Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants

North Tabor Dental is here to provide you with all the information you need when you are considering dental implants. Choosing dental implants for tooth restoration is a big decision, but we can answer any questions you may have. Below you will find our answers to our patients’ frequently asked questions about dental implants.

This list of dental implant FAQ’s is just a sample of what our patients ask the most. We at North Tabor Dental are happy to answer any dental implant questions you may have in the Portland OR area. Don’t hesitate to contact us now for more information or to schedule your free consultation today.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are generally titanium rods that are surgically inserted into the jawbone to support a dental prosthesis. Typically, the prosthetic used will be a bridge, crown, or denture, and it is a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth.
There are many benefits dental implants offer for lost or missing teeth. Primarily, they restore oral function and allow you to continue to enjoy your favorite foods. They function just like natural teeth and are custom-designed to look natural too. All our patients report feelings of excitement and restored self-esteem once the procedure is complete, as they thought the consequences of missing teeth were permanent. Dental implants are a great choice for this reason.
Many people are concerned about the potential pain associated with dental implants. The word ‘surgery’ can be scary and discouraging. You can rest assured that the pain associated with this state-of-the-art procedure is minimal. A local anesthetic will be used during the procedure to eliminate pain and mitigate discomfort. You will feel soreness for a couple days after the surgery but it is not significant and can be easily remedied.
If you have good overall health, you are most likely a prime candidate for dental implant surgery. Any health conditions you may have will be discussed in depth and taken into consideration. However, if you are not healthy enough or have pre-existing medical issues that prevent dental implant surgery, North Tabor Dental will help you find alternative options to restore your missing teeth.
This is a highly variable question and is determined on a case by case basis after a thorough examination. Typically, the entire process from initial examination to the final restoration takes about 4-6 months.
When the procedure is performed by an experienced professional, dental implants are extremely successful. Although there have been cases of failed dental implant surgery, these are largely due to the low quality of the materials used and the practitioner’s lack of experience. This makes choosing the right dental professional extremely important. Follow-up care after surgery is also extremely important. Keeping all appointments and maintaining superior oral hygiene will reduce any risks associated with any post-surgery issues. When you choose an accomplished practitioner with North Tabor Dental, you can be sure that our expertise will keep any dental implant risks as low as possible.
Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. This, of course, assumes that you choose the right dental professional, eat a healthy diet, keep all follow-up visits, and maintain excellent oral hygiene habits. On the other hand, an inexperienced practitioner, the presence of gum disease, and other oral issues can contribute to the premature failure of dental implants.
This is another highly variable question that doesn’t have a definitive answer but is determined on a case by case basis once a thorough examination has been completed. The average figure for a single implant is about $2,500. This is a general estimate, and the cost may be more if bone grafting is needed. However, the cost of each individual implant will be less when multiple implants are placed. For a full mouth implant restoration, the cost can range from $25,000 to $55,000, which again is highly variable and depends on a number of factors. (Beware of dental offices that offer implant surgery for less than $2,000, as the expertise, care, and quality of materials will most likely be lacking, unless you are choosing a full mouth restoration service.)
In most cases insurance companies do not cover dental implants but you should still check with your insurance provider when evaluating your financial options.