and comfortable. No adjustment is need after installation. Normally, it will serve its owner for life.

Q:  How will dental implants affect my life?

A: Implant-supported replacement teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth. This means that you can eat and drink whatever you are used to. You can continue smoking as well, if you must. But most importantly, dental implants often improve quality of life in a very concrete way. People who have felt embarrassed and worried because of their tooth problems are often overwhelmed by what new permanent teeth can do for their self-esteem.

Q:  Will my new teeth look natural?

A: When dental implants are used in combination with modern restorative dentistry, their appearance, comfort and function are very likely to exceed your expectations.

Q:  Will I be able to chew with the same force and pressure I use with my natural teeth?

A: Yes. Following a brief adaptation period, chewing capacity is comparable to that of natural teeth.

Q:  How much time is required for an implant placement?

A: Traditionally, the procedure has been performed in two steps. The dentist began by installing the implant, which was left for from three to six months to heal and integrate with the jawbone. During the healing period, the patient was given a temporary prosthesis until the permanent crown could be put in place. 
Today, there is an alternative to the two-step method that allows you to have the implant installed in one whole piece in one single session. This new method has simplified the procedure a lot, both for patients and dentists.

The procedure is chosen depends on several factors, such as the patient's dental health, the number of teeth involved and which teeth are replaced. These factors will also determine the total number of visits to the dentist throughout the treatment period.

Q:  Is the treatment painful?

A: Just as with any surgery, there can be some discomfort. Anesthesia and patient sedation are used to eliminate any discomfort at the time of the procedure. Most patients report that they were much more comfortable following the procedure than they had anticipated. Your doctor will prescribe medications to ease any discomfort that may occur. Ask your dentist to recommend another patient who has already had tooth replacement therapy to assess their personal experience.

Q:  How will I feel after the treatment?

A: It is normal to have some small bruises and swelling in the gum and soft tissues. But usually the discomfort, if any, is treated with an ordinary painkiller. You should expect to be able to work the next day. 

Q:  How will I care for my implants?

A: Your new teeth must be cared for and checked regularly, just like your natural teeth. Brush and floss as recommended by your dentist or dental hygienist. See your dentist every sixth months, or more frequently if so advised.