Implants FAQ
Having a complete and healthy smile does wonders for your self confidence. With Dental Implants, we can complete your smile in a way that not only looks great - but feels natural and allows you to eat comfortably and prevent further bone loss. If you are considering Dental Implants, please read some of our answers to our most frequently asked questions regarding Dental Implants. If you still have questions or concerns, please contact us directly and we would be happy to speak with you directly.
Q: What are dental implants?
A: Dental Implants are simply a man made replacement for the root structure of natural teeth. They allow crowns or dentures to be supported and fixed in the mouth offering the wearer more comfort and function like natural teeth.
Q: Why should I replace a missing tooth with a dental implant vs. a fixed bridge?
- Implants have a high success rate (better than 97% for 10 years)
- Fixed bridges generally need to be replaced every 10 years
- Cavities on adjacent teeth is the #1 reason for fixed bridge failure
- Fifteen percent of fixed dental bridges require root canals
- Adjacent teeth are not detrimentally affected by Dental Implants
- Dental Implants offer peace of mind
Q: Why should I replace multiple teeth with dental implants vs. a removable partial denture?
A: Disadvantages of removable prostheses (Denture)
- Removable prostheses decreases the bite force significantly
- Ability to chew is compromised with removable prosthesis, often causing GI disorders
- Possible decrease in life span with removable prosthesis
- Attachment teeth of removable prosthesis can have increased mobility, plaque, bleeding and cavities
- Embarrassment from loose prosthesis
- Decrease of supporting bone
- Sore spots
A: Advantages of Implant-Supported Prostheses (Denture)
- Bone loss is prevented
- Able to restore and maintain height and support of facial structures
- Preserve the integrity of facial esthetics
- No unsightly clasps or hooks
- Elimination of denture adhesives
- Improved taste of food
- Esthetic improvement
- Improved speech
- Improved biting force
- Improved chewing efficiency
- Improved function of prostheses
- Smaller prosthesis/restoration
- Improved stability and retention of prosthesis
- Increased lifetime of prosthesis
- Elimination of need to alter adjacent teeth
- More permanent replacement
- Improved psychological health
Q: Is a dental implant permanent?
A: Yes, Dental Implants are meant to be a permanent tooth replacement. Although, in few circumstances, Dental Implants can fail, the success rate is 97%. With proper care and barring unforeseen circumstances, a Dental Implant can last a lifetime.
Q: How much do dental implants cost?
A: The cost of implant placement can vary from different offices, depending on the difficulty of the procedure or the experience of the doctor and number of implants placed each year. Generally the cost of replacing a single missing tooth with an implant and crown costs almost the same as replacement with a three unit bridge. Dental bridges adversely affect the adjacent teeth and need to be replaced, on average, about every ten years. The financial cost and the emotional distress of replacing the bridge many times over many years will surpass the cost of a Dental Implant. A Dental Implant also preserves bone, integrity of adjacent teeth and facial structure. An investment in a Dental Implant assures a lifetime of confidence while speaking, chewing and laughing.
In our office, we place many Dental Implants, and the fees for implant services vary due to complexities of the dental procedure. The restorative (tooth) portion of the treatment can vary in cost depending on the number of teeth needing to be replaced and the amount of treatment needed. Fortunately, there are many restorative options and interest free financing is available. For a true estimate, come in for a consult today.
Q: What are the different implant treatment options?
- Single tooth replacement
- Multiple tooth replacement
- Full arch/mouth replacement
Q: Who is a candidate for dental implants?
A: Almost anyone missing one or multiple teeth is a candidate for Dental Implants. An examination will need to be performed to determine if adequate bone is available. Bone augmentation can be done to improve the bone structure.
Q: Am I too old to get an implant?
A: Older individuals often ask if they should invest in implants due to their age. Our population today is living longer with the average life expectancy in the 80s. Health is an important factor of the aging process. Dental Implants can help an individual remain healthy by improving chewing efficiency as well as improved speech and esthetics. Also, social pleasures, such as dining and dating, can continue throughout advanced life.
Do you have other questions about our dental services? Please see our other answers on dentistry frequently asked questions:
