Questions about Dental Implants

Dental implants can last for years with proper care and maintenance. The titanium post could last the rest of your life, as well as the restoration. However, porcelain restorations such as crowns are subject to being damaged if you clench and grind your teeth or use your teeth to open packages or bottles. It is important to take good care of your implants by practicing good oral health, wear a night guard if you have bruxism, and to see the dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings.

Adults who are in good overall health and that need to replace one or more missing teeth may be qualified candidates for dental implants. If you have a bad tooth that needs an extraction or have spent years with gaps in your smile due to tooth loss that occurred years ago, dental implants may be right for you.

Keep in mind, however, that additional procedures such as periodontal treatments, extractions, or bone grafts may be necessary before getting dental implants. A consultation with our Sciota implant dentists at Chestnuthill Dental will help determine if you are a candidate for dental implants.

Yes! Dental implants are great for replacing single missing teeth but can also replace multiple teeth or even all of the teeth on a single dental arch. For instance, we offer All-on-4 implants and implant dentures as incredible options to restore your smile if you suffer from complete tooth loss.

It is easy to maintain dental implants and not any different than taking care of your own natural teeth. Simply brush and floss your teeth daily to maintain good oral health and prevent bacteria buildup that could result in implant failure. We also recommend checkups and cleanings at our Sciota dental practice at least twice a year so that we can monitor changes in your oral health.

The cost of dental implants varies, depending on whether you need additional procedures in your treatment plan, as well as current costs for the materials used in the procedure. Therefore, we are happy to provide you with an estimate of your specific treatment by meeting with you for a consultation.

If you’re getting one or more dental implants, sedation dentistry may be an option for you. Most healthy adults can opt for sedation dentistry with minimal risks and side effects. However, your implant dentist will assess your overall health status to ensure it’s safe for you to undergo dental sedation. Sedation dentistry helps ensure you remain calm, relaxed, and still during your procedure. Although your mouth will be numb, you won’t feel any discomfort if you are sedated. Additionally, it allows the dentist to place the implants while you remain still to ensure a precise depth in the jawbone.

For more information about sedation, please explore our Sedation FAQs page.