Texas Dental Implants FAQ:
1. What are dental implants?
Dental implants are gold standard of care when replacing a missing tooth. A dental implant is a replacement for a natural tooth root. The jaw bone fuses with the implant locking it into place. Then the implant can be used to replace a missing tooth with an abutment and crown. Also, the implant can be used to anchor an implant denture or be utilized in a fixed (does not come out) solution like the All-on-Four dental implant protocol.
2. How do I care for my implants?
Just like natural teeth. Brush and floss your new dental implant tooth just like a natural tooth.
3. Do dental implants hurt?
No, dental implants do hurt. Most of Dr. Nugent’s patients never even take any of their prescription pain medication. In fact, most patients either take advil for the mild soreness or simple skip any type of pain medication because they have no discomfort.
4. How long do implants last?
Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime.
5. What is the success rate of dental implants?
The combined success rates in the 97 to 99% range. Nothing in dentistry lasts longer than a dental implant.
6. Who is a candidate?
With refined protocols dental implants are available to almost anyone. In the past, smokers, diabetics and patients having poor bone were not candidates. With better technology these past limitations have been almost completely eliminated. Thus, dental implants can be placed in most adults. For teenagers missing teeth, dental implants are done once they have stopped growing.
7. What will happen without treatment?
When teeth are lost the bone that once supported the tooth will start to vanish. Dental implants are the only treatment options that preserves bone levels. When teeth are lost the jawbone begins to shrink and there is a collapse of the gum tissue. Teeth will start to migrate into the empty space causing major problems. Furthermore, the check will collapse into the empty space creating wrinkles and causing you to look prematurely aged.
Plus, teeth will start to shift. The remaining teeth will drift into the missing tooth space.
8. Is the dental implant surgery painful?
No, dental implant surgery is not painful. You will completely numb before Dr. Nugent starts. After the surgery most patients only take over the counter pain medicine.
9. When can I return to work?
Patients almost always return to work the next day.
10. How long does it take to place dental implants?
Usually, the implants are placed in as little as 30 to 60 minutes. It also depends on the location and the number of implants placed.
11. What if there is not enough bone for the dental implant?
There are numerous ways to augment bone levels.
12. When will I receive my new teeth?
Treatment time varies by patient. Usually, you will have some type of temporary teeth until your implants are fully healed. Dr. Nugent will provide a time estimate based on your specific treatment needs.
13. How does the long-term value of dental implants compare to other treatment options?
Dental implants are the longest lasting dental treatment option. With success rates in the 97 to 99% range, they offer tremendous long term financial value. In contrast, over half of all bridges fail after a ten to fifteen year period. Thus, the long-term value of dental implants far exceeds conventional treatment options.
Dental insurance plans vary greatly. We will need to research your individual plan to determine if you dental insurance covers dental implants.
14. How do dental implants stay in the jawbone?
The body (bone specifically) loves titanium. You have probably heard of people getting artificial knees and hips. This was done by utilizing titanium. The bone loves titanium and will grow up to and fuse with the titanium implant. This locks the implant into place to be used as a secure anchor point to restore missing teeth.
