MARK E. ROBERTS, D.D.S.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ABOUT DENTAL IMPLANTS

Table of Contents

(Click on any question below to jump down to the answer.)

1. What are dental implants?
2. Are there different types of dental implants?
3. What are dental implants made of?
4. Why would you use one type over another?
5. Who should place the dental implants?
6. Does the procedure hurt?
7. How long does the procedure take?
8. Do I have to go without teeth?
9. How much does implant treatment cost?
10. Can I go out of town during treatment?
11. What medical conditions would make me a poor candidate for dental implants?
12. How do I care for my dental implants?
13. Can smoking effect the success of dental implants? 
14. What is the success rate for dental implants?
15. What happens if an implant fails?

1.  What are dental implants?   Dental implants are artificial substitutes designed to replace the root portion of teeth.  They are firmly attached into the jawbone and under the gums in the mouth through minor surgery, and provide a foundation for a replacement tooth or teeth.  The replacement tooth or teeth are usually called crowns or bridges.  Dental implants are used to help people who are missing teeth to be able to chew more comfortably and give you the look and feel of natural teeth.

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2.  Are there different types of dental implants?  Yes.  There are three basic types of implants: endosseous (in the bone), subperiosteal (on top of the bone, under the gum tissue), and transosteal (through the bone).  The most common type of implant currently used is the endosseous type.  These implants are usually shaped like cylinders or screws which are then placed into the bone.  There are also blade-shaped endosseous implants.  Transosteal implants are seldom used.  

3.  What are dental implants made of?  Dental implants are made of titanium or titanium alloy.  Some are coated with a substance called hydroxyapitite (the mineral component of bone), others are titanium plasma sprayed to give the implant a greater surface area.

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4.  Why would you use one type over another?  If sufficient bone exists to place an implant into the bone, it is usually best to use an endosseous type of implant.  Cylindrical or screw type of implants are preferred over blade implants since they are easier to place, require less surgery, and are more successful.  If there has been excessive bone shrinkage and there is not enough good bone to place an endosseous type of implant, sometimes a bone graft can be performed to create additional bone for endosseous implants.  Otherwise, a subperiosteal implant that fits over the jaw bone may be utilized under certain situations.  Dr. Roberts would have to make that determination.  

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5.  Who should place the dental implants?  Generally speaking, it is desirable to have the dentist who is restoring your mouth also surgically place the implants.  Typically, it is general dentists who perform both the surgical and restorative aspects of implant dentistry.  Since implant treatment is very complicated and requires much knowledge, most dentists perform only one aspect of implant dentistry.  If you are considering implant treatment, ask your dentist about his or her training and experience.  A dentist who has extensive training usually will obtain further accreditation such as a Fellow with the International Congress of Oral Implantology.

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6.  Does the surgical procedure hurt?  During the surgical procedure, the patient's jaw is numbed.  There is little or no discomfort during the implant placement.  Some dentists may desire sedating their patients, but this is usually not necessary.  After implant placement, some minimal discomfort might be experienced afterwards.  Usually, the discomfort lasts only a day or so after the surgery and can be controlled with pain medication.  The discomfort may increase with the placement of multiple implants and should bone grafting be required.  For a single endosseous implant, there is very little discomfort. 

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7.  How long does the procedure take?   For endosseous implants, the surgical procedure is usually accomplished within one to two hours.  The dental implant is usually buried or covered under the gum tissue during the surgical placement.  After that, the bone surrounding the dental implant will need to heal for 3-7 months.  Then the implants are uncovered and the final teeth can be made.  

8.  Do I have to go without teeth?  No.  Temporary teeth can be made and worn during the healing period.  If fixed temporaries are possible, usually you will not have to go without teeth at all during the healing phase of the implant treatment.  For the vast majority of cases involving removable temporary appliances, there may be a short period of time that it may be necessary to go without wearing the removable temporary appliance.

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9.  How much does implant treatment cost?  Costs for implant dentistry will vary depending on your the complexity of your case.  A single tooth replacement (consisting of the dental implant, an abutment, and crown) usually costs between $3,500 and $4,000, while a complete mouth replaced with fixed teeth placed on dental implants can be in excess of $30,000.  There are separate charges for the surgical and restorative phases.  Patients should get cost estimates for both.  If you have insurance, insurance will usually pay little, if any, for implant treatment.  You should check with your insurance carrier before you proceed with treatment.  The best way to determine the costs is to arrange a consultation and decide your options for your individual situation.

10.  Can I go out of town during treament?  Yes.  For endosseous implants, it is best to remain in town for a week or two after the surgical placement of the dental implants.  After that, during the healing period of 3-7 months, it is fine to leave town for extended periods of time.  In fact, the implants can remain unrestored for long periods of time after the bone around the implants has healed.  It may be best to be in town during the restorative phase since this will usually involve several appointments one to two weeks apart.

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11.  What medical conditions would make me a poor candidate for dental implants?  Some health factors must be considered before implant dentistry is performed.  Patients who have uncontrolled diabetes, are currently undergoing chemo-therapy, or have other immunosuppressive conditions are not considered candidates for dental implants.  Other medical conditions, such as a recent heart attack, stroke, or surgery, may require clearance from your physician prior to implant placement.

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12.  How do I care for my dental implants? Good oral hygiene is very important for those people who have dental implants.  Like teeth, dental implants must be brushed at least in the morning and evening.  Regular checkup appointments at your dentist are usually scheduled at 3, 4, or 6 month intervals.  Usually, at yearly intervals x-rays are taken to check to examine the bone and check for disease.

13.  Can smoking effect the success of dental implants?  Yes.  Many scientific studies have determined smokers have a moderately higher failure rate than non-smokers.  Smoking is a risk factor, but many patients who smoke have successful implant treatment.  Smokers must have more frequent cleaning appointments by their dental hygienists.

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14.  What is the success rate for dental implants?  Current literature suggests that after a 5 year period of time, 85-95% of the implants placed will still be in function. There are many factors that determine how long any dental treatment will last.  Eating habits, home care (hygiene), and personal habits are part of the equation.  The type and quality of the dental treatment influences the success and outcome of your treatment.  Regular visits to your dentist help insure that your dental treatment is being maintained properly.  

15.  What happens if an implant fails?  Should an implant fail, your dentist can remove the implant and the area is cleaned.  If sufficient bone remains, a new implant can be placed after a certain healing period.  Sometimes a bone grafting procedure may be needed to place a new implant.