Dental Implant FAQs
Dental Implant FAQs in the East Bay
We encourage you to read through some of the common dental implant FAQs our team at Diablo Valley Implant Dentistry receives from patients.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant in Danville is a small titanium fixture that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. The implant is placed in the upper or lower jaw. It will bond with the bone over time and thus serve as an anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental Implants can be used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth.
Who can place a Dental Implant?
When placing dental implants, experience is key. Dr. Anthony Lizano is experienced in the dental extraction and implant surgery phases, as well as the restoration phase of the dental implant process. Our dental implant office, Diablo Valley Implant Dentistry, will work closely with your regular Dentist or specialist to ensure that your implant and restoration process goes smoothly from start to finish.
Are Dental Implants successful?
With more then three decades of clinical experience and over a million patients treated, statistics confirm a success rate of nearly 95% for individual implants.*
Long-term success depends on multiple factors. First off, success will depend on the quality and quantity of bone. The better the bone and the more bone available, the greater chance of long-term success. Secondly, the experience and ability of the dental surgeon will be a key factor. As with any surgical procedure, there is no substitute for the experience and individual talent of the dentist. And finally, the quality of the restoration placed on top of the implant will play a big role in long-term success. If the design of the implant crowns or prosthetic restoration is not correct, or they are poorly constructed, or biting forces are not properly balanced, even the best-placed dental implant will have a compromised survival rate.
* Results based on implants remaining and in function over a five-year period.
How much do implants cost?
As with many surgical procedures, dental implant fees will vary from doctor to doctor. Frequently, a more experienced implant dentist will charge higher fees.
The fee for tooth replacement with dental implants will depend on several factors, including the number of teeth being replaced and the number of implants required to support your replacement teeth. Some additional procedures may be required prior to the placement of your dental implants to ensure the long term health of your dental implants. Typically, there is a fee for the surgical procedure and as well as a fee for constructing your replacement teeth. To obtain a specific fee estimate, it is necessary to have a doctor examine your mouth. After a thorough diagnostic examination, we can recommend the treatment that is best for you.
Who is a candidate and will Dental Implants work for me?
Anyone who is missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease or decay may be a candidate for dental implants. The main limitation is the amount of available bone. Many people missing teeth have also lost much of the surrounding jaw bone due to natural atrophy or prior treatment which has failed. Recent advances in bone grafting may allow you to have much of the missing bone replaced, so that implants can be placed. A dentist with extensive experience in bone grafting and implant placement is the best person to evaluate whether dental implants are a viable solution for you.
Is old age a problem?
Occasionally, older patients express concern that their age may prevent them from enjoying the benefits of dental implants. However, health is more of a determining factor than age. If you’re healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you’re probably healthy enough to receive dental implants. Certain chronic diseases may contraindicate implant treatment. We can determine if you are a candidate for dental implants after a careful evaluation of your dental and health history.
What are the advantages of Dental Implants over Dentures or a Bridge?
Improved Appearance: When you lose an entire tooth – crown and root – shrinkage of the jawbone may cause your face to look older. Dental Implants can stop this process. A traditional denture or bridge does not.
Maintained Natural Teeth: With traditional practices, two teeth adjacent to a missing tooth must be ground down to anchor a dental bridge. Dental Implants eliminate the need to modify healthy teeth.
Implants can be a permanent solution: There are no worries about future tooth decay compromising the foundation supporting the implant restoration.
How will Dental Implants effect my life?
Implant-supported replacement teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth. This means that you can eat like you did with your own teeth. Most importantly, dental implants often improve quality of life in a very concrete way. People who have felt embarrassed and worried because of their tooth problems are often positively overwhelmed by what new permanent teeth can do for their self-esteem.
Will my new teeth look natural?
When dental implants are used in combination with excellent restorative dentistry, their appearance, comfort and function are very likely to exceed your expectations.
How much time is required for an implant placement?
Traditionally, the procedure has been performed in a few steps. The dental implant surgeon begans by installing the implant, which was left for from three to six months to heal and integrate with the jawbone. Today, utilizing new techniques, in many cases bone heals around the implants much faster – sometimes several weeks is all that is needed, and sometimes even less. Some patients can have implants installed and a restoration placed in one single session (Even at the time of a tooth extraction) and a temporary or restoration placed at the same time, or soon after. The timing and procedure depends on several factors, such as the patient’s dental health, type of restoration, the amount of bone, the number of teeth involved and which teeth are replaced. These factors will also determine the total number of visits to the dentist throughout the treatment period.
Is the treatment painful?
Anesthesia and patient sedation are used to eliminate any discomfort at the time of procedure. Most patients report that they were much more comfortable following the procedure then they had anticipated. We prescribe medications to ease any discomfort that may occur.
How will I feel after the treatment?
After some procedures it is normal to have some minor swelling in the gum and soft tissues. But usually the discomfort, if any, is minor and treated with either an over the counter or prescription analgesic. Most patients are able to return to light activity and work the following day.
How will I care for my implants?
Your new teeth must be cared for and checked regularly, just like your natural teeth. Brush and floss as recommended by your general dentist or dental hygienist. See your dentist as recommended for follow up evaluations.
Book A Dental Implant Consultation
Contact our board certified dental implant surgeon at (925) 838-1109 to schedule a consultation to discuss additional dental implant FAQs that we may not have answered for you. We also encourage you to read about the benefits of dental implants to help in your decision when considering dental implant surgery in Danville. Dr. Anthony Lizano performs dental implant surgery for patients from Danville, Walnut Creek, Alamo, San Ramon, and throughout the East Bay and Bay Area.