Questions About Implant Dentistry

Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, CA

How long does dental implant surgery take?

It often takes between four and nine months—sometimes longer—to complete dental implant surgery. This is an advanced surgical procedure can the process is lengthy to assure a successful outcome. Please keep in mind that there are two different surgeries, but you will not have an empty gap between procedures. Patients are given temporary teeth, whether it is dentures or a bridge, so you are never without teeth unless you opt for it.

Is there a chance of rejection?

Your body will not outright reject a dental implant—like it might a kidney or a heart. Dental implants are made of titanium, which is completely compatible with your body tissues, allowing it to safely integrate with your surrounding bone and actually becoming a permanent part of your mouth.  An implant can, however, fail if your bone does not bond to it. Factors including misalignment, improper force on the implant or other conditions like existing diseases can cause an implant to fail. If this happens, you can wait until your mouth heals and try again in a few months.

How much pain is associated with this procedure?

As with any surgery, there can be some level of pain and discomfort. But anesthetic and sedation dentistry are available to alleviate pain during the procedure. About 95% of patients rate the discomfort at zero to two on a scale of one to 10. The day after your surgery, you will be prescribed medications to help ease any discomfort you may feel.

What might be some of the factors that would eliminate me from being an implant candidate?

Dental implants are not for everyone. If you suffer from any of the following conditions, it would be best to explore other restoration alternatives:

• If you suffer from uncontrolled diabetes
• If you are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy
• If you suffer from parathyroid disorders, blood disorders or rare bone disorders
• If you have bone marrow cancer
• You do not have sufficient jaw bone
• Your jaw bone is of poor quality
• Your sinuses or nerve bundles are positioned too low

How do I ensure long-term success of my dental implants?

The success of your implants will first depend on the quality and quantity of bone. The better and more available your bone is, the higher your chance of long-term success. Also, the quality of the restoration placed on top of your implant will play a large role the longevity of your dental implants. If the design of the implant crowns or overdentures is poor and your biting forces are not balanced, even the best-placed dental implant will have a decreased lifespan. Besides these factors, the long-term success of you implants depends on how adamant you are about caring for them. Your implants need to be cleaned professionally every three to four months by someone trained in maintaining dental implants. Be sure to floss and brush daily.

If you are interested in implant dentistry and you live in the Beverly Hills or Los Angeles area, please contact our office today. Our experienced staff can help you achieve the Hollywood smile of your dreams. Please call today to set up your free consultation.