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  • Do I have enough bone for my implant?
    When considering dental implants, it's crucial to ensure sufficient bone structure for stability. Implants typically require adequate bone coverage, with sizes ranging from 2mm to 6mm in diameter and a minimum depth of around 3mm. If a tooth is missing in the implant area, there may be some bone loss, prompting a thorough evaluation before implant placement. However, if a tooth remains, it indicates the presence of enough bone to support the implant, as it previously supported the natural tooth. For molars or areas with larger gaps, bone augmentation might be necessary to establish a sturdy foundation. We recommend scheduling a consultation for a detailed assessment of bone density and a personalized treatment plan tailored to individual needs.
  • Can my implant fail?
    Even the most skilled surgeon may encounter implant failure, which can manifest as pain, pus around the area, looseness, or even complete dislodgement from the mouth. One common cause of failure is bacterial colonization of the implant surface from the oral environment. Although the implant starts sterile, once placed in the mouth, it becomes exposed to bacteria, hindering proper healing. Moreover, maintaining cleanliness around and above the implant site is crucial for successful integration. Just as a wound cannot heal if constantly exposed to dirt, the implant area requires a clean environment to heal effectively. Additionally, smoking significantly increases the likelihood of implant failure. If an implant manages to withstand the effects of smoking, it's largely attributed to luck rather than resilience. It's akin to crossing a busy highway unscathed and concluding that it's safe to do so again – relying on luck rather than acknowledging the inherent risks.
  • Whats are all on 4 implant or a full arch implant bridge processes?
    The dental implant process typically involves several stages: initial examination, X-rays, diagnostic impressions, photos, consultation, and development of a treatment plan. An immediate denture may be created depending on the individual's needs. Tooth extractions are performed, and the immediate denture is delivered. Following extractions, a waiting period of 1-2 months is necessary for gum tissue healing over the extraction site. We recommend keeping the implant site covered with tissue to prevent food debris from accumulating, promoting better healing. This helps maintain a clean environment around the implant, reducing the risk of complications and supporting optimal healing outcomes. Dental implants are then placed, followed by a waiting period of approximately 6 months for the implants to adhere to the bone. Once the implants have integrated, impressions of the implant locations are taken. The denture is converted to an acrylic bridge in the lab, or a porcelain bridge is fabricated. A try-in of the final restoration (bridge) is conducted, with adjustments made if necessary, before final delivery. The final restoration is then delivered. It's important to note that if an implant is rejected at any point during the process, the timeline restarts from that point of failure. For instance, if an implant fails after 4 months, an additional 6-month waiting period is necessary before proceeding with the final restoration. These waiting periods are crucial to ensure proper bonding of the implants to the bone. ***** The entire healing process is profoundly influenced by the cleanliness of the oral environment. It's imperative to maintain optimal oral hygiene to ensure successful healing. This entails keeping the gums free from redness, minimizing plaque buildup, and eliminating calculus. Regular evaluation by your dentist is essential to monitor the oral environment and address any concerns promptly.
  • How many dental implants do I need?
    If you are missing only one tooth, you will typically require only one implant. For individuals missing more than one tooth but not the entire upper or lower set, the number of implants needed varies and requires a more personalized assessment. If you are missing all teeth in either the upper or lower arch, a minimum of four implants is generally necessary for stability and support. This analogy can be likened to the legs of a chair – while three legs are possible, four provide superior stability. Additional implants can be placed to distribute the load and reduce stress on each individual implant, although this may incur higher costs. For instance, employing eight implants allows for redundancy in case of rejection, ensuring adequate support for the final restoration, such as an implant bridge. It's important to adhere to a healing period of six months following the placement of the last implant before delivering the final restoration. While some clinics may offer immediate or three-month restorations, our experience suggests that the success rate tends to be lower with these expedited approaches.
  • How can I afford implants?
    When considering the affordability of dental implants, we understand that financial concerns can be significant. That's why we offer a range of patient finance options tailored to suit various budgets and needs. With financing options available for loans ranging from $1,000 to $30,000 or more specifically for implants, obtaining the necessary funds for treatment becomes more accessible. If you have reasonably good credit, you're likely to qualify for these financing solutions, enabling you to proceed with your implant treatment with confidence. Our goal is to make quality dental care, including life-changing procedures like dental implants, accessible to all our patients. Contact us to learn more about our financing options and how we can assist you in achieving your dental health goals.
  • Does a nicotine patch show up on a smoke standard smoking test for patient getting surgery?
    Nicotine patches typically do not show up on standard smoke tests for smokers. Smoke tests, often referred to as cotinine tests, detect the presence of cotinine, a metabolite of nicotine, in bodily fluids such as saliva, urine, or blood. Nicotine patches deliver nicotine into the bloodstream through the skin, but they do not produce the harmful byproducts of combustion that are detected in smoke tests. Therefore, while nicotine from the patch will enter the bloodstream and be metabolized into cotinine, it is unlikely to produce a positive result on a cotinine test designed to detect nicotine exposure through smoking. However, it's essential to note that some highly sensitive tests may detect trace amounts of nicotine or cotinine from nicotine replacement therapy products like patches. Therefore, if you are undergoing testing for specific purposes, such as employment or insurance requirements, it's best to inform the testing facility or organization about your nicotine patch use to ensure accurate interpretation of results.
