Dental Implant FAQs
In San Jose, CA

While it is normal to have concerns about potential pain from these procedures, most patients do not experience severe post-operative pain. Pain medication and antibiotics will be provided to help make your recovery as comfortable as possible. In some cases, post-operative infections may occur, requiring additional antibiotic treatment. Although every effort is made to place the implant accurately, there is a small risk of injury to adjacent teeth during the placement process. There is also a possibility of the nerve in the lower jaw being affected, which could result in tingling, numbness, or loss of sensation in the lower lip, chin, or tongue. If a significant amount of bone is missing, it may be challenging to place the implant without impacting the nerve space. While we strive to avoid nerve irritation, it can occasionally occur, leading to altered sensations that may be temporary or permanent. If you experience post-operative numbness, please inform us promptly so we can provide appropriate care.

Implants typically have a long lifespan. Studies spanning over 30 years have shown an 80 to 90 percent success rate for patients missing all of their teeth. Recent studies indicate a success rate of over 95 percent for patients missing one or more teeth, which is comparable to other areas of the body that receive implant replacements. However, if a dental implant fails to heal properly or becomes loose over time, it may need to be removed. After the site has healed, or sometimes at the time of removal, a new implant can usually be placed.

After adequate healing has occurred and your jawbone is firmly fused to the implant, the replacement teeth are usually attached to the implant. The timing of this phase of treatment can vary depending on different factors, and we will determine the most appropriate treatment sequence and timing for your specific situation.

The dental work involved in completing your treatment is complex, with most of the work focused on creating the new teeth before they are placed. The process is considered more comfortable and pleasant compared to previous methods of tooth replacement, and local anesthesia may not always be necessary.

Restorative treatment begins with specialized impressions to create a replica of your mouth and implants. "Bite" records are also made to understand the relationship of your upper and lower jaws. Abutments, which are support posts that attach the replacement teeth to the implants, are then made based on this information. The type of abutment used can vary, with custom abutments made of gold or ceramic material sometimes being necessary, adding to the cost and treatment time. The decision on which abutment to use is typically made after healing is complete and impressions have been taken.

The number of appointments and time required for each appointment will vary for each patient, with precision and attention to detail being crucial regardless of the number of teeth being replaced. For a few teeth, as few as three short appointments may be needed, with time between appointments for necessary lab work. Keeping all scheduled appointments is important for the treatment process.

If your final restoration is a removable denture, you may need up to five office appointments over several months for impressions, bites, and adjustments to make your new teeth and custom support bars. Temporary replacement teeth will be provided during this period for comfort.

Overall, the tooth replacement treatment can be completed within 1 to 12 months after the implants are placed. It may be challenging to provide an exact cost or timeframe for the restorative phase until the implants are ready for restoration, but you should receive a reasonable estimate from our office.

Just like natural teeth, it is crucial to clean your implant-supported restorations regularly using toothbrushes, floss, and any other recommended tools. It is also important to visit your dentist multiple times a year for hygiene and maintenance. Similar to regular dentures and other tooth replacements, your implants and their components will experience wear and tear over time and may require repairs such as clip replacement, relines, screw tightening, and other adjustments.

Typically, a dental surgeon will place the implant(s) and perform any required surgical procedures, while your general dentist will provide the temporary and permanent replacement teeth. Both professionals work together to plan your dental treatment. Additionally, other dental specialists may be involved in your care based on various factors.

Before starting treatment, we will do our best to provide you with an accurate estimate of all costs associated with placing implants and creating replacement teeth. This may include charges for diagnostic work-up, such as study models, x-rays, and a surgical template. You will also be charged for the abutment or support post(s), as well as any crowns, dentures, or other restorations placed over the implants. Additional charges may apply for maintenance visits, tissue conditioners, denture relines, and repairs.

If multiple doctors are involved in your treatment, you will be billed separately for their services. We can help you estimate your out-of-pocket costs after reviewing your insurance coverage or other third-party payments. Keep in mind that some insurance plans may offer limited or no coverage, so consider your financial investment in each treatment option.

Every patient is unique, and we may not be able to cover every possible treatment outcome in this booklet. If you have questions about your specific treatment options, please reach out to us. We are here to help you understand your dental care.