1. Who is a candidate for dental implants?

Just about everyone! Dental implants are a great option for people who:

• Are missing one tooth, or multiple teeth
• Have loose, poor fitting dentures
• Dislike wearing partial dentures or bridges and the discomfort they create with eating
• Are tired of avoiding certain foods because they can’t chew them well enough
• Want to ride themselves of the social embarrassment associated with poor-looking teeth
• Wish to have a beautiful, functional smile
• Want to live a healthier, better quality of life and feel years younger

Ultimately, the best way to know if you are a candidate is to have Dr. Andros evaluate your specific condition. His years of experience and successful results can guide you towards your goals.

2. Is there an age limitation to having a dental implant?

Yes. Dental implants should not be used on children or young teenagers. Dental implants should only be considered after growth and development has stopped. This could differ due to gender. In general, most of the population could have teeth replaced with dental implants from the age of 17 years and up. I have personally treated a 93 year old female and a 94 year old male. Both are doing well and love their implants. Ask me about their stories if you’d like, I’ll be happy to share with you why they insisted in having their teeth replaced at their grand old age.

3. How long does the implant process take?

The answer depends on many factors. In short, there are ways to replace missing teeth the same day they are removed. This is known as immediate placement. However, this method is not for everyone. In general, the more conventional methods take about 3-6 months. This gives the dental implant time to integrate with the jaw bone, allowing for maximum strength and support to your new teeth. I highly recommend a consultation to review your best options for a successful outcome.

4. Is there discomfort involved with the procedure?

I can promise you that you will not feel any discomfort during the procedure, but the simple truth is dental implants require surgery, so there will be some. Most patients tell me that having their teeth removed was worse than having the implant placed. Post operative discomfort can be well managed and controlled with medication. Many of my patients found they didn’t need any medication. Some of my patients simply took Tylenol. If you follow your post-care instructions you will do fine. Rest assured, your comfort is extremely important to me and my staff. We will do everything to make your experience smooth and keep you comfortable.

5. How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants may have the potential to last you your entire life, though no one can or should tell you exactly how long they will last. There are many factors that could reduce the potential life of your implant. For example, smokers could expect less years but it would vary for each individual compared to people who don’t smoke. The evidence is that dental implants last many years; in fact, statistically better than any other procedure that are currently being performed in dentistry. There are documented patients who have their implants for more than 40 years. I personally feel it’s one of the best long term dental investments you can make. Looking back at the hundreds of patients I have treated between the years of 1983 and 1990, 98% have their original dental implants and are doing great. From my patients own words, they know they have made the right decision.

6. Is there a chance of rejection with dental implants?

No, dental implants are completely biocompatible and can not be rejected. Because implants are made of titanium they are accepted by your body. Titanium has been used by orthopedic surgeons for nearly six decades and the evidence is well documented for reliability and safety.

7. Are dental implants worth the investment?

Absolutely, below are the results of a survey done on 350 dental implant patients.

• Knowing what you know, would you have the treatment again? 98% said YES!
• Was there significant improvement in your ability to eat and chew your food? 97% said YES!
• Was there a significant improvement in your appearance? 98% said YES!
• Was the treatment worth the investment? 98% said YES!

This survey as well as my own experience, allows me the confidence to highly recommend the dental implant procedure to my patients.

8. Do dental benefits pay for implant procedures?

Everyone’s benefit program is different. Many plans do not cover the fees for dental implants; however, you can be sure that we will do everything we can to help you get the benefits you deserve. My staff has been doing this for over 20 years and they keep current with all of the processing codes. No one likes negative financial surprises. Before you make any commitments, we will see to it that you know everything required to make a good decision. My staff will assist you with comfortable financial arrangements. It’s important to us that you are well treated and cared for. Please let us know how we can assist you.