Common Questions and Answers
about Implants

Q: What are Dental Implants?

A: The dental implants used by most dentists and dental specialists are root-form implants, which basically means that they are replacements, or substitute tooth roots, used to replace natural tooth roots in areas of the mouth where teeth are missing. Since it replaces the tooth root, it creates the stability needed to have much stronger teeth that stay in place and don’t move around.

Q: What Are The Benefits Of Dental Implants?

A: Here is a list of just a few of the benefits:

1. Prevents Bone Loss - By preventing bone reabsorption that would normally occur with the loss of teeth, the facial structure remains intact. This is especially important when all of the teeth are missing, because the lower one-third of the face collapses if implants are not placed to preserve the bone.

2. Overall quality of life is enhanced with replacement teeth that look, feel and function more like natural teeth. You will look younger and more attractive which allows you to be even more confident and enjoy smiling, laughing, and talking with others.

3. You can now live longer, because you’ll be able to eat better and prevent malnutrition or stomach problems! Fresh Vegetables and fruits are back on the menu! You can now eat the foods you like. Also, since your chewing will be improved, your digestion will be even better as well!

4. Increases the amount of enjoyment you get out of eating!

5. Creates more confidence in social situations. Most of our patients love their new implants, because of their improved appearance, function, comfort and health.

6. Allows you to relax and not have to worry about your dentures moving around, popping out, or gagging you. You’ll never worry about your dentures flying out when you laugh, sneeze, cough, or when you eat. Implants are so securely attached that the fear of them falling out will be eliminated!

7. Your mouth will be restored as closely as possible to its natural state. By replacing the entire tooth, as well as the tooth root, it is possible to replicate the function of natural teeth, with a strong, stable foundation that allows    comfortable biting and chewing. Also, nothing in the mouth looks or feels false or artificial!

You will be able to taste foods better. Wearing an upper denture can prevent someone from really tasting food because the roof of the mouth is covered. With implant supported replacement teeth, it is not necessary to cover the roof of the mouth, so it is possible to enjoy the taste of foods.

9. Improves overall oral health and decreases the risk of oral cancer and heart disease. It is much easier to care for any kind of implant versus the care of dentures. Your chances of bacteria build up and gum disease decreases when you have implants.

10. Eliminate Denture Adhesives FOREVER!  There is no need for messy denture adhesives because implants are attached to the bone.

11. Missing Teeth replaced with Implants will not affect your other teeth. Replacing missing teeth with implant supported crowns and bridges do not involve compromise or damage the adjacent natural, healthy teeth as other methods do. For example, when you wear a partial denture, you have clamps that hook onto adjacent teeth, which put pressure on them that causes them to loosen and come out.

And bridges require grinding down the adjacent teeth so that the bridge can be cemented onto them. This tooth structure can never be replaced and the long-term health of these teeth is compromised.

Q: Am I a Candidate for Dental Treatment?

A: Almost everyone is missing at least one tooth. Wanting good health and a beautiful, natural smile is a candidate for dental implant treatment. There are few medical conditions that can undermine the success of implant treatment, such as uncontrolled diabetes. Quality and quantity of available bone for implant placement is more often a factor in qualifying for dental implants than medical conditions. However, even people who have lost significant amount of bone can qualify for dental implant treatment with additional procedures to add bone or create new bone. Advances in this type of treatment have made it possible for thousands of patients, who would not previously have been considered candidates, to have successful implant procedures.

Q: How Painful Is Getting Dental Implants?

A: Most of our patients report that they feel very little, if any pain during the procedure. We have many options available to us to make sure you feel comfortable during the procedure. Also, when you leave our office, you’ll get a prescription, if necessary. Plus, we will call to make sure that you are not in any abnormal amount of discomfort. Our goal is to give you stronger, more comfortable teeth, with practically pain-free dentistry!

Q: How Long Will It Take To Complete The Treatment?

A: You will notice a difference almost immediately. However, the entire process can take anywhere between 3-9 months to complete. This depends on the type, and quantity of implants you need, along with the quality of bone in which the implants are placed.   
There are treatment options that are faster, such as dentures; however, none of these traditional methods prevent bone loss, or give the type of natural look and feel like implants do.

Q: Will I need to have One Implant Placed for each Tooth that is Missing?

A: No. In fact, it is possible to replace all of the lower teeth with an over denture that is supported by only 2-4 implants. On the other hand,      sometimes it might work to your advantage to replace your back teeth with an implant for each tooth to provide additional strength.