All About Implants
What is an implant?
A real tooth has a root which is below the gums in the bone and cannot be seen, and a crown which is the white part above the gums used for chewing. Implants are titanium metal alloy pegs which are placed in your jaw bone(s) by our Surgeons and act as secure roots. Your new “crown” is built on top of the Implant by your general dentist or by a dental specialist known as a Prosthodontist.
How do I replace my missing teeth during the implant treatment period?
Your general / family dentist or a Prosthodontist can make you a plastic plate or “flipper”. The flipper replaces the missing teeth so your smile or chewing won’t be affected.
How much do implants cost?
The cost to replace a single missing tooth with an implant is competitive with the cost of a conventional bridge glued onto the adjacent teeth. Often the initial cost for implants is higher than dentures or bridges, but Implants are designed to last a lifetime. Bridges and Dentures often need to be repaired or replaced several times over a patients lifetime, making them more costly in the long run. Shortly after your consultation appointment, you will receive a written treatment cost estimate in the mail.
Are Implants covered by Insurance?
Some insurance plans cover the surgical placement of the Implant. Many insurance companies cover the crown fabrication by your general dentist or Prosthodontist. Our office will be happy to submit claims to your dental and / or your medical insurance for the surgery in order to maximize your benefits. The number of plans covering implants is increasing over time.
How can I pay my surgical fees?
Our Surgery Office accepts cash, checks, money orders and all the major credit cards. A long term installment payment plan is also offered through the Care Credit company.
How comfortable am I going to be during Implant placement?
I.V. and other forms of light Sedation are available at our surgical office. Sedation eliminates experiencing injections, lengthy mouth opening, pressure, noise, vibration etc and makes the treatment easy on you. Our sedation techniques lead to a quick recovery and to feeling normal within hours. Sedation is routine at our office and is chosen by an ever increasing majority of our patients.
What’s the first step to getting implants?
Discuss implants with you general dentist. Your dentist may refer you to a specialist in replacing missing teeth known as a prosthodontist. Once you have a plan, then a consultation with one of our Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons is next.
What will my Implant Consultation be like?
You will meet and become acquainted with your surgeon. Acceptable x-rays will be obtained and reviewed. Your medical and dental history will be reviewed and your Dentist, Family Physician or other specialist may be contacted. A head and oral Physical Exam with Measurements will be done. Sedation techniques will be presented. The pro’s and con’s of implants and your surgery will be presented. Your questions will be answered. A decision whether to proceed with implants will be made. A treatment plan will be formulated. Enough time for your next appointment will be booked to avoid rushing. Your Dentist or Prosthodontist will be contacted after your consultation to review the plan.
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