Are you considering dental implants? Here is a comprehensive guide containing the complete answers to all your dental implant questions.

WHAT IS A DENTAL IMPLANT?

A dental implant is a tiny titanium post intended to act as a tooth root. During surgery, your dentist positions the implant into the jawbone below the gum line fixing the replacement cap or crown to that area.

WHEN WOULD A PATIENT NEED A DENTAL IMPLANT?

Depending on the case, if a patient loses a tooth or a series of teeth, a dental implant is typically recommended. Dental implants allow for patients to no longer have to struggle with gaps caused by missing teeth and feel more confident in their smile.

IS IT POSSIBLE FOR THE BODY TO REJECT THE DENTAL IMPLANT?

It is rare for a person’s body to reject a dental implant. The few rejections that do occur are due to allergic reactions to the titanium alloy and improper care post-surgery. Just like regular teeth, without proper oral hygiene, the implants will fail and eventually fall out.

ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS VISIBLE IN THE MOUTH?

The root of the implant is not visible and are made to feel entirely natural. Your dentist matches the implant to your color and shape of your other teeth.

HOW LONG DOES A DENTAL IMPLANT LAST?

With proper care – regular brushing, flossing, and routine check-ups, dental implants can last 40 years, sometimes longer. While a dentist cannot promise the long-term prosperity of a dental implant, they can present guidelines and instructions to better care for your teeth. Following the guidance put in place by your dentist ensures the best possibility of survival for the implant.

DO DENTAL IMPLANTS EVER FAIL?

The success rate of dental implants nationwide on average is about 95%. It is vital to ask your dentist what their success rate is and how regularly they perform this kind of procedure. You will want to choose an experienced specialist who reaches, if not exceeds, the national average success rate.

HOW LONG DO YOU WAIT BEFORE GETTING A DENTAL IMPLANT?

Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as you lose the tooth. The strength of the jawbone determines how successful the implant will be. Over time bone will eventually wear down and decay, leaving a weaker structure where the implant would need to attach. If not handled promptly, patients might need a bone graft before they can get the dental implant.

HOW DO YOU CARE FOR A DENTAL IMPLANT?

Care for a dental implant the same way you would care for your natural teeth.

WILL DENTAL IMPLANT SURGERY BE PAINFUL?

If a patient needs a bone graft or multiple dental implants, there may be an increase in postoperative discomfort. Your dentist will assess and appropriately prescribe the best regimen for postoperative care including pain management.

HOW LONG DOES DENTAL IMPLANT SURGERY TAKE?

Placing a single implant may take as little as 30 minutes, while a complicated surgery requiring multiple replacements can take around 3–4 hours, depending. After the surgery, the patient will schedule a follow-up appointment allotting enough time for the implant to fix and weld with the jawbone correctly. Your dentist will fit the cap or crown over the implant at the follow-up appointment.

WHAT IS THE AGE REQUIREMENT FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS?

If a patient is still growing, issues with the placement and fit of the implant in the jawbone will occur over time and therefore dental implants are not recommended for younger patients. Otherwise, a dental implant will work for any patient that is healthy and willing to undergo a simple operation.

HOW MUCH DO DENTAL IMPLANTS COST? WILL INSURANCE PAY FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS AND SURGERY?

Surgical fees often cost $2,000–5,000 for a single tooth, with additional costs for the standard materials needed for the procedure. On the other hand, ignoring the need for an implant will cost a lot more over time.

Some insurance companies will partially cover implants but may not include the surgical placement of implants. In certain circumstances, like dental damage resulting from an accident, the procedure could be classified as reconstructive jaw surgery in which case your medical insurance may cover the cost of the dental implants.

It is crucial for any surgery to do your research and ask your dentist any questions or clarifications you need before scheduling the appointment for surgery. Discuss with your dentist the step by step process so you can be sure you fully understand what to expect. This thorough vetting prevents any surprises or unexpected problems from emerging after your dental implant surgery.

Do you still have dental implant questions or are looking for the best dental implant dentist in South Florida? Implantation Dental Center is a bilingual dentist office proudly welcoming patients from all over South Florida including the areas Miami-Dade County, Broward County, and Palm Beach County.

Your dental implant questions – FINALLY answered!