Dental Implant FAQ

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Dental implants are metal posts surgically placed into the upper and lower jawbone. They are used to replace one or more teeth, and in some occasions, all teeth lost due to disease or an accident.

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If you are in good general health, have enough jawbone, and don’t use tobacco of any kind, an implant could be a successful treatment option for you.

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Generally speaking, periodontists and oral surgeons are the ones placing implants as they have gone through extensive and formal training for such treatment. However, depending on the area of the mouth, the amount of adequate jawbone, and the complexity of your situation, many dentists can place implants as well.

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• They won’t shift or slip in your mouth
• They feel more natural than removable dentures due to their secure fit
• Single tooth implants are stand-alone units and won’t require the treatment of the adjacent teeth.
• They are easier to clean and maintain than bridges and removable dentures
• They can last a lifetime with good oral hygiene

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Our consultation visits typically last an hour during which we examine the area/s with missing teeth, take a three-dimensional x-ray of the jawbone, and walk you through every step of the treatment in detail. Your treatment will be as painless as possible thanks to the various anesthesia and sedation options we have available.

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The cost of a dental implant varies depending on the brand of the implant used and the surgeon’s skill level. In our office, we use a brand with 30 years of research backing up it’s success.

Most insurance plans these days pay for some portion of the treatment fee. Our financial coordinators check with your insurance and are able to give you the cost breakdown during your consultation visit.

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In properly screened candidates, they are 95-98% successful and can last a lifetime.

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All-On-4 is a treatment used when teeth are not restorable anymore due to severe decay or periodontal disease. The procedure entails placing 4 implants and fixing a new prosthesis to the implants on the same day. The advantage to All-On-4 is that at no point would you be without teeth.

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Stand-alone and bridged implants are not removable. However, we’d be happy to discuss with you the option of dentures that sit on implants to give them better support and function.

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The same way you would take care of your natural teeth—brushing and flossing twice a day. You may also be instructed to use special brushes or mouthwashes.