Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Implants in Midland, TX
Please take the time to read through our top frequently asked questions about dental implants. Whether you are missing one tooth or several teeth, it is vital to understand the process and what to expect. Dr. Courter offers dental implants in Midland, TX for patients missing any of number of teeth. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact us.
Do dental implants have a high success rate?
The reason dental implants are so popular is because they have a high success rate. Studies show implants hold a 5-year success rate of over 95% and a 10-year success rate of around 90-95%. However, the success of your implant treatment will vary depending on many factors such as your current dental health status, bone density, and adherence to post-operative care instructions.
How long do dental implants last?
If you care for dental health and maintain your dental restorations, dental implants can last a lifetime. The implant itself, which is made of titanium, will integrate with the jawbone and remain permanently in place. However, you will need to replace the crown, bridge, or denture for 10-15 years because of normal wear and tear.
Are dental implants painful?
Dr. Courter will perform the implant placement procedure while you are under local anesthesia or sedation. You will not feel any pain or discomfort during the surgery. However, you may experience some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort after surgery. You can manage this pain and discomfort with over-the-counter pain medication and proper post-operative care.
Will my body reject the dental implants?
Teeth implants are made of biocompatible materials, such as titanium. This type of biocompatible metal will fuse to bone and not harm the human body. However, the body may reject the implant in rare cases due to underlying medical conditions, metal allergy, or an autoimmune response. Dr. Courter will evaluate your overall health before determining the best implant material to minimize the risk of implant rejection.
What is the average dental implant treatment time?
The duration of the dental implant process will vary from case to case. There are so many factors that will determine if your implant treatment will take a few months all the way to over a year. The main determining factors are how many implants you need and the current state of your oral health. Generally, the process can take several months to a year or more, including the initial consultation, preparatory procedures, implant placement surgery, healing period, and final restoration placement.
Can dental implants replace all missing teeth?
Yes, Dr. Courter can use dental implants to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even an entire arch of missing teeth. If you are missing all your teeth, we will place a denture implant or full-arch restoration on the top and bottom arch. This solution usually requires 4, 6, or 8 dental implants per row. Dr. Courter will strategically place your dental implants to support a custom denture.
Will my dental insurance cover my dental implants?
Insurance coverage for teeth implants can vary depending on your specific insurance plan and provider. Some plans may offer coverage for a portion of the implant cost, while others may not cover implants at all. It’s important to check with your insurance provider and discuss the potential costs and coverage options with your dental professional.
What does dental implant placement surgery entail?
During the implant placement surgery, Dr. Courter will make a tiny incision in the gum tissue at each implant site to expose the underlying jawbone. Then, he will place the implant post into the prepared site. Depending on your specific case, we will place a temporary protective cover or healing cap over the implant. Your surgery can range from 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on how many implant posts Dr. Courter places.
Can I still get dental implants if I have jawbone loss?
Yes, it is possible to get dental implants even if you have some jawbone loss. Dr. Courter will assess your jawbone density through X-rays or other diagnostic tests. If he sees there is enough bone loss to threaten the success of your treatment, we will recommend bone grafting or sinus lift surgery. These types of preperatory procedures will provide a stable foundation for the implants by building up the bone volume to improve the success rate of implant placement.
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