Dental Implant FAQ

Most Common Questions With Dental Implants

 

1. Am I a candidate for dental implants?
2. Do I need a bone graft with my dental implants?
3. What do dental implants cost?
4. Does my insurance cover dental implants?
5. Is there a warranty or guarantee on dental implants?
6. What is the difference between dental implants and dental bridges?
7. Do I have enough bone for a dental implant?
8. Am I going to be without a tooth until the implant is restored?
9. What is an implant dentist? An implant specialist?
10. Why do I need a CT scan for my dental implant?

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

If you are healthy enough to undergo a tooth extraction procedure, you are most likely healthy enough to a dental implant procedure. Adequate presence bone width and height is a requirement as the dental implant should be surrounded by 2mm of bone. Additional bone grafting procedure may be required in cases where bone width and height are deficient.

There are some medical conditions that may prevent you from being a candidate for dental implants. During the consult our doctors will discuss with you your particular situation. The most important and accurate diagnostic tool for the evaluation and planning of dental implant surgery is CT Scans. We feel that an implant surgery should never be carried out without a CT scan as it offers the most accurate three dimensional representations of bone, sinuses, nerve spaces and other vital structure that should be avoided during implant surgery. The CT scan can also aid the doctor in selecting the exact diameter and height of implant. We can only cover this question to a certain extent. Feel free to contact one of our offices for a complimentary consultation with a CT scan to discuss your particular situation at 503-719-7759

Do I need a bone graft with my dental implants?

The presence of adequate amount of bone is the most important requirement for a successful and a long lasting dental implant. The shortest dental implant that should be placed is 10mm in height and the width of the dental implant can vary from 3.0-6.5mm in most dental systems. The minimal amount of bone height required for dental implants is about 10-12mm. The minimal width is one that provides 2mm of circumferential bone around the implant. CT scans are the only reliable diagnostic method that can provide accurate measurements of bone height and width. This is why we believe that CT scans are absolute requirement prior to dental implant surgery, Panoramic X-rays do not provide enough information for implant placement.

What is the cost of dental Implant?

The cost of dental implants can vary greatly depending on several factors:

1. Do you need an additional bone grafting procedure?
2. Is it an immediate placement after the extraction?
3. Is an immediate temporary restoration required “i.e front tooth”?
4. Do you need a sinus lift?

Generally, the average cost of a dental implant surgery, restorative components and final restoration is somewhere between $4000 and $5000.

Does my insurance cover dental implants?

The majority of dental insurance companies do not cover dental implant surgery. However most of dental insurance companies cover the restoration by a certain percentage depending on the type of dental insurance. We will verify the coverage at the time of your complimentary Dental Implant Consultation.

Is there a warranty or guarantee on dental implants?

Dental Dynamics provides a five year replacement warranty on dental implants and all fixed restorations, including dental veneers, dental crowns, and dental bridges. The only requirement is to maintain your regular cleanings and exams.

What is the difference between dental implants and dental bridges?

Other similar questions may include: Is there an alternative to dental implant? Is a dental implant the only option? Why do you consider dental implants better than bridges? The only fixed “not removable dentures” alternative to dental implant is a dental bridge.

Comparison Between Dental Bridges and Dental Implant or Dental Bridge vs Dental Implants:

Advantages for dental implants vs advantages dental bridge

Overall, a dental implants is a much better option than a dental bridge, however there are certain situations where dental bridges are a better option, particularly if surgery is not a good option to consider with compromised patients or when extensive surgery is required to reconstruct bone. If you ask any dentist, Would you have a dental implant or a dental bridge, if you were the patient? There is no doubt that the answer will always be a dental implant.

Do I have enough bone for a dental implant?

A common statement that we hear from patients is “My dentist told me that I don’t have enough bone for a dental implant” or “My dentist told me that your sinuses are too close or too far down?”. The current bone grafting and sinus elevation techniques produce very predictable results in the vast majority of cases where bone is deficient. In the past, these procedures were not as predictable and therefore we dentists considered the need for these additional grafting procedures a contraindication for dental implants; however this is no longer valid.

Am I going to be without a tooth until the implant is restored?

No. You do not have to go without a tooth. There are numerous ways to provide a temporary tooth replacement while waiting for a final implant restoration. These temporary replacement options can be fixed in nature like bonded temporary composites or removable as in Snap on a smile or flippers. Our approach is to utilize fixed temporary restorations whenever possible, we believe that fixed temporary restoration serve as a very interim reliable replacement and they help shape the gum tissue to the desired contours needed for the final restoration.

What is an implant dentist or implant specialist?

Implant Dentistry is not a dental specialty and therefore no general dentist, periodontist , oral surgeon or endodontist can claim that they are a dental implant specialists. In the early stages, dental implants procedure was integrated Oral surgery and Periodontology. Currently, there is more integration of dental implants to endodontic schools and general dentistry. Well trained general dentist are certainly qualified to perform dental implant surgery. Dental Implant placement procedures have become common among general dentists for several reasons:

- Better control of the restorative outcome: General dentists are responsible for the final restorative outcome and placing dental implants gives them the ability to fully control of the direction of the implant within bone to provide the most adequate and the best restorative results.

- Allows for immediate fixed temporization: general dentists are well trained at providing a fixed temporary immediately following the implant surgery, only fixed temporary restorations are able to provide optimal tissue control for final restoration.

- The rewarding and satisfying feeling of helping patients replace missing teeth.

- Fulfillment for those passionate about dental implant surgery.

- Integrating more diversity of clinical procedures and higher income potential.

Immediate Implant placement and fixed temporary performed by Dr Saleh

Regardless of who is placing the dental implants; general dentist, oral surgeons and periodontists, or endodontists must all be knowledgeable and well trained in Implant dentistry. All of these clinicians are held to the same standard of care when it comes to dental implant surgery. They all must be able to place dental implants to the same degree of proficiency and accuracy in any particular situation.

Why do I need CT scan for my dental implant

At Dental Dynamics, we utilize CT scan computer implant planning with every implant surgery as we consider it a vital to the success of dental Implant surgery and safety of our patients.

Utilizing CT scans with dental implant surgery is not a common practice. CT scan technology is new and expensive and thus the cost is not justified if dental implants are not performed on routine basis. The other option is to refer the patient to a CT scan imaging facility or to the hospital to have the CT done. This is not always convenient for patients or dentists. Dental Dynamics have been credited with the certification of acquiring the first cone beam CT scan of its kind in the country. The planning of the dental surgery is carried out after your dental implant consult. The three dimensional model of the skull and jaw is shown on a large screen monitor and the planning process of dental implant surgery is carried out and completed in your presence and with your participation. Many patients find this process fascinating and informative.