Dental Implant FAQ
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are the most natural way to replace missing teeth. Made of titanium, dental implants are designed to replace the root structure of missing teeth, providing support and stability for replacement teeth. They are the longest-lasting solution available. Please call Gahanna Office Phone Number (614) 471-6600 with questions or to make an appointment.
Will it hurt much?
Our patients tell us that there is very little to no discomfort associated with the placement of an implant, and there is minimal to no swelling. General anesthesia is available for those who choose not to be awake during the procedure.
Do dental implants feel like real teeth?
Yes! Your dental implant will feel, look, and operate just like your normal teeth. You will be eating all of the foods that you used to enjoy with your new, permanent tooth before you know it.
How long will it take?
In many cases, the implants are placed and have to heal for two months before placing the final tooth. However, everyone heals differently, so Dr. Fraser and our team will monitor your progress closely. We are 100% dedicated to the care we provide in our office.
Will I have to continue to see the dentist after I have implants placed?
Yes, you will need to continue to visit your dentist on a regular basis for hygiene. It is important to maintain your oral health.
Am I too old for implants?
No, you are never too old. Patients over 90 years of age have replaced loose partials and full dentures with implant-supported restorations and the comment we hear most is “I wish I had done this sooner!” They are enjoying the benefits of easier chewing, speaking, and a better quality of life.
I’ve lived with my dentures for years. Can’t I just get by with those?
We all put up with a lot of things we don’t think will change or improve, but based on the remarks we’ve heard from past and present patients, dental implants have opened up a new world to them. It is also important to keep in mind that your jawbone will diminish over time without implants. Dental implants stimulate the bone as natural teeth do, thus keeping the bone healthy.
What happens if I wait?
Tooth loss leads to bone loss, which may require a more complicated treatment in the future. You will also have to continue to get your removable prosthesis or denture adjusted, relined, or even replaced from time to time. The attachments on a partial tug on adjacent teeth and your chewing ability will not be improved. In addition to that, there will be costs for future denture adhesives and cleaners. Your denture will cause you soreness and pain and may lead to a worsened condition as the jawbone deteriorates.
How much will I be able to eat?
Our patients tell us they’ve had tremendous improvements in their ability to chew foods and they are now able to chew and eat what they couldn’t before implant placement.
What Can I Use For Teeth While The Implants Heal?
Will I have to be without my teeth?
You will not need to go without replacement teeth. A temporary prosthesis can be made for you. If your teeth were already missing, you may continue using your removable prosthesis with minor adjustments for your comfort during the healing period.
What Are The Potential Problems?
Although it is natural to be concerned about the pain that may be caused by these procedures, most patients do not experience severe or significant post-operative pain. Pain medication and antibiotics will be prescribed for you to make your recovery as easy as possible. Occasionally, some people develop post-operative infections that require additional antibiotic treatment. Even though great care is taken to place the dental implant precisely, occasionally adjacent teeth are injured in the placement process. In addition, there is a chance that the nerve in the lower jaw, which provides sensation to your lower lip and chin, may be affected. If you are missing quite a lot of bone, it might be difficult to place an implant without infringing on the nerve space. Although we take great care to avoid this nerve, occasionally it is irritated during the procedure, resulting in tingling, numbness or a complete lack of sensation in your lip, chin or tongue. Usually these altered sensations will resolve within time, but they can be permanent and/or painful. If you notify us of post-operative numbness as soon as possible, it will allow us to manage your care in the most appropriate way.
How Long Will The Implants Last?
Typically, they last longer than conventional dental work, as long as you take care of them properly with daily cleaning, just like your natural teeth (flossing, brushing, etc.). When properly maintained and good oral health exists, it is possible for implants to last a lifetime. However, if one of your dental implants either doesn’t heal properly or loosens after a period of time, you may need to have it removed. After the site heals (or on occasion at the time of removal), another implant usually can be placed.
When Are The Replacement Teeth Attached To The Implant?
The replacement teeth are usually attached to the implant when adequate healing has occurred and your jawbone is firmly fused to the implant. Depending on a variety of factors, it may be possible to begin this phase of your treatment immediately or shortly after implant placement. We will review the most appropriate treatment sequence and timing for your particular situation.
The dental work required to complete your treatment is complex. Most of the work involves actually making the new teeth before they are placed. Your appointments are considered more comfortable and more pleasant than previous methods of tooth replacement. Frequently, this process can be performed without local anesthesia.
