1. Why should I replace my missing tooth with a dental implant rather than a bridge or a removable partial denture?
- Implant supported crowns stand alone and do not involve, damage, or depend on adjacent teeth for their support. With a bridge, adjacent teeth need to be “ground down” to accommodate the bridge. These “ground down” teeth must remain healthy for the life of the bridge. When something happens to one of the adjacent teeth, the whole bridge is lost. Plus, the bone that once supported the original tooth will shrink over time without a dental implant. This shrinking of the bone (atrophy) can make it difficult or unattractive to wear a removable partial denture.
- Patients tell us that implant supported crowns look and feel more like their original tooth. They are also easier to clean than cleaning around a bridge, and so support gum health.
2. How long does it take to replace a tooth with an implant supported crown?
- Every patient has a different situation. Sometimes we can remove a tooth and replace with a crown in the same day. On the other end of the spectrum, some patients will need to have additional bone grafted to the extraction site prior to implant placement. This can delay getting the tooth replaced by several weeks. The time frame can be anywhere from immediate to 6-12 months.
3. How much pain will I experience with the placement of an implant?
- In most cases the placement of an implant results in very little pain. Local anesthesia is used during the procedure and most patients only take ibuprophen for a couple of days after the procedure.
4. What is the success rate of dental implants?
- Great News: The success rate of dental implants is higher than 95%!
5. What happens if my body rejects the implant?
- Rejection of the implant will occasionally happen. In that case, we simply remove the implant (they are easily removed), wait a few weeks for healing, and then place a new implant.
6. How much does it cost?
Will my insurance cover this procedure?
- When it comes to your teeth, gums, and mouth, cost is not nearly as important as your health! There is a clear correlation between mouth health and heart health. Unfortunately, some people think that if you don’t have dental insurance you can’t afford to go to the dentist! However, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Dentistry isn’t expensive, neglect is! Dental insurance may help offset dental procedures, but it depends on your policy. A responsible, caring dentist will work out a payment plan with you, to make sure your vital dental needs are met.
If you are in need of dental services, please call my office today to schedule a consultation, 404-255-9511.
Email me, atlperio@gmail.com, with your questions or concerns about dental health for children and adults.
