Dental Implant Questions
Can the implant be placed at the time of extraction?
Sometimes. The two factors that determine that this can be performed in a predictable manner is (1) anatomy and (2) amount of available bone. After all pre surgical planning is completed, your surgeon will inform you whether you are a candidate for this option.
What are the potential complications?
For implants in the lower jaw, there is the inherent risk of lip and chin numbness. For implants in the upper jaw, there is the risk of exposure into the sinus. Our surgeons have the experience and capabilities of high tech diagnostic planning to dramatically decrease the risk of these complications.
Do implants work? Is there a guarantee that they work?
All implants are foreign bodies. Therefore, there is always a chance for failure. In our experience of over one thousand of implants, failure rate is 1 in 20 (5%). If a failure were to occur, the implants are fully guaranteed and will be replaced at no cost to you.
What Type Of Anesthesia Is Used?
For patients with severe anxiety for any dental procedures, we do offer the option of being asleep for the procedure. It is very safe, pleasant and stress-free form of anesthesia that is recommended for implant surgery, but not required. The other option is to numb the area with “Novocaine”, much like a regular visit at the dentist.
Do Implants Need Special Care?
No special care is needed, but they do need to be brushed and flossed regularly and professionally maintained at scheduled intervals at your dentist.
Are You A Candidate For Implants?
There are very few patients that are poor implant candidates, and it is due to unfavorable anatomy. Most people can have missing teeth replaced with implants, but some will require bone and soft tissue grafting prior to the implants to achieve optimum results. Your surgeon should be able to predictably determine your prognosis and risks at your consultation visit.
If I'm having a front tooth replaced with an implant, will I have to be toothless during the healing period?
No. If you are replacing a front tooth with an implant, there will be some form of temporary, removable replacement while the implant heals. This healing period can take up to 4-6 months, but during that time, your dentist will fabricate a device that will replace the missing tooth with a temporary partial denture, retainer or splint. This device will be placed at the time of implant surgery.