Dental Implant FAQs

After Implant Placement

What Can I Use For Teeth While The Implants Heal?

What Are The Potential Problems?

Although it is natural to be concerned about the pain that may be caused by these procedures, most patients do not experience severe or significant post-operative pain.

Pain medication and antibiotics will be prescribed for you to make your recovery as easy as possible. Post-operative infections that require additional antibiotic treatment are rare.

Even though great care is taken to place the implant precisely, it is possible to injure adjacent teeth.  There is a chance that the nerve in the lower jaw, which provides sensation to your lower lip and chin, may be affected.

If you are missing quite a lot of bone, it might be difficult to place an implant without infringing on the nerve space. Although we take great care to avoid this nerve,  it can be irritated during the procedure, resulting in tingling, numbness, or a complete lack of sensation in your lip, chin, or tongue.

Usually, these altered sensations will resolve within time, but they can be permanent and/or painful. If you notify us of post-operative numbness as soon as possible, it will allow us to manage your care in the most appropriate way.

How Long Will The Implants Last?

Implants usually last a long time. When patients are missing all of their teeth, long-term studies (more than 30 years) show an 80 to 90 percent success rate. For patients missing one or several teeth, recent studies show a success rate of greater than 95 percent, which compares favorably with other areas in the body that receive implant replacement (such as hips or knees).

However, if one of your dental implants either doesn’t heal properly or loosens after a period of time, you may need to have it removed. After the site heals (or on occasion at the time of removal), another implant can usually be placed.

When Are The Replacement Teeth Attached To The Implant?

The replacement teeth are usually attached to the implant when adequate healing has occurred and your jaw bone is firmly fused to the implant.

Depending on a variety of factors, it may be possible to begin this phase of your treatment immediately or shortly after implant placement. We will review the most appropriate treatment sequence and timing for your particular situation.

The number of appointments and the amount of time required for each appointment are different for each patient. No two cases are exactly the same and regardless of the number of teeth replaced, the work must be completed with great precision and attention to detail.

How Do I Clean My New Teeth?

As with natural teeth, it is important that you clean implant-supported restorations regularly with toothbrushes, floss, and any other recommended aids. You should also visit your dentist several times each year for hygiene and maintenance.

As with regular dentures and other tooth replacements, your implants and their associated components are subject to wear and tear and eventually will need repair, including clip replacement, relines, screw tightening, and other adjustments.

Will One Doctor Do Everything?

Usually, an oral surgeon places the implant(s) and performs other necessary surgical procedures – your general dentist provides the temporary and permanent replacement teeth. Both doctors are involved in planning your dental treatment. Also, depending upon a variety of factors, different dental specialists may help with your dental care.

How Much Does All Of This Cost?

Once your treatment plan is established and your dental benefits are confirmed, we can give you an estimate of surgical fees.  Your dentist will provide you with the restorative fees.

Each patient’s treatment is unique, and it is not possible for us to discuss every option and every contingency for treatment outcome. This website section is intended to help you understand the general treatment options available to you. If your specific treatment options are not clear, please contact us. We will be happy to answer any questions you have about your dental care.

Considering the Cost of Dental Implants

Dental implants have been available for several decades. However, for most patients, they are still a relatively new concept. When considering the cost of dental implants and comparing quotes, there are several important points that should be kept in mind.

Longevity

When comparing the cost of dental implants to other tooth-replacement methods such as dentures and bridges, it is important to take into consideration the longevity offered by dental implants that are not always afforded by other, more traditional methods.

While dentures and bridges are initially less expensive, their affordability can be short-lived. Because these older methods require repair and replacement every 5-10 years, they are often more expensive over time. By contrast, dental implants, when properly placed and cared for, can last a lifetime.

Jaw Bone Health

Over time, when a tooth is missing, the jaw bone deteriorates. So while a denture or bridge may seem to function similarly to a tooth, underneath the surface damage is being done to the jaw bone and ultimately to the structure of the face. This can result in the distortion of the shape of a person’s face, leading to additional cosmetic costs down the road.

On the other hand, dental implants are made of titanium, which actually integrates with the jaw bone, strengthening it and stimulating bone growth. This preserves the natural strength and quality of the mouth, lessening problems in the future.

Quality of Life

Dental implants can be seen as a long-term investment not only in terms of money but also in terms of quality of life. A dental implant is the closest thing to a natural tooth.

In addition to allowing the patient to eat the same healthy foods he or she has always enjoyed, it also eliminates the day-to-day hassles and possible embarrassment that are frequently caused by dentures.

Financing for Dental Implants

First, check with your dental insurance carrier to see what portion, if any, of dental implants they cover.

We can recommend CareCredit (www.carecredit.com) for no-interest and low-interest loans for dental procedures including dental implants.

Dental Implants are an investment in your health as well as your appearance. A full set of teeth makes eating a pleasure again, making it easier to eat a balanced, healthy diet. A full set of teeth also preserves the contours of the face, keeping you from looking old before your time.

Schedule Your Consultation

The only way to receive an accurate price quote is to call us and come in for a consultation, and we can give you a specific price for your case. Please call us at Peninsula Oral Surgery & Implants Office Phone Number 310-325-7800 to schedule your consultation.