Common Dental Implant Questions
About Dental Implants
Who is a candidate
Benefits over traditional Treatment
Expected Results
Treatment and Care
About Dental Implants
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium screw 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 tooth or many missing teeth; including an entire mouth.
Are dental implants successful?
With more than three decades of clinical experience and over a million patients treated, statistics confirm a success rate of nearly 95 percent for individual implants*, even higher for the bridges they support.
* Results based on implants and bridges remaining and in function over a five-year period.
How much do implants cost?
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 support 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 a separate fee for attaching the posts and constructing your replacement teeth. To obtain a specific fee estimate, it is necessary to have the dentist examine you. After a thorough diagnostic examination, your dentist will recommend and discuss with you the treatment that is best for you.
Back to top
Who is a Candidate
Will dental implants work for me?
Anyone who is missing one or more teeth due to disease or injury may be a candidate for dental implants. Your dentist is the best person to evaluate whether dental implants are a viable solution for you.
Is old age a problem?
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 than age. If you're healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you're probably healthy enough to receive dental implants. Your dentist will determine if you are a candidate for dental implants after a careful evaluation of your dental and health history.
Back to top
Benefits over Traditional Treatment
What are the advantages of dental implants over dentures or a bridge?
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 can not and bone loss will continue to be an issue as long as you are wearing dentures.
Maintaining natural teeth: With traditional practices, two teeth adjacent to a missing tooth must be ground down to anchor a bridge. Dental implants could be a clear choice as it often eliminates the need to modify healthy teeth.
Permanent solution: There are no loose parts to worry about. The implant is stable and comfortable. No adjustment is need after placement. The implant is strong and beautiful, allowing you to enjoy life again; laughing, eating and even sneezing!
Back to top
Expected Results
How will dental implants affect my life?
Implant-supported replacement teeth look, feel and function the same as natural teeth. This means that you can eat and smile with confidence again. Most important, dental implants often improve your quality of life in a very concrete way. People who have felt embarrassed and worried because of their tooth problems are often overwhelmed by what new permanent teeth can do for their self-esteem; they can smile and enjoy life again. During your consultation, we will assist in explaining your options to you; a clear choice in determining which is right for you!
Will my new teeth look natural?
When dental implants are used in combination with modern restorative dentistry, your appearance, comfort and function are very likely to exceed your expectations.
Will I be able to chew with the same force and pressure I use with my natural teeth?
Yes. Following a brief adaptation period, chewing capacity is comparable to that of natural teeth.
Back to top
Treatment and Care
How much time is required for an implant placement?
Everyone deserves a beautiful smile. Today there is no need to settle for anything less. You can now replace missing teeth with permanent dental implants easily, quickly and comfortably.
NobelGuide gives you beautiful teeth in an hour. This unique system has numerous advantages over traditional implant treatment. It reduces the number of visits to the dentist and greatly shortens your treatment time. It is minimally invasive, so that there is virtually no recovery period after your treatment. You can return to your active life immediately.
The system used is a sophisticated, computerized program, allowing the dentist to accurately and safely place the implant(s) in exactly the right place.
With conventional treatment you have to wait for your implants to heal before the teeth are placed, which can take several months. The Teeth-in-an-Hour procedure gives you new teeth immediately. You will be able to eat shortly after the treatment.
In most cases you only need to come in once before the actual treatment.
First Appointment - Consultation:
Examination, digital imaging and model of your mouth
Second Appointment - Placing the implants:
At your next appointment the new implants and teeth can be placed right away.
Is the treatment painful?
Just as with any surgery, there can be some discomfort. Topical and local anesthesia is used to eliminate any discomfort at the time of the procedure. Most patients report that they were much more comfortable following the procedure than they had anticipated. The dentist will prescribe medication (usually over the counter) to ease any discomfort that may occur.
How will I feel after the treatment?
It is normal to have some small bruises and swelling in the gum and soft tissues. But usually the discomfort, if any, is treated with an ordinary painkiller. You should expect to be able to work the next day.
How will I care for my implants?
Your new teeth must be cared for and checked regularly, just like your natural teeth. Brushing and flossing is important and will be explained to you by your dentist or dental hygienist.
Back to top
For more information about dental implants:
