The Top 5 Questions Answered About Dental Implants

The top 5 questions about dental implants

A dental implant is a tooth root replacement usually made from surgical grade titanium coated with a special biologically friendly surface that allows the dental bone to “accept” or osseo-integrate with. Dental implants are usually considered to replace missing teeth and in situations where other teeth replacement options are not viable, like partial dentures or dental bridges.

How do I know if I am a candidate for a dental implant?

Since every patient’s situation, needs, and wants are all different, the best way to answer that question is having an in depth custom evaluation of your specific concerns and needs. The dental implant evaluation usually warrants the need for X-Ray imaging, and in certain cases, 3D X-Ray imaging for the best results. Having detailed information at our dentist’s fingertips allows a better diagnosis of the situation and more predictable treatment planning process to meet your needs.

How long does the dental implant surgeries take?

Depending on the complexity and the amount of planning needed each person’s case and need, the dental implant surgeries can take anywhere between 45 minutes to several hours. Much of this depends on any needs for surgery guides, limited patient opening, hard to access areas, etc. This question can be best answered by the dentist after the consult / examination process, especially if X-Rays have been referenced and case planning has started to give the patient a better idea about their specific case.

To get all of your questions answered about your dental implant procedure, call (916) 780-9688 today to schedule your dental implant consultation with an experienced cosmetic dentist in Roseville. We serve patients from Roseville, Sacramento, and the surrounding areas.

How do I know if there is enough bone in my jaws to support a dental implant?

This is an excellent question, since the more quality bone available, the larger and longer the dental implant that can be placed at a given site. Standard X-ray imaging and 3-D X-Ray imaging gives us the methodology to evaluate how much width, height, and volume of bone is present to support the dental implant for long term success. In some cases, supplemental bone grafting is needed to ensure long term success. It is usually best to consult the dentist to understand what your specific situation may entail. Please refer to our other blog discussion on the important of bone volume and bone grafts to ensure dental implant success.

Do you want to find out if dental implants are the right solution for you? Please call (916) 780-9688 today to schedule your dental implant consultation with an experienced cosmetic dentist in Roseville. We serve patients from Roseville, Sacramento, and the surrounding areas.

How long can the whole dental implant process, including the fabrication of the final tooth over the implant root after the surgery?

The time frame for dental implants depends on many factors, such as: 1) Overall health and heal ability of the patient; 2) Overall health, volume, and quality (density) of the bone; 3) Proximity of the implant position to vital structures and sinuses. Assuming good conditions, upper jaws (maxillary) sites can take as long as 6-8 months before the implants are uncovered to allow access for gum tissue optimizing for aesthetics. Lower jaws (mandibular) sites take anywhere between 3-6 months before they are uncovered. Depending on the aesthetic challenges presented by the implant site, the gum tissue optimizing may take anywhere from several weeks to several months. Once the gum tissue is deemed ready, the abutment (median connector between the dental implant and the crown itself) and crown fabrication is ready to commence, usually finishing up in a matter of several days to several weeks, again depending on the functional and aesthetic demands of the area and teeth being restored. For someone to generalize and say that an implant process can be finished in a certain time guaranteed over the phone is fairly inaccurate. Such an estimate of time must be carefully evaluated on a case by case / patient basis after a solid evaluation with diagnostic quality information. Please consult our dentists if you have any questions regarding your specific dental implant timing needs.

Will my dental insurance cover any implant services?

Unfortunately this question is best answered by your specific dental insurance plan, as there are some many dental insurance companies and different plans. Whether they cover the dental implant procedure and how much they feel like covering is completely dependent on them. Consider that each tooth in your mouth is just as important as each finger, toe, and limb in your body. Replacing a missing tooth to restore function is on par as replacing one finger of both hands and carries the same level of importance. Insurance companies, on the other hand, may or may not see it on that level, and to them it is just another dental procedure. It is highly important to consult with us so that you may be best advised as to what your insurance coverage may or may not do for you. We have at our disposal many different financial options to allow cover what dental insurance plans may not for the dental implant services you deserve.