  • What is dental implant success rate?
    Based on research, dental implants typically exhibit success rates ranging from 90% to 95% over a 5-year period, particularly in very ideal patient scenarios. However, demographic factors play a significant role in these outcomes. Among them, smoking and oral health maintenance emerge as crucial determinants. Smoking is consistently associated with increased rates of implant failure and complications like peri-implantitis. The adverse effects of smoking on oral tissues and bone density impede critical healing processes necessary for successful implant integration. Conversely, maintaining adequate oral hygiene and regular dental care is pivotal for implant success. Untreated gum disease can lead to peri-implant complications and implant failure. Patients with a history of periodontal disease may require heightened vigilance in oral hygiene practices to ensure implant longevity. While demographic variables such as age, gender, and systemic health conditions may influence outcomes to some extent, meticulous patient selection, thorough treatment planning, and adherence to established protocols remain paramount for optimizing implant success. Effective measures like smoking cessation programs and emphasizing oral hygiene maintenance are integral components of comprehensive implant care, enhancing success rates and long-term implant survival.
  • Which is better for me, a root canal treatment or get an dental implant?
    Determining whether root canal treatment or dental implants are better depends on various factors, including the specific circumstances of the patient, such as the condition of the affected tooth, overall oral health, patient preferences, and cost considerations. Both treatments have their advantages and drawbacks, and the decision should be made in consultation with a dentist or endodontist based on individual needs. Here's an overview of both options based on research: Root Canal Treatment: (Longer in chair appointment) Root canal treatment involves removing infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, and then sealing the tooth to prevent further infection. Research supports the effectiveness of root canal treatment in saving natural teeth and preserving function. Success rates for root canals are generally high, with studies reporting success rates of over 90%. Advantages of root canal treatment include preserving the natural tooth structure, maintaining jawbone integrity, and often being less invasive and less expensive than dental implants. However, root canal treatment may require multiple appointments, and there is a risk of reinfection or complications over time, which may necessitate retreatment or eventual extraction. Dental Implants: (In chair appointment is quicker) Dental implants involve replacing a missing tooth by surgically inserting a titanium implant into the jawbone, which serves as an artificial tooth root. A prosthetic tooth (crown) is then attached to the implant. Research also supports the high success rates of dental implants, with reported success rates exceeding 95% over a 5 to 10-year period. Advantages of dental implants include providing a permanent solution for missing teeth, preventing bone loss in the jaw, and functioning and feeling like natural teeth. However, dental implants require oral surgery and a healing period before the final restoration can be placed. They are also generally more expensive than root canal treatment, and the procedure may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with insufficient bone density or certain systemic health conditions. Ultimately, the choice between root canal treatment and dental implants depends on various factors, including the specific clinical situation, patient preferences, and the recommendations of a dental professional. Both options have high success rates and can provide effective solutions for restoring oral health and function.
  • What implants do we use at Dental Republic? Is this the right question to ask? the doctor?
    All dental implants placed in patients' mouths in the United States must be FDA-certified, ensuring they are considered safe for use by the FDA. Therefore, the brand of the implant does not significantly impact the success of the implant. Most dental implants cleared by the FDA through the 510(k) premarket notification process are made of biocompatible materials such as titanium or zirconia. While implant designs may vary in terms of shape, size, length, and thread design, the materials used for the implant body and abutment remain consistent across different brands. Research suggests that the design characteristics of dental implants, such as shape, size, length, and threads, have minimal to no effect on implant success rates. Ultimately, the success of a dental implant procedure depends on various factors, including patient health, smoking or not, adherence oral hygiene preoperatively and post operatively, adequate bone support, and proper surgical technique. We use various brands of FDA implants.
  • How do we deliver economical all on 4 implant and implants?
    To make implants economical and affordable for our patients, we require them to be patient on the day of surgery. We schedule all patients for dedicated surgery days and see them in the order of their appointment times. However, since surgery can be complex and delays may occur due to patient lateness or the nature of the treatment, we appreciate your understanding. As one of the largest purchasers of implants among dental clinics in the United States, according to our primary implant supplier, we place more than 300 implants per month. We consider ourselves highly experienced in implant procedures and understand how to manage challenges and failures to achieve success. Patience and careful attention to detail are essential for optimal outcomes. Please note that while your time in the chair may be as little as 15 minutes, the preparation time required beforehand is significant. Be prepared to spend at least half a day for surgery, as this allows us to ensure thorough preparation and optimal conditions for your procedure. Your comfort and safety are our top priorities.
  • What happen when my acrylic implant bridge crack?
