Below you will find a comprehensive list of the most common dental implant related questions. If you have a question that is not answered here and is related to dental implants, then please call our office @ (888) 679-8118 and we will be happy to answer! Dr. Thein also offers Dental Implant Consultations.
Common Dental Implant Questions Answered
What is the cost of dental implants?
The cost of dental implants relies on too many factors. For more elaborate details on this, please visit our page on the cost of dental implants in Los Angeles.
Will my insurance cover dental implants?
This depends on your insurance provider, but typically most carriers will cover the cost or a portion of the cost for dental implants. You may even have coverage through your medical provider if you are missing all or a large majority of your teeth. Our staff will work to help you receive the most benefits possible from your insurance provider on obtaining dental implants. However, you should get in touch with your insurance provider directly in order to find out what they do offer for dental implants.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are placed in the mouth with the expectation to last a lifetime. They are viable substitutes for our actual teeth, which are also meant to last a lifetime. However, poor hygiene and dietary choices will affect the duration of both real teeth and dental implants. Dental implants should be treated as normal, regular teeth and cared for in the same manner.
Is the procedure painful?
Placement of the dental implants will be pain-free as the procedure is performed under anesthesia. You will experience slight discomfort after the procedure, which is often successfully treated with Advil or ibuprofen.
How are dental implants inserted?
Some dental implants are inserted right into the patient’s bone and others are placed over the bone. In both cases, dental implants are placed under the gum tissue.
Are dental implants better than your natural teeth?
No. No man-made teeth can compare to natural teeth. If at all possible it is better to save your existing teeth. Frequent dental checkups and good teeth cleaning habits, such as brushing and flossing, will help maintain the condition of your teeth.
How long does the procedure take?
There are many variables that go into how long a dental implant takes to place in the mouth, but typically you should expect anywhere from 45 minutes to 4 hours (this is because many people often have more than one dental implant placed at the same time, requiring more time).
Can I return to work the next day?
Yes. Most people are often able to return to work the following day with post-operative discomfort that may be treated with over-the-counter pain medication.
Will dental implants help with my dentures?
Yes. Partial dentures are supported by existing teeth or a combination of tooth and gum support. When teeth are lost and replaced by partials, the teeth supporting the partial have more stress on them than before. Existing teeth must bear the burden of all the chewing, supporting the partial as well, and can be pushed past their limit. Under these stressful conditions, the remaining teeth will be subjected to accelerated bone loss.
Dental implants give a permanent solution to missing teeth. The patient will not have to contend with constantly removing partials. Existing teeth won’t have to bear the burden and stress that partials put on them. Also the patient is not subjected to extra bone shrinkage that makes partials loose.
When teeth are lost, supporting bone is also lost. Dental implants are attached to the bone structure and will help in preventing bone loss because the bone is being used similarly to when a natural tooth was present.
Someone told me I’m too old for dental implants. Is this true?
No. A person’s health will better determine whether they are a good candidate or not. Age is not the determining factor in this case. Many patients who are over the age of 70 or 80 are better candidates than younger patients who have severe medical conditions. Dr. Thein will help you determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants.
Can any dentist give me dental implants?
Yes, by law any dentist may be able to place dental implants into the mouth. However, experience plays a significant role in reducing the chance of dental implant failure. Dr. Thein has been performing dental implants for several years, even training other dentists on proper placement techniques. He is board certified in the trade and remains one of LA’s leading dental implant specialists.
How successful are dental implants?
Dental implant success rates depend on many factors, but Dr. Thein will not place a dental implant unless he knows you are a good candidate and have a mouth with enough bone density able to support one. His strict protocol allows him to have a very high dental implant success rate, with very little chance of dental implant failure. However, dental implants can be guaranteed to have a success rate of over 90%.