Answers to Your Dental Implant Questions
Dr. Henrich and the team at Henrich Dental in Tulsa, OK welcome your questions regarding our dental implant services and your oral health. This page lists some common questions about dental implants to help you decide if they are right for you.
If you have additional questions or concerns please feel free to contact our office or ask us at your upcoming dental appointment. A well-informed patient can make the best decisions about their dental health and enjoy the benefits of a healthy smile.
What is the success rate of Dental Implants?
The success rate of dental implants depends on many factors. Factors such as the individual’s overall health, oral health, if bone loss is present, and the final location of the teeth implants. Additionally, not all dental implant cases are identical.
However, the average success rate of a dental implant procedure in the United States is 95%. Dr. Frank Henrich will discuss all the above factors with you to help you determine if dental implants will be a successful procedure for your needs.
Who is a good candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are for people who are missing one tooth, missing several teeth, or all of their teeth. Dental implants are for patients who are healthy overall, have healthy gums, and have healthy jaw bone structure. Smoking and excessive alcohol drinking are factors that can negatively affect bone strength. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or a history of broken bones, it’s best not to undergo dental implant surgery.
Dr. Henrich will perform a comprehensive exam to make sure that you qualify for dental implants before the procedure.
What are the advantages of Dental Implants?
Dental implants have many advantages over other tooth replacement options. The first advantage is that dental implants are anchored into the jawbone, which means they can support any type of tooth replacement option. This also preserves the jaw bone, preserves the health of the surrounding teeth, and give you back full chewing function.
The second advantage is that dental implants look and feel exactly like natural teeth, which means they can replace a single tooth or an entire row of teeth. The third advantage is that dental implants don’t require any kind of special care, unlike dentures which you need to remove at night and clean regularly. Dental implants are permanent and require the same care as your normal teeth.
How long does it take to get dental implants?
It is important to know how long it takes to get dental implants. This is because you need to plan your time around the surgery and recovery time. It also depends on the type of implant you are getting. The implant surgery can take between one to two hours.
After the local surgeon places the dental implants, the titanium post typically requires 3 to 6 months to fully integrate with the jaw bone before we can secure the permanent restoration. Dr. Henrich may be able to provide a temporary crown while the implant heals.
Does dental insurance cover the cost of dental implants?
Even though dental implants cost more up front, other dental restorations will eventually need repairs, replacement or adjustments. That cost will add up over the years. However, there are options to help you budget for this treatment. One of those is dental insurance.
Everyone’s dental insurance is different and coverage will vary depending on your plan. Dental insurance usually covers routine care, emergencies and basic dental care. Typically, dental insurance will not cover dental implant placement. Some may cover the dental prosthetic part (the dental crown, dental bridge or denture), or the tooth extraction phase.
At Henrich Dental, we understand that not everyone can budget for costly procedures. That’s why we accept dental financing through CareCredit, Sunbit, and also have an in-house dental membership plan! To learn more about these options and more, see Payment & Insurance Information.
How long does a dental implant last?
If cared for properly, a dental implant can last a lifetime. Daily care for your dental implants is very similar to the care required for your natural teeth. Brush twice a day and also floss at least once a day. It’s also important to visit Dr. Henrich twice a year for a routine dental health exams and cleanings at his Tulsa, OK dentist office.