Eight Questions to Ask Your Dentist Before Getting Dental Implants

Anytime you are considering a dental procedure, such as dental implants to replace your teeth, it’s important that you understand everything you can about it before deciding if it’s for you. During a consultation with board-certified doctor of dental medicine Dr. Michaela Tozzi in Las Vegas, NV, you can ask any questions you have about how dental implants work. You should always feel comfortable with the dentist you work with and ask them anything you want to know to feel confident in their ability to restore your smile.

Dental implants are a great treatment option for those looking to rejuvenate their smile and to improve oral health. Dr. Tozzi will examine the teeth and gums thoroughly to decide if you’re a viable candidate for dental implants. Here, we address eight of the most commonly asked questions about dental implants.

1. What are dental implants?

Dental implants are tooth replacements for the root and crown of the tooth being treated. Dr. Tozzi places screw-like posts directly into the jawbone, which makes these dental implants a permanent restoration. They are natural-looking, which allows our patients to enjoy restored oral health almost immediately after they are placed.

After placement in the jaw, osseointegration must occur where the bone will grow around the implants to bond effectively. The visual part of dental implants is made of porcelain or other tooth-colored materials. They are custom made for each patient to match their existing teeth.

2. Can I get implants with gum disease?

In order to be a candidate for dental implants in Las Vegas, NV, you must have some of the following:

• Missing teeth

• A strong jawbone that can withstand the healing process (osseointegration)

• No interest in getting dentures

• A speech problem that can be resolved with dental implants

3. Do dental implants last forever?

How long dental implants last will depend on how you care for them. Proper oral hygiene is imperative to their success. The location of the implant will also determine how long they will last since implants in the back receive more pressure when you are eating. Poor hygiene can lead to implant failure and the need for removal.

4. Can dental implants be removed?

Dental implants may be removed to change the position of them or if they fail. Dental implant failure occurs because of host rejection or infection. Early implant failure can be caused by too much movement during the healing process or the inability to integrate with the bone properly. Late implant failures can happen because the implant becomes loose or an infection, known as peri-implantitis, occurs. This makes it important for Dr. Tozzi to evaluate your jawbone quality before deciding if you are a viable candidate for this restorative dentistry procedure.

5. Will dental insurance cover dental implants?

The cost of dental implants can vary anywhere from $3,000 to $4,000, depending on where they are located. The price includes the surgery to place the implant into the jawbone, the components associated with the procedure, and the implant crown. Most dental insurances exclude dental implants from their coverage but usually will finance a lower-cost alternative, such as dentures.

6. Are dental implants safe?

Dr. Tozzi has successfully used dental implants for many patients at her Las Vegas, NV office. It is a reliable procedure to replace missing teeth, which allows you to return to eating and speaking comfortably.

7. How long does it take to heal with dental implants?

The average healing time for dental implants is anywhere from 4 – 6 months for complete healing. This will vary from patient to patient. Osseointegration, the process of the bone fusing properly to the implant, usually will take about two to four months. Once it is finished, the dental implant process can be completed with the attachment of the crown.

8. How do I care for dental implants?

To make sure that your dental implant doesn’t loosen or fail, proper oral hygiene is necessary.

Learn how dental implants can restore your smile

When you’re considering procedures to replace missing teeth, dental implants are a great option. Board-certified doctor of dental medicine Dr. Michaela Tozzi, who is highly trained in the diagnostics and treatment of oral health conditions, can provide a consultation with you at her Las Vegas, NV office to answer any of these questions before you commit to this procedure. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Tozzi, call our professional team today.