Dental Implant FAQ'S
At Oak Hills Peridontics, our Dental Implant Specialists gets asked a lot of questions about dental implant dentistry. We asked Dr. Gabriella Diaz and Dr. Pamela Ray to share the most frequently asked questions from patients who are considering dental implants to restore their smile.
What exactly are dental implants?
A dental implant by itself is not a tooth! A dental implant is a prosthesis used to replace missing teeth. Essentially, it is a small titanium post/fixture that is inserted into the jawbone, on top of which a single crown (cap), a fixed bridge, a partial denture, or full denture can be attached. Once the implant integrates to your bone, a structure called an abutment is connected to the implant and then the artificial tooth/teeth are attached. Therefore, there are 3 parts to an “implant tooth”: the dental implant itself, the abutment, and the artificial tooth.
What is the success rate of dental implants?
It varies from individual to individual and with health and habits. For a healthy individual with good oral hygiene and good health, dental implants are predictably successful with reported success rates above 90-95 percent.
WHAT IS ALL-ON-4® and do you do it?
All-on-4® is a trademarked treatment procedure that essentially involves replacement of all missing teeth in one jaw by using only 4 implants. This procedure is especially beneficial in patients who have lost a lot of bone in the back areas of the mouth.
This is one of the most common treatments that our dental implant specialists provide.
Will dental insurance cover dental implants?
Dental implants insurance might be available, but most general plans won’t cover the full cost of your tooth replacement procedure. The good news is that you can still get affordable dental implants by exploring our flexible payment options. Contact our office today to let us know that you are curious about finding ways to make the dental implants cost affordable, and we’ll help you find a financing option that works for you.
ARE IMPLANTS REMOVABLE Like my dentures?
No, dental implants are fixed solidly in the bone and allow teeth to be replaced in a manner that is closest to natural teeth.
Does Implant treatment hurt?
The placement of a dental implant (dental implant surgery) should not cause any pain. Post-op, you may feel slight discomfort, but the most our patients ever need to treat it is Advil.
Generally, the extraction of your tooth will cause more discomfort than the placement of your implant. Additionally, you may feel more discomfort post-op with an extraction.
Getting a dental implant should not feel too different than getting ordinal dental procedures, like a filling. You can expect to return to work the next day (sometimes even the same day).
Can implants help me if I have full or partial dentures?
Actually implants are most popularly used in patients who wear full dentures or partial dentures. Dental implants can be used to provide retention and support for a removable implant overdenture, which basically snaps on the implants! Therefore the partial or full denture does not move and reduces the dependency on denture adhesives/denture glue. Or, dental implants can be used for a fixed denture, where a patient’s dentures are fixed/bolted to the implants through titanium components. Only the dentist can remove this from the mouth.
Why Use A Periodontist for my implant treatment?
- Periodontists receive specialized training. While periodontists are dental specialists who receive advanced training in the diagnosis, treatment, and maintenance of gum disease, this training also includes the structure of your teeth and gums – from the crown to the periodontal nerves. This specialized education uniquely qualifies them to perform complex procedures such as dental implant placement with precision and skill.
- They are surgical experts. You may not know this but a periodontist is an expert in periodontics and implantology (aka dental implants)! While the PHC team strives to help our patients keep their natural teeth, sometimes the progression of periodontal disease is too advanced and requires a dental implant to preserve the remaining healthy bone and tissue. And to place a dental implant involves oral surgery, in which an implant screw is inserted into your jawbone. Periodontists have extensive experience in surgical procedures involving the entire tooth and gum structures, making them an excellent choice for safe and effective dental implant treatment.
- Periodontists provide comprehensive periodontal care. Periodontists are experts in managing periodontal disease, which is often responsible for missing teeth. So by choosing a periodontist for your dental implant needs, you can benefit from comprehensive periodontal care before, during, and after your treatment to a healthy, long-lasting smile.
- They use advanced technology and techniques. Periodontists keep up with the latest advancements in dental implant technology and techniques. From advanced imaging technology (like CBCT scans) for accurate treatment planning to modern implant materials, periodontists use state-of-the-art tools and software to give you amazing results without the sacrifice of comfort.
How Long do they last?
Another similar question: What lasts longer, a bridge or dental implant?
Our Dental Implant Specialists use this analogy to compare the longevity of dental bridges vs. dental implants:
If you place a dental bridge in 10 patients and monitor them for 10 years, about 7.5 patients will still have their bridge. That’s a 75% success rate over 10 years.
Now, if you place a dental implant in 10 patients and monitor them for 10 years, about 9.6 to 9.8 patients will still have their dental implants. That’s a 96 to 98% success rate over 10 years – much higher than a dental bridge.
Not to mention, the post of your dental implant should last the rest of your life.
As for the crown portion of your dental implant (or bridge), that is susceptible to wear and chips. You may need to update your crown at the normal life cycle (around 15 years).
If you still have questions about dental implant treatment in San Antonio, we are here to help.
You can contact our office and speak with our Dental Implant Coordinator, or better yet, schedule a consultation and get answers tailored to your unique situation!
Dr. Gabriella Diaz and Dr. Pamela Ray are accepting new patients and proudly serves the San Antonio and Boerne area, including New Braunfels, Fredericksburg, Helotes, Castroville, and Bulverde, TX.
Get In Touch
Trust your dental implant journey to the experts who specialize in it. Ready to get started? Have more questions for us?
We are here when you need us.
Oak Hills Periodontics
Board Certified Periodontists and Dental Implant Specialists
Dr. Gabriella Diaz + Dr. Pamela Ray
5419 Fredericksburg Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78229
Call: (210) 616-0980
Request Consult
Submit the form below to request your free dental implant consultation with Dr. Gabriella Diaz and Dr. Pamela Ray. Our dental implant coordinator will call you within 24 business hours of receiving your request.