FAQ

1. What are dental implants?
Restorative dentistry is the branch of dentistry dedicated to replacing missing teeth. In some cases, your dentist may recommend dental implants as part of your dental restoration process. Implants, which help maintain jaw stability for prosthetic teeth by inserting posts into the jawbone, can help your prosthetic teeth look and feel like real teeth. Basically, an implant is an artificial root meant to hold your tooth replacement in position.

Dental implants can either be inserted in the bone (endosseous) or designed to fit over the bone (subperiosteal). Endosseous implants are generally made of titanium, ceramics or synthetic sapphires. These implants are attached to replacement teeth by a post and they can help provide a stabilizing factor in addition to replacing missing teeth. Subperiosteal implants are cast metal and have several posts which can serve as a tooth root system for multiple teeth. For patients with severe bone loss and for those who have only a limited space available to have implants put into place, subperiosteal implants can provide an ideal solution.

For more information about these and other implant techniques, contact us.

2. Why don’t my dentures fit as well as they used to?
There may be several reasons. After a tooth extraction, bones may start to shrink because they are no longer stimulated by the presence of a tooth. In some cases, nutritional deficiencies can cause your bones to shrink, and there are certain systematic disorders that would also cause them to resorb. In some cases, your dentures may be causing excess pressure on the bone and soft tissue under them. If your dentures are not fitting properly, you should contact your doctor. In some cases, bone resorption can cause the facial musculature to collapse, which could result in premature aging.

3. What can implants do for me?
Dentures are supported by the gum tissues, which can lead to problems if there are improper fits. Implants are supported by the bone, which allows them to distribute more even pressure. In addition, implants can offer greater force for chewing than dentures. Unlike dentures, implants are available for patients who want a long term, non-removable solution. They can offer a greater aesthetic solution, they allow patients to eat many foods that they could not when wearing dentures and they are comfortable. Finally, because they are fixed, they appear more natural and can make you feel more confident about wearing tooth reconstructive appliances. While cosmetic reasons should not be the only basis for choosing implants, many patients find that the aesthetics of implants is an added benefit.

4. How visible are implants?
Because replacement prosthetic teeth cover implants, they are not visible and no one will know that you have them unless you tell them.

5. What is an implantologist?
A dentist with extensive training in surgical and prosthetic treatments is an implantologist. These dentists are fully qualified to perform the entire implant treatment.

6. How long have people been getting dental implants?
Archeologists have discovered ancient Egyptian mummies with rudimentary implants. Of course, since that time implants have improved! Endosseous and subperiosteal implants have been used for the past 40 years, and technological advancements are constantly making techniques and procedures more efficient.

7. Will I be hospitalized for the implant procedure?
Not in most cases. Generally, implant procedures are performed in the dental office under a local anesthesia.

8. How long does this process take?
Completion time varies depending on the patient’s specific needs. In most cases, your implants can be placed in one to three visits over a six-week period. In some instances, patients may have to wait for a period of up to six months while bone heals around the implants. Several factors can affect your treatment progression, including the type of implant and prosthetic cover you are getting, the time it takes you to heal during the stages and the condition of the bone in which the implant will be placed.

9. How are implants placed?
You implants will require surgical placement. In most cases, this is a relatively mild procedure, and your doctor can give you a local anesthesia to dull any pain you might experience. Afterwards, your doctor will prescribe any necessary medication for you to aid the healing process. It is very important that you tell your doctor of any medications that you may be taking prior to your surgery.

10. Will I be without teeth while I wait on my replacements?
In most cases, patients are given temporary teeth while they wait for their implants. This enables them to eat a relatively normal diet (although softer foods are recommended during the healing process), and it also enables their teeth to have a more normal appearance as they move through treatment.

11. How soon can I eat “normal” foods?
Because treatment time varies based on the type of implants and the length of time it takes individual patients to heal, this depends. For the first few months, you should avoid hard foods to give the area around your implants time to heal. However, with some implants patients can begin chewing semi-solid or solid food almost immediately. Consult with your doctor to determine the best course of action based on your specific treatment.

12. Can my implants become infected?
Because your implants are made from biocompatible substances (the type of materials that your body is prone to recognize as acceptable), your body will not reject your implants. In order to prevent infection, you should practice good dental hygiene by brushing and flossing just as you would with natural teeth. In addition, regular professional maintenance can help you optimize the lifespan of your implants.

13. Are implants as good as natural teeth?
They are the next best things to natural teeth. Most patients do not even notice them after an initial adjustment period because they are designed to look, feel and work like natural teeth.

14. Can my artificial teeth stain?
Whether tobacco, coffee or wine will stain your new teeth depends on what they are made of. You should talk to your doctor about what type of implant will work best for you, and what preventative methods can keep your artificial teeth from staining.

15. Can implants wear out? Can I replace mine?
Any part of your body, prosthetic or not, can wear with time. In most cases failed implants can be replaced within a few months. If your implants need replacing due to surgical problems, loosening, diseases such as T.M.J. or any other complications, contact your doctor to schedule a consultation.

16. What if my bone is porous or thin?
In some cases, your doctor can let your implants heal without posts for a period of months, or he or she may choose to place synthetic bone grafts in thin areas. If your doctor feels that these are not advisable alternatives in your specific case, he or she may recommend a subperiosteal implant, which goes over the bone.

17. Will my insurance cover the cost?
Fees vary based on the type of implant that you are receiving and the depth of the treatment that you will need. We will investigate your insurance policy to determine an estimate of what your insurance company will cover. Because policies vary, we can only provide an estimate and it is up to you to contact your insurance company for more information before treatment.

18. How long will my implant last?
The longevity of your implants depends of a variety of factors. Your dental health and hygiene, the condition of your bone before and after treatment, your overall health and your care in maintaining your implant all help determine whether your implant will have a long and productive lifespan.

19. Who should not get dental implants?
Heavy smokers, alcoholics and patients suffering from certain chronic illnesses may not be able to have dental implants. However, anyone in generally good dental health who practices routine dental hygiene should be a prime candidate for implants. Your doctor will perform a thorough evaluation to determine if dental implants are a good choice for you.