Dental Implant FAQ

What are dental implants? 

Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically inserted into your jawbone. They can replicate the roots of your natural teeth by stimulating the jawbone when you chew and stabilizing a crown, bridge or denture.

How can implants help denture wearers? 

Traditional dentures rest on the gums, which can make it difficult for some patients to get a secure fit. If dentures come loose, patients may lose confidence when eating, talking and laughing. To help these patients regain more secure dentures and a better quality of life, Dr. Paes can use dental implants to anchor their denture. Implant-retained dentures offer invaluable benefits and can also prevent surrounding bone loss. When the jawbone retains its density and form, you can avoid premature facial aging, a process that occurs when the jawbone atrophies and the lower face sinks in, making you look older than you really are.

How do implants prevent bone loss? 

The titanium post of a dental implant acts as an artificial tooth root. Each time you chew, the pressure and stimulation of the roots allow your jawbone to regenerate and retain its mass. When a tooth is missing (or you have a denture that is not retained by implants), the jawbone no longer gets adequate stimulation and begins to shrink or atrophy over time. This can cause the lower face to have a hollowed appearance. Implants are the only tooth replacement system that prevents bone loss from occurring.

Does the procedure of placing dental implants hurt? 

It is common for you to feel nervous about an upcoming surgical procedure that involves your mouth. However, Dr. Paes uses local anesthetics and sedation dentistry to ensure your procedure is as comfortable as possible. If you have specific concerns about discomfort, please let us know ahead of time and we will accommodate you.

Am I a candidate for dental implants? 

Ideally, patients should be in good overall health and be free of gum disease before getting dental implants. Another primary prerequisite is that you have enough healthy jawbone to support a dental implant. Fortunately, at Town Center Dental of LaGrange, we also offer bone grafting and sinus lifts to help you qualify for dental implants. Patients should also discontinue smoking and inform Dr. Paes of any existing medical conditions that they have before surgery.

What if I’ve been told that I lack bone structure in my upper jaw? 

There’s a good chance we can still qualify you for dental implants at Town Center Dental of LaGrange. Not only do we offer bone grafting and sinus lifts, but we also offer Teeth in a Day and zygomatic implants, which use innovative techniques that require less bone density and height to secure a dental implant compared to traditional implant procedures.

Are dental implants expensive? 

Dental implants are certainly a notable investment and often more expensive than other restorative options. However, they represent an investment toward your long-term health, your appearance and your quality of life. In addition, Town Center Dental of LaGrange proudly offers flexible financing options to make your dental implants more affordable.

Will my smile look natural? 

The highlighted advantage of choosing dental implants is their ability to mimic your natural teeth. This includes the way they feel, look and function. Whether you choose a custom crown, bridge or denture as your implant restoration, you can trust that it will be uniquely crafted to reveal a natural, beautiful and stable smile.