David M. Dugan D.D.S., M.D., P.C.

Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and restore your bite pattern.

A Dental implant is a titanium screw that is threaded into the jaw bone and acts as a tooth root. Once the implant has healed within the jawbone, a general dentist will attach the crown.


Dental implants can be used to replace one missing tooth or several. Dental implants can also be used to anchor dentures.  


FAQ's

Is it painful to get implants placed?

There is no pain during surgery because a local anesthetic is used. You can expect minimal post-operative pain for the first 3-4 days. Any tenderness is usually controlled by ibuprofen or acetaminophen.


Do I need to be sedated to get implants placed?

No, in fact most people only use local anesthetic for their surgery. However, oral sedation and IV sedation are available for those who want something more.


What kind of foods can I eat after getting an implant placed?

For the first few days, you should follow a soft diet. Avoid hard crunchy foods which could potentially damage the surgical sites. Coffee, tea and soup are fine as long as they are not too hot. Foods that are spicy and acidic like tomato sauce and orange juice can also irritate a new surgical site and should be avoided.


How do I take care of my dental implant as it heals? 

For the first week after surgery, you should rinse the site with warm salt-water after you eat. If a healing collar is placed on your implant (it will look like a silver button sticking above the gum line), you will be able to gently brush it after one week. Healing collars can sometimes come loose. If this happens, it can be simply screwed back on. 


Before I get my implant completed, do I have to go without a tooth at that site?

No. A temporary tooth can be made to fill that space. Ask your general dentist about your options. 

When can I get my final tooth?

From the time of tooth extraction to getting your crown, it can take up to a year. However, a patients dental conditions and treatments are never exactly the same. We will provide you with an estimated timeline that would best explain your treatment plan.


Can my dental implant fail?

Dental implants have a high success rate. If properly taken care of, they can last a lifetime. However, an implant can fail. This is usually related to the failure of the implant to heal correctly with the jawbone. This can be due to inflammation surrounding the implant or possibly too much bite force being exerted on the crown.


Is there a possibility I could not have an implant?

A certain amount of bone is required to place an implant. If that amount of bone is not present, an implant would not be possible. Some medications can also prevent someone from getting an implant placed.


Can I make payments?

Yes, payments can be made through CareCredit. CareCredit can offer low monthly payment plans for patients, including a 6-month no-interest payment option. To apply, call CareCredit at 1-800-365-8295 or visit www.Carecredit.com


Will my Dental Insurance reimburse me for dental implants?

Many insurance companies do reimburse for dental implants. However we are not privy to the specifics of the contract you hold with your dental insurance. We would be more than happy to provide you with an printed estimate. Once you submit this estimate to your insurance company, they will notify you as what is a reimbursable benefit within your contract and how much you will get reimbursed.