Your restorative treatment begins with specialized impressions that allow us to produce a replica of your mouth and implants. We will also make “bite” records so that we see the relationship of your upper and lower jaws. With this information, we will make the abutments (support posts) that attach your replacement teeth to your implants. Various types of abutments exist. Frequently, we can use “off the shelf” abutments. Other times, custom abutments must be made of gold or a tooth-colored ceramic material. As you can imagine, these custom made abutments add to the cost and treatment time involved. Which abutment to use is a decision that often cannot be made until after healing is complete and impressions have been made.
The number of appointments and the amount of time required for each appointment is different for each patient. No two cases are exactly the same and regardless of the number of teeth replaced, the work must be completed with great precision and attention to detail. If you are having only a few teeth replaced, as few as three short appointments may be required. Between appointments, we will need time to complete the necessary lab work to make your replacement teeth. It is most beneficial that you keep all of your scheduled appointments.
If your final restoration is a removable denture, you will need to come to as many as five office appointments (although it may be fewer) over the following several months. During these appointments, we will perform a series of impressions, bites and adjustments in order to make your new teeth, as well as the custom support bars, snaps, magnets, or clips that will secure your teeth to the implants. During this period, every effort will be made to ensure you have comfortable, temporary replacement teeth.
In general, once your implants are placed, you can expect your tooth replacement treatment to be completed anywhere from 1 to 12 months. For these reasons, it is difficult for us to tell you exactly how much the restorative phase of your treatment will cost, although you should receive a reasonable estimate from our office. It also is difficult to give you a specific timeframe for completion of your treatment until after the implants are ready for restoration.
Dental Implants
are the most technologically advanced and longest lasting tooth replacement option available. Restore your confidence… Smile, Eat and Enjoy!
How Do I Clean My New Teeth?
As with natural teeth, it is important that you clean implant-supported restorations regularly with toothbrushes, floss and any other recommended aids. You should also visit your dentist several times each year for hygiene and maintenance. As with regular dentures and other tooth replacements, your implants and their associated components are subject to wear and tear and eventually will need repair, including clip replacement, relines, screw tightening, and other adjustments.
Will One Doctor Do Everything?
Usually, a dental surgeon places the implant(s) and performs other necessary surgical procedures – your general dentist provides the
temporary and permanent replacement teeth. Both doctors are involved in planning your dental treatment. Also, depending upon a
variety of factors, different dental specialists may help with your dental care.
Why are implants expensive?
The implant process requires three specialists: a surgeon to place them, a restorative dentist to design the replacement teeth, and a laboratory to make them to the dentist’s prescription. Precise implant components are ordered specifically for your mouth. Much time and effort goes into planning and customizing every step to produce your missing teeth and preserve or reconstruct your jawbone, gum tissue, and teeth. This treatment is designed to last for many years, when properly maintained.
How Much Does All Of This Cost?
Before treatment begins, every effort will be made to give you an accurate estimate of all the expenses involved in placing the implants and making your replacement teeth. In many cases, there is an initial charge for the diagnostic work-up, including study models, x-rays, and the fabrication of a surgical template to ensure the best possible result. In addition you will be charged for the abutment or support post(s), plus the crown, dentures, or anything else that will be placed over the dental implants, including temporary restorations. Periodic maintenance such as hygiene visits, tissue conditioners, denture relines and other repairs will also incur additional charges.
When different doctors are involved in your treatment, you will be charged separately for their services. We will try to assist you in estimating what your actual payments will be after we evaluate your insurance coverage or other third party payments. Also, you should
consider your personal financial investment in each treatment option as some insurance companies provide limited or no coverage.
Each patient is unique, and it is not possible for us to discuss every option and every contingency for treatment outcome. This booklet is intended to help you understand the general treatment options available to you. If your specific treatment options are not clear, please contact us. We will be happy to answer any questions you have about your dental care.
Will my insurance cover my implants?
As dental implants have become the standard of care, more insurance companies and policies are providing some coverage for these services. We have a professional team that will be more than happy to look into your specific policy for you and will process your claim submission as your services are rendered.
Can I make payments?
For your convenience, we accept all major credit cards, cash, and checks. We also accept Care Credit which allows you to choose a payment plan that meets your needs without any hidden charges or fees. They offer several no-interest short-term as well as low- interest long-term payment options. It only takes you a moment to apply over the phone or online, and our office will handle the payment processing for you. Please contact our office for more information.
For more information about dental implants or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Fraser, please call Northeast Oral Surgery at Gahanna Office Phone Number (614) 471-6600.