If you’re thinking of ways to enhance your smile in the upcoming year, dental implants are an amazing investment. Best of all, they’re built to last! If you’re considering dental implants, you likely have tons of questions about the procedure, aftercare, and everything in between.
To help answer some of these questions before you meet with Dr. Appolon for a dental implant consultation at our Midtown Manhattan dental office, we’ve compiled a list of our top questions and answers for you to review. Feel free to bring along a list of questions we didn’t answer for your consultation so we can answer them for you.
Can Anyone Get Dental Implants?
No. In order to get dental implants, you must be a good candidate. Unfortunately, some factors may prevent certain patients from being good candidates. However, nothing is set in stone until you visit Dr. Appolon for a consultation. Generally, we recommend dental implants to patients who have good oral health and who have sufficient jaw bone. If you’ve lost bone, we can always perform a bone graft to help you become a candidate.
Some factors that may prevent you from being a good candidate include smoking or alcohol use and certain medical conditions. These factors can prevent the implant from healing properly.
How Many Implants Do I Need?
It depends on how many teeth you need to replace. If you only need to replace a single tooth, you will only need one implant. If you have a small section of missing teeth, you might require two implants. If we’re replacing an entire jaw of teeth, you might be a good candidate for All-On-4 which only requires four dental implants per jaw.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants essentially replace the root of your tooth that rests in your jaw. The purpose is to restore the entire missing tooth structure. The jaw bone will grow around the implant and hold it in place just like a natural tooth. Then, once we attach your replacement teeth to the implant, it will feel similar to having natural teeth. The implants secure the tooth replacements in place so that chewing, speaking, and talking feel as natural as possible.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
It depends on the patient. If you require a bone graft and multiple dental implants, your procedure will take much longer than a patient who only needs to replace a single tooth. During your consultation with Dr. Appolon, she will discuss the length of your procedure. Just know that it takes about four months for your jaw to heal from the implants. If you require a bone graft, the entire process may take up to seven months.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
This is another question we can’t really answer until you’re in our office because every patient is different. Please schedule a dental implant consultation at our Midtown Manhattan office to learn more about how much dental implants will cost.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Implants?
There’s a possibility that your dental insurance might cover some parts of your procedure. We recommend calling your insurance company to learn more.
Am I Too Old For Implants?
There’s no age limit on dental implants! If you meet the qualifications for the procedure, we highly recommend them at any age.
How Long Do Implants Last?
With proper care, dental implants can last anywhere from 20 years to a lifetime. It’s essential to continue brushing and flossing your teeth and visiting us for regular checkups so we can ensure your dental implants are in good health.
What Sets Them Apart From Dentures?
If you’re wondering why you should bother replacing your dentures with this alternative treatment; we’ve got lots of reasons for you. For one, dental implants stimulate your jaw. When you lose your teeth and don’t replace them with dental implants, you begin to lose that bone. As the bone disappears, your facial structure begins to collapse since it no longer has that support. As it collapses, your skin gets looser and begins to sag – ultimately causing more wrinkles. In other words, dental implants help you keep your youthful appearance.
In addition, dental implants help you chew your favorite foods. You won’t have to worry about your dentures falling out as you bite into corn on the cob. We also custom-design your replacement teeth so they complement your appearance. Dental implants will give you amazing confidence you won’t find with an old pair of dentures.
Get Dental Implants in Midtown Manhattan
If you have additional questions about dental implants or you’re ready to start the procedure, please contact Appolon Dental Group at (212) 557-8668 to book an appointment. During your visit to our Midtown Manhattan dental office, we’re happy to answer any other questions you have, determine your candidacy and give you an overview of the procedure.
