Dental Implants Frequently Asked Questions

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, usually made of titanium, that provide a firm foundation for attaching an artificial tooth, typically a crown or dental prosthetic.

What is the dental implant procedure?

The surgeon will surgically implant a titanium post into the bone where the tooth is missing. This usually takes about 30 minutes. If multiple teeth are missing, implant placement can take 1-2 hours. If there is insufficient bone to hold the implant, grafting may be recommended to achieve a long-lasting result. The grafting is done several weeks before the implants are placed to allow healing time.

The patient’s jawbone needs several weeks to heal from surgery before the visible portion of the artificial tooth is attached. After healing, the tooth (crown) portion is attached to the post and can be cared for like a natural tooth.

How long does it take to get dental implants?

It can take anywhere from six to nine months from the first consultation to the final placement of the crown or prosthetic.

How do dental implants work?

The dental implant fuses to the jawbone through osseointegration, which makes the titanium implant a part of the jawbone. An abutment is used to attach the implant to the replacement tooth. Once healing is complete, the dental implant and restoration are as stable and strong as a natural tooth. You can eat, speak, and care for your dental implants like your natural teeth.

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants can last as long as your natural teeth with regular brushing and flossing.

Do dental implants hurt?

The dental implant surgery is not painful because the patient is sedated during the procedure and the area is numbed. After surgery, there is some mild to moderate pain and swelling; these are easily controlled with pain medication and ice packs. Over-the-counter pain relievers may be sufficient, but we can prescribe pain medication if needed. You should be pain-free within three days.

What do dental implants look like?

When fully restored, the visible portion of a dental implant looks just like a natural tooth.

Are dental implants safe?

Yes. Dental implants have been around for more than 50 years. They have been extensively studied and found to be safe. They are an outstanding option for tooth replacement for most patients and have a success rate of 97%.

Does dental insurance cover dental implants?

Most dental insurances now cover all or part of the cost of dental implants. Ask your provider for more information.

How many implants will I need?

The number of implants depends on several factors, including how many teeth need replacing and their location. A single missing tooth can be replaced with a single implant. Multiple missing teeth can be restored with multiple implants or with a dental prosthetic that attaches to between four and six implants.

Who places dental implants?

Oral surgeons have the additional training and experience to place dental implants, which is a complex oral surgery procedure. The crown or prosthetic is designed and placed by a dentist or prosthodontist working with the oral surgeon.

The oral surgeons at the Oral Surgery Center of Texoma have placed dental implants in thousands of satisfied patients. If you want to replace missing or diseased teeth with implants, please call us at Oral Surgery Center of Texoma office Phone Number 903-868-1370 to schedule a consultation.