Q. When is the best time to consider dental implants?
A. You should consider implants if:

• you have one or more missing teeth and are considering bridgework
• you have natural teeth that have been weakened by root canals, decay or gum disease and have a poor prognosis
• you are considering dentures
• you already have a partial or full dentures but are not happy with them

Q. How do I know if I’m a good candidate for implants?  
A. Implants are well tolerated by people of all ages. We will discuss your health information, evaluate your oral health, and review your x-rays with you to determine if you are a good candidate. 

Q. How many implants will I need?
A. The number and placement of your implants depends on several factors. We will recommend customized treatment options based on your situation, objectives and preferences. As a rule, we determine the fewest number of implants needed to support the prosthetic solution desired (i.e., bridge, denture, etc.) Back to top

Q. How long does the entire process take?
A. In some cases, the complete process can be done in just a few weeks. We can give you a better idea of the timeframe when you come in for your Implant Consultation. Back to top

Q. How painful is the surgery and recovery?
A. You will be given local anesthesia and conscious sedation during surgery, so you will be relaxed and pain-free. The typical recovery period after surgery is just a day or two, and patients who have implant surgery on Friday can expect to return to work the following Monday. Most patients find the procedure less painful than a tooth extraction. Back to top

Q. Will there be metal pins visible in my mouth after the surgery?
A. No. You will have a temporary tooth, bridge or denture to wear at all times. Back to top

Q. How much do implants cost?
A. The cost depends on the number of implants and the type of restoration you need. We will provide the complete cost in your customized treatment plan, and we do offer the convenience of credit card payment. We can also develop a phased treatment plan that will allow you to spread the investment out over time. Back to top

Q. Will my dental insurance cover the cost?
A. In most cases, no. But we can devise a treatment plan that will allow you to spread the investment out over a comfortable period of time. And we accept payment by Visa, MasterCard and Discover for your convenience. Back to top

Q. How long will my implants last?
A. With proper care, your implants should last a lifetime. Studies have documented a 98% success rate for implants after ten years. We tell our patients they should expect their implants to last for a very long time, perhaps for a lifetime. We can’t say that for any other procedure in dentistry. Back to top