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A: A Dental Implant is a small titanium fixture that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. The implant is placed in the upper or lower jaw. It will bond with the bone over time and thus serve as an anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental Implants can be used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth.
A: With Dental Implants, experience is the most important thing. An Implantologist has experience in both placement and restoration of Dental Implants. Oral surgeons, Periodontists, and Implantologists frequently place Dental Implants. The Periodontist and Oral Surgeon will work with another restorative dentist. They will place the implants and then the patient will be seen by a Prosthodontist or Restorative Dentist for the completion of the crowns or overlying appliance. There will always be two dentists during the course of the treatment. An implantologist is experienced in both dental implant surgery and restoration of the dental implant. An implantologist can do both the surgery and restoration, so there may be only one dentist during the course of implant treatment. Also, an experienced implantologist often will work with your regular dentist or another specialist to coordinate your implant and restoration smoothly.
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With more then three decades of clinical experience and over a million patients treated, statistics confirm a success rate of nearly 95% for individual implants.*

Long-term success depends on multiple factors. First off, success will depend on the quality and quantity of bone. The better the bone and the more bone available, the greater chance of long-term success. Secondly, the experience and ability of the dental surgeon will be a key factor. As with any surgical procedure, there is no substitute for the experience and individual talent of the dentist. And finally, the quality of the restoration placed on top of the implant will play a big role in long-term success. If the design of the implant crowns or prosthetic restoration is not correct, or they are poorly constructed, or biting forces are not properly balanced, even the best-placed dental implant will have a compromised survival rate.

* Results based on implants remaining and in function over a five-year period.

A:

As with many surgical procedures, dental implant fees will vary from doctor to doctor. Frequently, a more experienced implant dentist will charge higher fees.

The fee for tooth replacement with dental implants will depend on several factors, including the number of teeth being replaced and the number of implants required to surrport your replacement teeth. Some additional procedures may be required prior to the placement of your dental implants to ensure the long term health of your dental implants. Typically, there is a fee for the surgical procedure and as well as a fee for constructing your replacement teeth. To obtain a specific fee estimate, it is necessary to have a doctor examine your mouth. After a thorough diagnostic examination, we can recommend the treatment that is best for you.

A: Anyone who is missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease or decay may be a candidate for dental implants. The main limitation is the amount of available bone. Many people missing teeth have also lost much of the surrounding jaw bone due to natural atrophy or prior  treatment which has failed. Recent advances in bone grafting may allow you to have much of the missing bone replaced, so that implants can be placed. A dentist with extensive experience in bone grafting and implant placement is the best person to evaluate whether dental implants are a viable solution for you.
A: Occasionally, older patients express concern that their age may prevent them from enjoying the benefits of dental implants. However, health is more of a determining factor then age. If you're healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you're probably healthy enough to receive dental implants. Certain chronic diseases may contraindicate implant treatment. We can determine if you are a condidate for dental implants after a careful evaluation of your dental and health history.
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Improved Appearance: When you lose an entire tooth - crown and root - shrinkage of the jawbone may cause your face to look older. Dental Implants can stop this process. A traditional denture or bridge does not.

Maintained Natural Teeth: With traditional practices, two teeth adjacent to a missing tooth must be ground down to anchor a bridge. Dental Implants eliminate the need to modify healthy teeth.

Implants can be a permanent solution: There are no worries about future tooth decay compromising the foundation supporting the implant restoration.

A: Implant-supported replacement teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth. This means that you can eat like you did with your own teeth. Most importantly, dental implants often improve quality of life in a very concrete way. People who have felt embarrased and worried because of their tooth problems are often positively overwhelmed by what new permanent teeth can do for their self-esteem.
A: When dental implants are used in combination with excellent restorative dentistry, their appearance, comfort and function are very likely to exceed your expectations.
A: Traditionally, the procedure has been performed in a few steps. The dentist began by installing the implant, which was left for from three to six months to heal and integrate with the jawbone. Today, utilizing new techniques, in many cases bone heals around the implants much faster - sometimes several weeks is all that is needed, and sometimes even less. Some patients can have implants installed and a restoration placed in one single session (Even at the time of a tooth extraction) and a temporary or restoration placed at the same time, or soon after. The timing and procedure depends on several factors, such as the patient's dental health, type of restoration, the amount of bone, the number of teeth involved and which teeth are replaced. These factors will also determine the total number of visits to the dentist throughout the treatment period.

A: No. Anesthesia and patient sedation are used to eliminate any discomfort at the time of procedure. Most patients report that they were much more comfortable following the procedure then they had anticipated. We prescribe medications to ease any discomfort that may occur.
A: After some procedures it is normal to have some minor swelling in the gum and soft tissues. But usually the discomfort, if any, is minor and treated with either an over the counter or prescription analgesic. You should expect to be able to work the next day.

A: Your new teeth must be cared for and checked regularly, just like your natural teeth. Brush and floss as recommended by your dentist or dental hygienist. See your dentist as recommended for follow up evaluations.