Dental implants offer patients the ultimate tooth replacement solution for a healthy, natural-looking smile. A permanent option to help restore superior function and aesthetics, dental implants are becoming more popular among patients experiencing tooth loss. However, the process for receiving dental implants is complex and requires more detailed planning than other restorative treatments.
Know What to Expect with Your Treatment
Thinking about dental implants? You may have questions regarding the process, including what to expect or what are average dental implants costs. At Dakota Dental and Wellness Center, we pride ourselves on being transparent about our treatments and providing personalized solutions for the oral health needs and goals of our patients.
We’ve compiled a list of commonly asked questions that we often get asked about getting dental implants. Please view the list below. If you don’t see your question listed, contact us for help!
FAQs about Dental Implants
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is made up of three parts—a titanium or ceramic post, an abutment, and a restoration. Built to function like natural tooth roots, dental implants provide bone support and a stable foundation for a single dental crown, a dental bridge, a denture, or a full arch prosthesis.
Why Are Dental Implants Considered the “Gold” Standard?
Dental implants are the only permanent tooth replacement option and are designed to last for decades. Because they are surgically inserted into the jawbone, they provide health and functional benefits comparable to natural teeth.
What Is the Success Rate of Dental Implants?
Dental implants have achieved a consistently high success rate (over 95%) since their introduction decades ago. Greater success is achieved through a combination of surgical technology, high-quality materials, clinical experience, and long-term maintenance.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Many patients are candidates for dental implants already or can qualify after receiving preparatory treatments like bone grafting and tooth extractions. Candidacy is more accurately determined after a comprehensive consultation and evaluation with an implant dentist.
What Training Do Your Dentists Have?
Our implant dentists have decades of combined experience in comprehensive dental care. They have completed hundreds of hours of continuing education and advanced training in dental implant placement, oral surgery, and IV sedation. They remain at the forefront of emerging technologies and techniques in implant dentistry through active memberships and Fellowships with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and the Great Lakes Implant Institute.
How Much Are Dental Implants?
The cost of dental implants is based on many factors, including how many teeth are missing and for how long, the types of materials used, and what additional procedures are needed. We are in-network with Delta Dental, MetLife, Cigna, HealthPartners, United Healthcare, United Concordia, and GEHA, and offer a savings plan for those without insurance.
We also partner with CareCredit® and Proceed Finance, allowing you to pay for dental treatment over an extended loan period.
Do You Offer a Warranty?
All our dental implant treatments come with a warranty that can last up to five years. This covers repairs and replacements in the event your restoration chips, cracks, or fractures, or if infection develops around the implant. This warranty is only valid while a patient adheres to its terms and conditions.
What Is Dental Implant Surgery Like?
With advanced surgical technology, modern dental implant placement is efficient and precise. Often, the procedure can be completed in just a few hours, using patient-fitted surgical guides. The length of your surgery depends on several factors, but you’ll remain comfortable no matter how long it takes.
Is Dental Implant Surgery Painful?
Dental implant surgery is completed while you are under sedation. You will feel no pain and may even sleep lightly during your procedure. Most patients have no memory of their appointment or the procedure.
Do You Offer Same-Day Dental Implants?
Yes, in many cases our experienced implant dentists can provide immediate loading of a provisional the day of your implant surgery. This means you’ll have aesthetic, functional teeth while you heal––instead of waiting months for a new smile!
What to Expect After Dental Implant Surgery?
Dental implant placement is a surgical procedure, and it’s recommended that you rest for a few days after your appointment. Patients generally report minor discomfort that can be mitigated with over-the-counter medication. You can return to normal activities after one week. A soft food diet is required for the next several months as the implants integrate with your jawbone.
How Long Do Dental Implants Take to Set?
Dental implant treatment can range from a few months to over a year. In many cases, implants can be surgically placed soon after the consultation and treatment plan are complete. For patients needing bone grafting, this may be a separate procedure requiring several months of healing before dental implant surgery.
After dental implants are placed, healing can take 3+ months before optimal integration is achieved, and a final restoration can be permanently attached. In many cases, patients can wear a temporary restoration during healing.
How Do I Care for Dental Implants?
You’ll need to care for your dental implants just as you would with natural teeth. They require no special maintenance. Brush twice a day and floss once a day. Depending on your restoration, a water flosser may be needed to ensure all food debris is removed.
Do I Need Dental Implant Check-Ups?
Yes, you should still maintain your routine dental appointments. Dental implant restorations are resistant to decay but can still develop peri-implantitis. This infection of the gums around the implants develops because of bacteria from plaque and tartar buildup. You should maintain your regular dental hygiene routine and see your dentist every six months.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants are designed to last for decades and have the potential to last for the rest of your life. Surgical technology and clinical experience, along with your health habits, ultimately affect the longevity of your implants. Choosing an experienced implant team like Dakota Dental and Wellness Center provides more precise and accurate surgery that better guarantees the long-term success of your treatment.
Have Additional Questions?
We’re here to support you throughout your dental implant journey! Request a consultation with our implant team in Apple Valley, MN, today.