Most Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants

A dental implant is a cosmetic dentistry treatment that permanently replaces missing teeth. It’s an artificial tooth root made of titanium that’s surgically placed into the jawbone to securely hold a crown or denture in place once it fuses with and anchors in the bone. Below are answers to the most commonly asked questions about dental implants.

What are the advantages of implants over the other tooth replacement options?

Dental implants are far more reliable in securing replacement teeth into the jawbone compared with other options. They eliminate the need for less stable dentures, improving one’s speech, chewing function, and self-confidence.  They also eliminate the need for bridges, which require the involvement of the adjacent teeth during their construction; therefore, a significant amount of tooth tissue is preserved.

Can anyone have dental implants?

Before you are considered for this procedure, your gums must be healthy and the amount of your jawbone must be sufficient enough to support the implant. If additional bone is needed, a bone graft may be necessary. An existence of a chronic or uncontrolled disease necessitates thorough medical and dental evaluations to determine the safety of the procedure.

What are the side effects after procedure? Does it hurt?

Titanium is well-tolerated by the body; therefore, the risk of rejection and inflammation is minimal. A local anesthesia is applied to the involved areas before the start of the procedure. A slight discomfort may be felt after the surgery.

What are the success rates of dental implants?

Dental implants are one of the most successful cosmetic dentistry procedures at this time. Research shows that the five-year success rates for the lower and upper jaw implants are at 95 percent and 90 percent, respectively. The implant may fail due to different causes; however, cigarette smoking can significantly slow down the process of tissue healing. Smoking cessation is necessary before and during the treatment.

How long do implants last?

With proper oral and dental hygiene, dental implants may last a lifetime.

How much does each implant cost?

The exact cost largely depends on the type of implantation, the skill of your cosmetic dentist, location, and the materials used.

Is it covered by your dental insurances?

Dental implants are elective procedures. The costs are not usually covered by dental insurances.

For more information on dental implants and other cosmetic dentistry treatments such as teeth whitening, contact our El Paso cosmetic dentistry office.