Commonly Asked Questions and Issues Regarding Dental Implant Treatment
Why would I want a dental implant when I can have a 3- unit bridge instead? The implant option sounds pretty invasive.
A) You have a one- tooth problem. By prepping down the adjacent teeth, we now have created a 3 – tooth problem that can lead to long – term functional, aesthetic, and financial issues.
B) The site where you will not have an attached tooth will now be very susceptible to bone loss. When you don’t have a tooth root or implant anchored in the bone, the bone no longer has a reason for being there and it can go away, along with your gums.
Is the procedure painful?
A) Most patients explain that the discomfort experienced during the tooth extraction was much worse. The minor discomfort you feel should subside in a couple of days or better. When tissue and bone are sufficient, most patients have used a few ibuprofen tablets and nothing else.
Can Implants fail?
A) There is always the opportunity that the implant may not integrate with your bone. However, the success rate for implants is an excellent 95% or better and our Dr takes every precaution to ensure that you have the best opportunity for complete success.
B) Dental Implants have a success rate of 95% or greater and have been FDA approved since 1982.
If it is not covered by my insurance, then I don’t want it.
A) Our suggested treatment is based on the needs of the patient, not their benefits.
B) Your current dental situation and therefore, proposed treatment is beyond the scope of any dental benefits.
Why don’t you accept my insurance plan?
A) We evaluate many plans; however, we cannot work directly with all plans.
Can I wait to do this later?
A) The proposed treatment will never be more conservative, more cost effective, or less invasive than it is today. Over time you will lose bone and tissue.