What are dental implants, and when are they recommended?
Dental implants are actually the reposition of a missing tooth. They are recommended when a patient has lost a tooth due to infection, had to have it extracted, or has been missing a tooth for a long time and wants to replace it.
What condition might disqualify a person from getting dental implants?
Sometimes patients are not good candidates for implants. For example, a patient who has been missing a tooth for many years may have insufficient bone quality. Additionally, patients missing a tooth on the upper arch close to the sinus might face difficulties. However, with advanced technology, bone augmentation and regeneration can make the procedure possible. Each case is different and requires evaluation, x-rays, and determining the best condition for the patient.
What are the benefits and risks of dental implants?
The benefits of dental implants are amazing. Replacing a tooth with an implant allows the patient to eat, smile, and function normally, leading to a healthy, good life. Risks depend on the patient's anatomy and bone quality, which could potentially contraindicate the procedure. It's essential to evaluate the patient with x-rays and a thorough medical history review to determine if they are a good candidate.
How will dentists decide if dental implants are right for me?
In order to decide if the dental implant is good for a patient, first we need to bring the patient to the practice. We need to go over the medical history of the patient, very important, and also take x-rays in order to evaluate the bone, look at the quality of bone, and see if we have enough support to receive the dental implant.
What are the steps to getting dental implants?
Well, this is a question that a lot of patients ask, is steps for placing an implant. So after the patient has been evaluated and we consider that the patient is a good candidate for the dental implant, we have to set up the appointment. So we go over the medical history, medication that the patient needs to take prior to the procedure. If the patient needs a little bit of sedation, each patient is different. But when the patient is in the chair, he's going to be very comfortable. We know the patient. We go over the procedure that is going to be done in order for the patient to feel at ease. After that, we start doing the procedure. It's a very simple procedure. We place the implant. The patient goes back home with minimal discomfort. The patient is calm. The patient follows up with their medication. Most of the time, even the patients, they don't follow with the medication because they are not in pain. Even though we tell the patient, follow up with your prescriptions.
What options are available for artificial teeth?
This is a question that a lot of patients ask. When patients are missing teeth, there's different ways that we can replace those missing teeth. Each patient is different. For example, if a patient is missing a tooth, we can talk about partials. We can talk about bridges. We can talk about flippers. We can talk about implants. Depending on the patient's needs, we can guide the patient to the best way to replace those missing teeth.
How long does the dental implant procedure last?
Well, this is another question that patients love to ask. How long a dental implant lasts? Actually, a dental implant is a very easy, simple procedure that could last for many years, depending on how the patient takes care of the implants. Another thing that we have to also evaluate is the condition of the patient, their medical history. Patients, for example, that smoke are more difficult to have a dental implant for a long time. For example, a healthy patient that doesn't have any situation, a dental implant could last in the mouth many years, 10, 15. I have seen patients with dental implants in the mouth for over 10, 15 years that they follow up every six months for their dental appointments, and we see the bone level in very perfect situation.
Is dental implant procedure painful?
Well, this is another question that patients always ask. Is dental implant painful? They're not supposed to be painful because every procedure we do in our practice, we do the proper anesthesia to the patient. After the procedure is done and the patient follow up with their medication, they're fine. There's no reason to be in pain.
What anesthesia options are available when getting dental implants?
Well, this is another question patients ask about the anesthesia. In our practice, we use topical anesthetic that is basically a cream that numbs the mucosa. Then after that, depending on the location or the position that the implant is going to be placed, we can use infiltration anesthetic, just local anesthetic.
Will dental implant last for the rest of my life?
Well, that's a very good question. Will an implant last for the rest of your life? Well, actually, nothing lasts forever. In order for you to get something to last a long time, you have to be aware that you have to take care of that. If you're a patient that comes every time for your dental appointments, we can evaluate and make sure that you're proper following up with your dental hygiene, your oral health, and the way you eat, what you eat. It's something that could last for many, many years.
What are the costs and financing options involved with dental implants?
Well, for that, it's a question that patients ask about costs. Normally, we invite the patients to come to our practice. We can go over the procedure, what is going to be involved. Each procedure is different. So for that, I will invite the patients to come to the practice. We can go over the procedure, what is being done, and we, of course, offer finances. So we have different ways to make this possible and the patient have their procedure and enjoy their smile.
Do most insurance plans cover the cost of dental implants?
This is another question patients ask, dental insurances. Each dental insurance is different. Some of them cover dental implants. Some others, they don't. But we are here to help. We set up an appointment. We can go over the insurance that the patient has. We can answer any question to our patients and have the procedure done.
How can I schedule an appointment to talk to a dentist about dental implants?
To make an appointment, it's very easy. You just have to pick up the phone and dial (551) 383-4441 and we're here to help.
When you have missing teeth, an alternative solution to dentures is dental implants. While dentures are removable, dental implants provide permanent new teeth to restore your mouth’s function and appearance. Dental implants tend to offer a successful and lasting solution to the loss of some or all of your teeth.