Southern California Dentist Answers Common Dental Implant Questions:

When it comes to dental implants, there seems to be many misconceptions regarding placement, time, cost etc.  My goal with this blog article is to answer many of the questions patients’ ask during my cosmetic dental implant consultation.  My Riverside Cosmetic Dental Implant office understands the importance of answering all questions and concerns in regards to all treatment. Which is why I spend an hour of time during each consultation regarding implants to ensure all concerns and questions are addressed prior to treatment.  Here are the answers to the most frequently asked dental implant questions my Southern California Dental Implant office receives.

1.  What is the typical length of time for the completed dental implant?

In generalities, the typical amount of time invested in placing a dental implant is 3-6 months.  First, let me say that in many cases bone has to be added to provide proper structure and stability to the dental implant site.  The bone graft material takes approximately 3 months to integrate with the bone at the implant site.  Once the integrating is complete, then the dental implant is placed.  This procedure is quick, a single implant may take 30-45 minutes to place.  Once placed into the bone, the dental implant needs time for the bone to grow around it, this again takes approximately 3 months.

2.  Will I have a tooth during the bone integrating process or immediately after the dental implant is placed?

Typically, I like to avoid any pressure on the dental implant until full bone integration is complete.  However, there are many cases where I recommend either a removable appliance called a “flipper” or place a temporary crown on the dental implant.  Any time the dental implant site is visible in the smile line, I recommend an appliance or crown for cosmetic reasons.

3.  Is the dental implant placed at the time of my tooth being extracted?

A dental implant can be placed same day as the tooth extraction as long as there is no bone loss or infection in the bone present.

4.  How do you know if I have enough bone to place a dental implant?

I require a CT cone beam scan which a digital 3D image of the jaw bone.  This allows me to see the amount of bone present, amount of bone and type of bone graft needed, ideal placement of the dental implant along with the anatomy of the jaw.

5.  Can more than one implant be placed during treatment?

Yes!  The implant procedure is actually one of the more simple procedures in dentistry for individuals to go through.

6.  Am I to old/young for a dental implant?

Age is only a factor in regards to the youth.  It is not advised to place any final cosmetic crowns or dental implants until the jaw bone has matured.  This typically is around the age of 16.

7.  Is a dental implant safe for me…I have many allergies?

Yes! Titanium is biocompatible….meaning the body accepts the material as if it was its own.

8.  Do implants fail?

Although rare, dental implants can fail.  Individuals with hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and taking hormone replacement therapy have an increased risk of implant failure.

9.  Who can place a dental implant?

Not every dentist is qualified to place dental implants.  My Southern California Dental Implant Cosmetic office, located in Riverside, is equipped with the latest in technology in dental implants.  I have my fellowship in dental implant placement and my dental assistants have taken implant speciality courses making them experts in the arena of implantology.  My dental hygiene team also is well versed in dental implant care and knows how to evaluate implant health during dental cleanings.

If you are interested in learning if you are a candidate for dental implants please contact my Inland Empire Dental Implant office at (951)686-3666.  We are confident that we can help you gain the stability and confidence you are searching for.  Mention that you read this blog and receive a complementary consultation!