Dental Implant Q&A

Dental Implants Questions and Answers

I created this Q&A post to cover the most common questions I get asked about dental implants in my office. I want this post to serve as a refresher to the information we discussed already. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to my office through text message (929)209-2736 or email at dr.identalpc@gmail.com 

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is one of the most common ways to fix a missing tooth. It prevents the structural disintegration of the surrounding teeth and bone that can occur when you lose a tooth.

An implant consists of a small titanium post that Dr. Emmanuil Ilyayev surgically implants into your jawbone and an artificial tooth or crown. The dental implant structure adapts to your bone and gums, becoming a part of your smile that looks and functions just like the rest of your teeth.

A dental implant is one of the safest and most restorative periodontal procedures for long-term dental health.

Who is a candidate for a dental implant?

Generally anyone with a missing tooth can be a candidate for a dental implant. Our office will look through you medical history, list of medications you take, and will evaluate your bone quality before determining if you are a good candidate for a dental implant to replace missing teeth. We avoid dental implants in uncontrolled diabetics, osteoporosis, heavy smokers or alcohol drinkers, pregnant patients, patients under 18 years old, allergy to titanium, history of radiation therapy, Lupus, and severe dry mouth.

Advantages of dental implant?

Missing teeth can be a challenging experience for many people. Food becomes harder to chew, resulting in people swallowing larger chunks of food instead of chewing food into smaller pieces. Swallowing larger food particles will results in gastric (stomach problems) and can lead to conditions such as gastric esophageal reflux disease. Having a dental implant will allow you to chew food more efficiently.

Once a tooth is missing the bone where the tooth used to be starts to shrink and becomes thinner. Other teeth start to shift resulting in change of bite, jaw pain, tooth sensitivity, and gaps in between teeth. A dental implant will preserve the bone and positioning of the neighboring teeth.

How long do dental implants last?

The average span of an implant can last anywhere from 10-30 years. It depends on the care a person gives to it. It is important to maintain a good oral hygiene, do routine dental cleanings, floss and brush teeth. Dental implants do not get tooth decay unlike natural teeth so the health of a dental implant will depend on you gums. There is a success rate of 90-95% with dental implants.

How much to dental implants cost?

The cost can vary based on patient needs, quality of bone, and region of mouth. From our experience certain insurances such as Aetna PPO, Guardian PPO, Metlife, Oxford, Cigna PPO, GHI, and certain union plans can help you with your implant payment. Most medicaid and medicare insurances do not cover dental implants in NY from our experience.

How long is the dental implant procedure?

It varies. Depends on how many implants we are placing. A single implant usually takes less the an hour, but can range from 1 hour to 2 hours.

Does the dental implant procedure hurt?

Usually not. Our office does all our dental implant procedures using the latest technology. We create a surgical guide before the dental implant procedure and the surgical guide positions the dental implant into its perfect location. Most patients say the feeling is no different than getting a filling done.

What should you avoid after dental implant is placed?

Avoid eating for 2 hours, liquids are allowed anytime after the procedure. Avoid heavy lifting, drinking from straws, or smoking for at least 3 days. You will be given a prescription for an antibiotic to take for a week.

How do you maintain a dental implant?

1. Brush teeth with soft bristle tooth brush twice a day, and take sure to brush all the surfaces of the teeth in a circular motion
2. Floss after meals
3. Visit your dentist for routine cleanings and checkups

How long do I wait to get a crown after the dental implant?

After a dental implant is placed, we wait for a process called osteointegration to occur. That's where the dental implant and surrounding bone fuse together. That can take 3-4 months. After 3-4 months we can attach a tooth (crown) to the dental implant

I want to schedule a dental implant consultation, what is the next step?

Please reach out to our office via phone call or text message (929)209-2736 and our office will set up a consultation visit for you with Dr. Emmanuil Ilyayev

Author

Dr. Emmanuil Ilyayev Dr. Emmanuil Ilyayev is a graduate of New York University College of Dentistry. He did his residency at Woodhull hospital in Brooklyn. He is a third generation dentist, following the footsteps of his grandfather and uncle. Dr. Ilyayev is focused on preventative care and educating his patients. He is gentle and has amazing bedside manners. He is a licensed dentist in New York and Florida. He is a well-rounded dentist and is up to date with the current trends in dentistry. He is trained to offer a variety of services including changing silver fillings into white fillings safely using a rubber dam, bonding, biocompatible crowns (Caps), bridges, restore implants, Invisalign, complete smile makeovers, root canals, whitening, veneers, dentures, and deep cleanings. He specializes in Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry, Dental Pain. His office is also a snoring center where he helps people put an end to snoring by providing state of the art mouth pieces resulting in increase in airway making it easier to breathe.