Some of the most common questions about Dental Implants

• Why should I consider a dental implant?
• What are the advantages of dental implants over dentures or a bridge?
• Am I a candidate for implants?
• Am I to old?
• What do implants cost?
• Are implants covered by dental or medical insurance?
• Who actually performs the implant placement?
• How are dental implants placed? How long does it take?
• Will the procedure hurt? What type of anesthesia is used?
• What types of prostheses are available?
• Do implants need special care?
• How long do implants last?
• Do implants ever fail?

Why should I consider a dental implant?    Top↑

Dental Implants are quite simply the best choice for tooth replacement. Not only do they help preserve the bone and structure of your face, they also look, feel and function like natural teeth. Patients with implants can eat and drink what they like, speak clearly, and smile with confidence. What's best, when properly cared for, dentals implants can last a lifetime.

What are the advantages of dental implants over dentures or a bridge?    Top↑

• Esthetic - Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. Since dental implants integrate into the structure of your bone, they prevent the bone loss and gum recession that often accompany bridgework and dentures.
• Tooth-saving - Dental implants don't sacrifice the quality of your adjacent teeth like a bridge does because neighboring teeth are not altered to support the implant. More of your own teeth are left untouched, a significant long-term benefit to your oral health.
• Confidence - Dental implants allow you to speak and eat with comfort and confidence. They are secure and offer freedom from the clicks and wobbles of dentures and messy pastes and glues.
• Reliable - With proper care implants can last a lifetime.

Am I a candidate for implants?    Top↑

Anyone missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease, or decay may be a candidate for dental implants. Your mouth must be examined thoroughly and your medical and dental history reviewed. If you're healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you're probably healthy enough to receive a dental implant. There needs to be sufficient bone in your jaw to support the implant(s) along with healthy gums free of periodontal disease. If you mouth is not ideal for implants, there are procedures, such as bone grafting, that may be recommended.

Am I too old for implants?    Top↑

No! Dental implants can greatly improve your quality of life at any age.

What do implants cost?    Top↑

The price of dental implants depends on a variety of factors, including the number and type of implants to be placed, and the need for any additional procedures to achieve the best results. To provide an accurate cost estimate we will need to meet you for a consultation. After a thorough examination of your teeth and surrounding tissues, we will recommend the treatment option that is best for you. After we establish the type of treatment required, we can provide an accurate estimate and help you with financial arrangements.

Are implants covered by dental or medical insurance?    Top↑

When it comes to dental insurance, most plans choose to cover the cheapest alternative in dental treatment, which means they will usually cover a denture, not implants. However, your carrier may cover certain portions in the dental implant process. Medical insurance may cover implants as the result of work-related injuries and other types of accidents or if you're missing all your teeth and experience medical complications. At Sudbrink, we have a Certified Professional Coder (CPC) on staff. Her knowledge and expertise in reviewing and assigning the correct coding of doctor's services, procedures and diagnosis for medical claims will help you get maximum compensation from your insurance company.

Who actually performs the implant placement?    Top↑

Implants are a team effort between Sudbrink Oral Surgery and your restorative dentist. Drs. Sudbrink and Vakkas will perform any initial tooth extractions, the implant surgery and bone grafting as necessary. Your restorative dentist fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.

How are dental implants placed? How long does it take?    Top↑

The answer to this question depends on the type of treatment to be provided. With a computer guided implant treatment such as Teeth-in-a-hour™, you could have functioning teeth on dental implants with a single procedure that takes about an hour.  However, for most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures.

First, implants are placed into your jawbone by a minimally invasive procedure. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants bond with the jawbone. You'll be able to wear a temporary prosthesis and eat a soft diet until the implants are ready for the final restoration.

Will the procedure hurt? What type of anesthesia is used?    Top↑

Most procedures are performed under local anesthetic, and patients feel no pain at all during the procedure. As surgical specialists, Drs. Sudbrink and Vakkas are highly trained and experienced in all aspects of anesthesia administration and experts at controlling pain and anxiety. In addition, Dr. Sudbrink is board-certified by the American Dental Board of Anesthesiology. For those who feel anxious, or for some of our more detailed implant or bone grafting procedures, conscious sedation, deep sedation or general anesthesia may be recommended.

What types of prostheses are available?    Top↑

A single prosthesis (crown) is used to replace one missing tooth - each prosthetic tooth attaches to its own implant. A partial prosthesis (fixed bridge) can replace two or more teeth and may require only two or three implants. A complete dental prosthesis (fixed bridge) replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of implants varies depending upon which type of complete prosthesis (removable or fixed) is recommended. A removable prosthesis (over denture) attaches to a bar or ball in socket attachments, whereas a fixed prosthesis is permanent and removable only by the dentist.

Do implants need special care?    Top↑

Once the implants are in place, they will serve you well for many years if you take care of them and keep your mouth healthy. This means taking the time for good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and keeping regular appointments with your dentist.

How long do implants last?    Top↑

Clinical research indicates that implant-supported replacement teeth have lasted as long as 30 years. By comparison, typical tooth-supported bridges last 5 to 10 years, and partials and dentures are functional for only about five years.

Do implants ever fail?    Top↑

Dental implant treatment is one of the most successful procedures in the field of dentistry, with documented success rates of up to 98%. In the extremely rare occurrence that an implant would fail, it's likely that another implant can be placed.