    When the acrylic implant bridge cracks, it indicates that there are stresses on the bridge surpassing the strength of the acrylic support. To address this issue, we may need to incorporate additional reinforcement. However, this adjustment can lead to a bulkier denture. Alternatively, we might consider switching to a more durable option, such as a porcelain or metal-fused-to-porcelain implant bridge, which is both more expensive and heavier. Regardless of the solution chosen, it's important to understand that each option requires patience and time due to the custom fabrication involved. Our goal is to ensure that your dental restoration is both durable and aesthetically pleasing, and we appreciate your understanding as we work towards achieving this outcome.
  • What our process for implant bridge or All on 4?
    Examination Xrays and Photos Make copy of your upper and lower arches (upper teeth / lower teeth) Make an immediate denture Extraction of teeth upper and lower Fit immediate denture (let heal for 2-3 week) Place implants Convert immediate denture to implant bridge chairside. Longest appointment.
  • Steps for full mouth implant or all on 4.
    **Steps for All Upper and Lower Implant Bridge** 1. **Appointment 1: Initial Impressions** - Take impressions of the upper and lower teeth or arch. - Fabricate a temporary denture. 2. **Appointment 2: Tooth Extraction and Temporary Denture** - Extract any remaining teeth, if necessary. - Deliver the immediate temporary denture (approximately 1 month after the first appointment). - Allow 1 month for healing before implant placement. 3. **Appointment 3: Implant Placement** - Place approximately 4 implants in the upper arch and 4 in the lower arch. - Allow the implants to heal until the 5 ½ month mark. 4. **Appointment 4: Implant Impressions** - Take impressions with the implants for the upper and lower arches. 5. **Appointment 5: Implant Bridge Try-On** - Try on the implant bridge to check for fit and make necessary adjustments. 6. **Appointment 6: Final Placement ** 6 MONTHS AFTER IF EVERY GOES WELL. - Perform the final placement of the implant bridge after try-on and adjustments are complete. Any implant failure can delay process by additional 6 months!
  • Why does my acrylic implant bridge break?
    Acrylic implant bridges are a good option for patients who don’t grind their teeth or who need a cost effective solution until they can afford a more permanent porcelain implant bridge. The price difference between the two options is significant—around $40,000 per arch. However, an acrylic bridge offers a much better fit than dentures, though patients should be cautious when eating hard foods. If an acrylic bridge breaks, it can be repaired, offering some flexibility. If cost isn’t an issue, investing in a porcelain bridge supported by implants, which can range from $70,000 to $100,000, provides a more durable and long-lasting solution.
  • Why can I not come in for my implant appointments on any day? And have to schedule with a specific person?
    When it comes to dental implants, the process is complex and requires the expertise of specialized doctors with varying skills. Not every dentist is qualified to perform implants, handle complicated cases, or conduct necessary surgeries. Additionally, each case requires specific equipment and implant parts that must be ordered in advance. To achieve the best outcome, it's crucial to carefully coordinate the timing of these specialists, the arrival of the implant parts, and the availability of the appropriate staff. Rushing the process or insisting on a specific or earlier date can compromise the quality of service and the final result. Dental implants require time to heal, and achieving a result that patients can truly smile about is both a science and an art. Patience is key. Everyone involved, from the patient to the dental team, needs to feel confident and comfortable with the process to ensure a successful outcome.
  • How many implants do we place in a year?
    Dr. Tran has consistently placed more implants in a year than any other doctor, as noted by an Implant Direct representative. This exceptional level of experience plays a key role in successful outcomes, as both experience and the volume of procedures help maintain a low percentage of implant failures. While some failures are inevitable at such high placement numbers, Dr. Tran’s expertise ensures that these occurrences are minimized, supporting the highest standards of care and success.
  • How long does implant need to heal? We answer it with an analogy.
    Imagine you broke your tibia, the long bone in your leg. How long would you wait for it to heal before running a marathon? Ideally, you'd give it six months to heal fully, but if you were to run on it after just three months, you'd likely cause future damage that could have lasting effects. Dental implants are similar in this sense—but even more critical. Just as running too soon would stress a healing leg bone, using your implant too soon stresses the surrounding bone. Teeth withstand constant forces daily as we tear, grind, and chew food, which requires strong, stable support. This is why giving your implant at least six months to heal is crucial for ensuring a secure, lasting foundation around the implant.
  • I want to reschedule my implant placement appointment, how do I do it?
    An implant placement appointment is a complex surgical procedure requiring the expertise of trained professionals, including doctors and specialized staff, who are in high demand and often have appointments scheduled months in advance. Each patient requires specific, extensive preparation that may take several hours or even a full day to complete, ensuring everything is set for a smooth procedure. While it may seem quick to patients, the level of behind-the-scenes preparation is significant. When rescheduling, please connect directly with the manager who originally booked your appointment. They will coordinate with the specific doctor to review their patient load and availability. Booking through the proper channels helps avoid scheduling conflicts or delays that could lead to a less satisfactory experience and potentially necessitate rescheduling. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
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