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Dental Implants FAQ
At Tradition Dental Group, we understand that dental implants can be a significant decision for our patients. We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about this procedure to provide you with the information you need. Take a look, and don't hesitate to contact our office with any additional questions!
Dental Implants
1. How much do implants cost?
Costs can vary quite a bit depending on your dental insurance coverage. Tradition Dental accepts a variety of insurance plans, along with cash, credit cards, and checks. We also offer CareCredit® for long-term financing of large expenses.
This program allows for 12 months at 0% interest if paid in full before the end of that period. Our staff would be happy to discuss your payment options and check on your coverage during your free dental implant consultation in our Port St. Lucie office. Contact Tradition Dental today at (772) 207-1213 to schedule your consultation.
2. Are dental implants painful?
Installing dental implants is an oral surgical procedure. Any surgery can be somewhat painful. But just as when you get other dental services such as a filling, crown, or having a tooth pulled, anesthesia is administered beforehand so that you won't feel pain during the surgery.
Minor swelling and some pain are to be expected for a few days right after this or any other oral surgery. This can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®).
3. How long do implants last?
Dental implants are comprised of three parts — the titanium implant that goes into your jawline; an "abutment," which is the item that attaches the implant to the prosthetic tooth above the gum line; and the prosthetic tooth, which we call a crown. While titanium dental implants are designed to last a lifetime, wear and tear on crowns and abutments mean they may need to be replaced after 10-15 years.
Heavy-use teeth such as back molars can need more frequent replacement. However, proper, regular hygienic care is essential in extending every crown's life. We will review all of these details with you to ensure you're doing everything possible to get the maximum life out of your dental implants.
4. How long will the procedure take?
Selecting a dental practice with extensive experience with dental implants is critical, as their expertise can directly affect the length of the procedure. That said, most dental implant surgeries take around two hours, but that can vary depending on how much work is done. Tradition Dental brings decades of experience in serving all types of patients with dental implant needs, whether to replace a single missing tooth or to fill the whole mouth.
5. What kind of Implants does Tradition use?
Dr. Williams is a proud BioHorizons provider.
All-on-4® Dental Implants
1. Am I unable to eat certain foods?
Eat what you want, when you want, where you want. Your overall eating habits will improve with the All-on-4 procedure. You'll be able to enjoy your favorite foods again, instead of avoiding them in public or at home.
2. How will this affect my quality of life?
With All-on-4 dental implants, your new teeth will feel and function just like real teeth. You'll have greater comfort and confidence when smiling, speaking, and eating. Overall, you'll look better, feel better, and have a renewed outlook on life.
3. Are All-On-4 dental implants safe?
Yes, All-On-4 dental implants are safe, but there are some important factors to consider. Getting dental implants of any kind is an oral surgical procedure, and every surgery carries some level of risk. Further, All-On-4s may be offered by many dental offices, but do they have the experience to know how to install them correctly and safely?
With All-On-4s, you want to find a provider who has many years of dedicated experience installing this specific type of implant. Further, a good dental provider won't offer All-On-4s as a solution if the better solution is to install individual dental implants, or perhaps six implants per arch instead of just four.
Your implant plan should be custom to your unique mouth. Make sure your provider is considering things like your age and bone status when recommending an implant solution.
All-On-4s may not be the best solution for you. Don't let someone talk you into pulling multiple healthy teeth just because an All-On-4 sounds like a simpler solution. Choose a cosmetic dentist who will go over all of your options and discuss the best path forward for you and your specific mouth and teeth issues.
4. How will this affect my dental health?
If you are missing teeth or have decay in your teeth and gums, you are at risk for periodontal disease, an inflammatory disease that can affect your whole body. Periodontal disease has been linked to heart attacks, strokes, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses.
After you have dental implants installed, your mouth can become healthier and sturdier when paired with a program of regular brushing and flossing. You can eat a more balanced diet, chew things you couldn't before, and ward off periodontal disease caused by decaying teeth and gums. Implants can improve your overall health.
5. How do you clean All-On-4 dental implants?
One of the benefits of dental implants is easy care. Treat dental implants just as you would regular teeth. With a daily program of brushing and flossing, paired with regular visits to your dentist for cleaning and care, your implants should last a long time and will stay healthy and clean.
