Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are dental implants?
A dental implant has three parts: the titanium implant component, which is placed into the bone and fuses with it; the abutment, which is placed over top of the part of the implant that fits over the portion of the implant that sticks out above the gums; and the crown, which is placed on top of the abutment and looks like a beautiful, natural tooth. Dental implants can restore one missing tooth, multiple missing teeth, or a full arch of missing teeth, in which an entire set of replacement teeth can be supported by as little as four dental implants.
2. What are advantages of dental implants?
- They are anchored into your jaw, and don’t move or slip
- They preserve your facial appearance and give you a natural-looking smile
- They don’t require healthy adjacent teeth to be ground down
- They preserve bone in the area of the missing tooth or teeth
- Most patients can get their dental implant and natural-looking replacement tooth in the same day
- They increase your self-confidence, allow you to eat what you want, and you don’t need to worry about them moving or slipping
- If taken care of properly, they can last a lifetime
3. What is the success rate of dental implants?
The success rate of dental implants is 96%. Success is determined by osseointegration of the implant with the surrounding bone. In the event that your implant becomes loose, our periodontist will take out the implant and place a new one in a different position to attain osseointegration.
4. Who is a candidate for dental implants?
Almost any patient who is missing one tooth, multiple teeth, or all of their teeth can receive dental implant treatment. Dental implants are now the treatment of choice to restore a missing tooth or teeth.
5. What is the process of getting a dental implant?
In the past, getting a dental implant involved multiple appointments and took up to, or over, a year. It involved implant placement, several months of healing time, construction of the replacement tooth or teeth, and then cementation of the replacement tooth or teeth.
At the Cholakis Dental Implant Centre, we use new technologies (including 3D CAT scan technology, implant design, and novel treatment techniques) which let us place the dental implant and replacement tooth the same day for most patients. This decreases the amount of time needed to finish dental implant treatment and eliminates the need for a temporary replacement tooth.
6. Is getting a dental implant painful?
Like any surgical procedure performed orally, there is some pain associated with getting a dental implant. At the Cholakis Dental Implant Centre, we offer sedation for patients who so choose. Many patients who receive a dental implant remark that they experienced very little discomfort or pain.
After the implant has been placed and the replacement tooth is cemented to the implant, it does not rest on the gums, and so it does not cause discomfort to the site of the surgery.
7. Who will place my dental implant?
All licensed dentists may place and restore dental implants. At the Cholakis Dental Implant Centre, your dental implant will be placed either by our periodontist (a specialist with supplementary training and additional qualifications) or our restorative dentist, who has great experience in placing dental implants.
8. Will dental implant treatment be covered by my insurance?
While you may receive some insurance coverage for your dental implant treatment, usually insurance coverage is limited to the amount that would be provided for a bridge or denture. Every insurance plan is different, and at the Cholakis Dental Implant Centre we will help you determine what will be covered by your insurance plan.
9. How do I keep my replacement teeth clean?
Replacement teeth that are supported by dental implants require regular brushing and flossing, similar to your natural teeth, although flossing will be modified. You will also need to regularly attend your dental office for cleanings.
10. Am I too old for implant treatment?
Age does not seem to affect the success of dental implants. The bone around dental implants heals with almost the same success rate in patients over the age of 60 as it does in younger dental implant patients.
One thing that may prevent an older patient from receiving a dental implant is the condition of their medical health. Prior to implant treatment, a review of your medical history will be required. In some cases a physical, blood work, a cardiogram and/or a release from your physician may be required.