Dental Implant FAQs

When replacing one or multiple teeth, the Straumann Dental Implant System is typically the best treatment option. Dental implants are small, titanium posts comprised of biocompatible material that are surgically placed into your jaw.

What makes dental implants innovative and unique is that they mimic your natural teeth, including the roots that support them. Dental implants are prosthetic devices composed of 3 parts:

  1. A titanium implant fixture, which integrates into your jawbone and acts like a natural tooth root.
  2. The abutment that secures the implant fixture to the restorative crown.
  3. A lifelike dental crown crafted by your dentist according to your lost tooth’s specific contour.

 

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How much do dental implants cost?

An investment in dental implants is an investment in your overall health, appearance and well-being. Treatment involves replacing missing teeth as well as preserving the integrity of your facial structures.

The exact cost is based on a number of factors:

  • How many teeth do you need replaced?
  • How long have your teeth been missing?
  • Are you also missing gum tissue and surrounding bone structure?
  • Will your dentist restore the implant with a crown, bridge, partial or denture?
  • What other procedures might be needed to achieve proper chewing function and a beautiful smile?

Providing you with a cost estimate without a thorough examination is not only difficult, but also unfair. The best way to provide a financial estimation is with a thorough exam and one-on-one discussion with your oral surgeon.

Is dental implant treatment covered by my dental insurance?

Insurance coverage for dental implants varies between individual policies. Often, dental insurance allows a benefit for implant treatment; however, substantial reimbursement is rare. Dental plans are designed to cover basic services well, and help with restorative procedures to a lesser extent. Your coverage is limited to a yearly maximum – typically $1000 to $2000 – and you will most likely incur some out-of-pocket expense over the course of your dental implant treatment.

There are other payment options to help make treatment affordable. Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts recognize dental implants as covered procedures. There’s also specialized financing for healthcare, like CareCredit and The Lending Club, that offer rates as low as 0% to help make your treatment more affordable.

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants have a 95% success rate at the 10-year mark. If your implant is cared for properly, it has the potential to last a lifetime. These statistics are impressive, especially when considering the fact that traditional bridges may need to be replaced every 5-7 years. Overall, patients report over 98% satisfaction rate with their dental implants.

What are dental implants made of?

Dental implants are crafted from either titanium or titanium-zirconium, and they come in multiple lengths and widths, just like your natural teeth. Your Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon will work with your to find the correct implant to help restore your smile.

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

Though the procedure may seem complicated, dental implant surgery is generally easier than having a tooth extracted. The vast majority of our patients undergoing a single implant can return to work the day following surgery.

How do I care for my dental implant?

Fortunately ,dental implants and their restorations can’t develop cavities. However, they still must be maintained. We recommend basic good hygiene practices: brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily and cleaning your dental implants just as you clean your teeth. To ensure the longevity of your dental implants, it is important to see your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings, as well.

How do dental implants work?

Dental implants are made of titanium, which your body accepts so well that it integrates to your jaw, forming an artificial root. Your dentist uses this replacement root to attach your new dental crown, bridge, or denture. By creating viable replacements for missing teeth roots, implants have revolutionized how we deal with missing teeth.

Why should you come to Santa Rosa Oral Surgery for your dental implant?

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are dentistry’s surgical specialists, and requires four additional years of schooling and surgical experience. Doctors Leonard Tyko and Jason Rogers have many years of combined experience placing dental implants. They utilize advanced technology and only the best surgical and dental implant materials. Our oral surgery teams are trained in the latest techniques and safety standards to ensure that you have a safe, predictable outcome. We place over 600 dental implants a year – it is our specialty – and we wouldn’t trust our own dental implants to anyone else.

Is a bridge, denture, or dental implant right for me?

This is one of the most important questions in determining your candidacy for dental implant placement. Dental implants are the most conservative and natural way of replacing lost teeth, and your specialist will suggest an appropriate number of implant posts according to the size of your restoration. Traditional bridges and dentures can be considered when dental implants are not feasible.

How long does a dental implant procedure take?

Placing a dental implant is a short procedure, and can generally be completed in less than an hour. If you are a candidate for an immediate implant, then your implant can be placed when your tooth is extracted. If an immediate implant is not possible, your tooth will be extracted, grafted, and allowed to heal for a few weeks before your implant can be placed.

If you have questions or concerns, or wish to speak with one of our oral/maxillofacial specialists, then please contact our staff at Santa Rosa Oral Surgery, or set up an appointment by clicking here.