Implants are teeth replacement. The new designs have a shape that resembles the root of the missing tooth. Implants are made from titanium and they will be inserted into the upper or the lower jawbone. They can replace one or multiple teeth; they can improve the retention and stability of removable denture and support a complete fixed bridge.

Different research and long term follow up studies show a cumulative success rate of 90% over 15 years. There are multiple factors that contribute to implant success:

• Patient health
• Proper diagnosis and adequate treatment planning
• Quality and quantity of the remaining bone
• Adequate oral hygiene
• Type of implants
• Proper follow-ups

• Restore esthetics, function, mastication and phonetics
• Preserve the remaining bone from further resorbtion
• Simplify the final restoration
• Avoid grinding the adjacent teeth
• Provide an alternative treatment for removable dentures
• Increase the retention and stability of removable dentures

All patients with missing teeth are candidates for implant placement.

Any patient with a non-controlled systemic disease such as diabetes and immune conditions may have a lower success rate.

Patients with life threatening conditions are poor candidates for dental implants. Heavy smoking patients are also at higher risk for implant failure.

Thirty years ago, there were three major dental implant companies in the world. Today, there are more than 200 companies worldwide. Implants differ in many ways:

• Shape: screw, cylinder, blade, anatomical, and tapered
• Width: from 2mm to 6mm
• Length: from 5mm to 20mm
• Materials: titanium, titanium alloy, and ceramic
• Surface texture: smooth, rough, coated, and hybrid design
• Type of titanium: Grade 1, 2, 3, 4
• Implant and prosthetic interface: internal or external

Not all dental implants have the same performance. Some have a good short-term success rate (90%) that drops after several years in service (75%), and some have a steady 98% throughout the life of the implant.

The cost of dental implants are divided into the following categories:

• Pre-treatment fee: This will include the complex oral evaluation, models, diagnostic wax-up, x-ray and surgical guide.
• Surgical fee: this will include the placement of the implants in the bone and the additional adjunctive surgeries such as bone or soft tissue grafts.
• Restorative fee: this will include the cost of the final restoration (crown, bridge, or fixed denture)
• Maintenance fee: this will include the yearly hygiene and follow-up
• Type of titanium: Grade 1, 2, 3, and 4 7
• Implant and prosthetic interface: internal or external

The complete cost of the treatment can vary. This will depend on the type of the final prosthesis (fixed, removable, ceramic-metal or acrylic), the number of implants, the complexity of the treatment, extensive bone loss with the need of bone grafting, and esthetic challenge.

The treatment length can change with the complexity of the treatment. Usually it takes anywhere from 3-12 months.

It is divided as follows:

• 2-3 months is needed for bone healing after implant placement.
• The restorative phase may need 1-4 months based on complexity.

As in any dental surgical procedure, there can be some pain.

However, anasthetics and pre-surgical pain medication eliminate discomfort during the actual surgery. Post-Surgical pain will be mild and well controlled with the proper prescribed and/or over-the-counter pain medication.

Some surgeries can be performed without cutting the gum, thus minimizing the swelling and after surgery pain.

Generally, we recommend the day of the surgery, plus the following day or two for recovery depending on the complexity of the surgical procedure. In the case of complex surgeries, you can expect to have some swelling, pain, possibly some bruising, but at no time will you be without teeth. The time taken off from work is really an individual decision.

No time. We know how important it is to have teeth at all times. We will fabricate a temporary fixed bridge or removable prosthesis and we will deliver it on the day of surgery if not before. We utilize innovative procedures to give our patients a fixed temporary bridge on the day of surgery.

Age is not a factor. Multiple studies showed similar success rates in people above 70 compared to a younger implants recipients.

However, patients still in the active growth stage are not good candidates for implants.

We are non participating providers with most insurance companies.
We know how important this service is to our patients, we will submit the claim form on your behalf and any payment your insurance makes will go directly to you.

Should you need anything followedp on, we will be happy to assist you.

• Do not take Aspirin or any other product containing Aspirin 7 days prior to surgery.
• Do not drink alcohol beverages for 1 day prior to surgery.
• Do not drink caffeinated beverages the day of the surgery.
• Do not wear make-up (foundation or lipstick).
• Do wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing.
• Do eat a meal before arriving to the office.
• Do take the pre surgical prescribed medication.

• Do use ice on your face (20 minutes on / 10 minutes off) for a total of 24 hours.
• Do drink ice water for the first 24 hours.
• Do eat yogurt and ice cream for the first 24 hours.
• Do eat soft foods for 1 week (chewing away from the surgical area).
• Do sleep with your head elevated for two nights following surgery.
• Do rinse gently with water after each meal to cleanse the surgical wound.
• Do not drink hot liquids for 24 hours following surgery.
• Do not brush the area of the surgery for 1 week or untli instructed to do so.
• Do not smoke for two weeks following surgery.
• Do not drink alcohol for one week following surgery.
• Do not exercise for three days following surgery (aerobic activity).
• Do not wear removable dentures until specified (wearing dentures too early will jeopardize healing)
• Do not use straws.
• Do not spit.

Bleeding

• You may see some bleeding following the surgery. If this occurs, it may be stopped by gently biting on gauze soaked in cold water. If the bleeding is not controlled by this method, please contact our office.

Swelling

• Cold pack for first 48 hours.
• If swelling is going to occur, it will peak at 48-72 hours following the surgery.
• If you are swollen after the first 48 hours heat may be used on the area.
• A moist heated towel or a hot water bottle may be used on the area of swelling for 48 hours.
• In some cases bruising, or restricted jaw movement may occur. Heat after the first 48 hours will help reduce these symptoms.

Sutures

• Sutures will be present in your mouth following the surgery.
• Avoid the area of these sutures.
• These will be removed in approximately 7-14 days following the surgery.

• In some cases medications will be prescribed.
• Mouthwash (Chlorhexidine) should be used twice a day for 30 seconds, after breakfast and before bedtime.
• Use prescribed medications as directed.
• If you have mild discomfort take non-prescription medications that do not contain aspirin, such as Tylenol or Advil.