Dental Implants FAQ

Does it Hurt?

The short answer is no.  You will be completely numb during the procedure and will only feel mild pressure.  As for after the procedure, dental implants cause very little soreness.  The dental implant procedure disturbs the surrounding tissues much less than an extraction so you can expect to fell better than when you had the tooth removed.  If you are nervous about the procedure, we offer options to help calm your nerves including laughing gas, oral medication, and oral conscious sedation.

How Long Does it Take?

There are many variables that decide the length of treatment which can be as little as 1 day or as long as a year.  The guidelines for bone integration is 3 months for the bottom teeth and 6 months for the top teeth.  Bone density, blood supply, grinding, location, and bone grafting can all be factored in determining the length of treatment.  If you would like more information on your specific situation, fill out the form on this page and we will determine your length of treatment with a complimentary exam.

Will I have temporary teeth during the healing phase?

we can always customize the treatment plan to make it so you never leave without teeth.  Options include, bridges, flippers, retainers and even a temporary implant crown!

We place temporary teeth if the implant site is near the front of your mouth to get your through the healing phase. Our temporary options range from bridges to transitional implants. And we occasionally place the permanent tooth onto the implant during surgery, eliminating the need for a temporary.

Do dental implants hurt?

We administer anesthesia before surgery, so you will not feel a thing as we place your implant. After surgery, our patients use over-the-counter medications to manage any discomfort, but for the most part, they are surprised to experience no pain. If you’d prefer to have a prescription for pain medication, we can discuss that at your appointment.

Do dental implants feel like real teeth?

Absolutely! Dental implants look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth. In fact, you may forget which teeth are your natural ones and which are your implants as you enjoy all your favorite foods.

Will I need to miss work for dental implant surgery?

The answer to this question varies from patient to patient, depending on the type of sedation you choose, your pre-op health, and the implant site.

What if I am missing a lot of teeth?

We place implant-supported dentures for those who are missing a lot of teeth and would like what dentures provide without all the hassle. During this process, we attach a full arch prosthesis to a small number of implants.

What are the risks and complications associated with dental implants?

Dental implant surgery is a minor surgical procedure, so risks and complications are very low. In fact, we’ve been performing this procedure for decades, and it has a success rate of 98%.

How long do dental implants last?

Our dental implants can last a lifetime. If well placed, as they are at our practice, and properly cared for, implants can be enjoyed as the superior teeth replacement for years.

How do I care for my implants?

The best way to care for your implants is to treat them like natural teeth: brushing twice and flossing once daily.

How much do implants cost?

There’s a wide range of costs for dental implants because every patient and their situation is unique. We understand that the cost of implants can seem overwhelming, so we offer a variety of financing options, and our expert office staff will help you determine which plan would be best for you. We are fully committed to doing all we can to ensure you have a healthy, happy smile.