How Successful Are Dental Implants?

Success rates of dental implants vary, depending on many factors, such as location of the implants, the health of the individual, destructive oral habits such as grinding or clenching, drug interactions and oral hygiene. In general, dental implants have a high success rate.

At Klooster Family Dentistry, our entire team is trained from the front to the back in order to help you understand every aspect of the procedure and keep you feeling comfortable. Dr. Klooster has gone through extensive implant training with some of the best implant institutes and implant dentists in the country - The Engel Institute (Todd B. Engel, DDS) and Implant Seminars ( Dr. Arun K. Garg). 

Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Dental Implants?

Most dental insurance companies at least partially cover dental implants and crowns. Our front desk coordinators can help you understand what your dental insurance policy covers. Coverage under your medical plan may be possible, depending on the insurance plan and/or cause of tooth loss. Detailed questions about your individual needs and how they relate to insurance should be discussed with our front desk staff and your insurance provider.

What Is Expected During the Procedure ?

As the bone heals, it grows or integrates with the implanted metal post, anchoring it securely into the bone. The healing process can take from three to four months.

Once the implant is ready to restore, you will return to the office to place the final restoration. Dr. Klooster will place an abutment, which is a small connector post to securely hold the new tooth. To make the new tooth or teeth, our doctors obtain impressions of your teeth, and create a model of your bite (which captures all of your teeth, their type, and arrangement). The new tooth or teeth is based on this model. A replacement tooth, called a crown, is then attached to the abutment.

Instead of one or more individual crowns, some patients may have attachments placed on the implant that retain and support a removable denture.

Dr. Klooster will also match the color of the new teeth to your natural teeth. Because the implant is secured within the jawbone, the replacement teeth look, feel, and function as close as possible to your own natural teeth.

Are Dental Implants Uncomfortable?

Most people who have received dental implants say that there is very little discomfort involved in the procedure. Local anesthesia can be used during the procedure, and most patients report that implants involve less pain than a tooth extraction.

After the dental implant, mild soreness can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications, such as Tylenol or Motrin.

Am I a Good Candidate for a Dental Implant?

In most cases, anyone healthy enough to undergo a routine dental extraction or oral surgery can be considered for a dental implant. Patients should have healthy gums and enough bone to support the implant. They also must be committed to good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Heavy smokers, people who are taking or have taken drugs for osteoporosis in the past, people suffering from uncontrolled chronic disorders — such as diabetes or heart disease — or patients who have had radiation therapy to the head/neck area need to be evaluated on an individual basis. It is important to inform Dr. Klooster of any drugs you are either taking or have taken. If you are considering implants, request an implant consultation with our doctors to see if they are right for you.

What Is Involved in Getting a Dental Implant?

The first step in the dental implant process is the development of an individualized treatment plan. The plan addresses your specific needs and is prepared by Dr. Klooster. Once the implant is placed, has healed and is ready to restore, our doctors will design the final appliance , whether it is an implant-supported crown or fixed bridge or removable denture. The entire implant process is performed over the course of a few months. The first part of the process is to install the implant itself, where a screw is placed into the jaw bone. An incision is made in the gum so that the implant can be inserted. Multiple implants can be placed at once, if necessary. After the implants are placed the gums are sutured. The implant must be allowed about three months to heal, and during this time the jaw bone will form around the implant in a process called osseointegration.

Once the implant has healed it is time to place an abutment on the implant. The abutment serves as the base for your new tooth. Once this is placed, an impression of the abutment is taken and is used to create your permanent restoration. Once the restoration is completed you can return to our office to place the permanent restoration.

Your smile will look very natural. Most patients get used to the implant immediately or within a short period of time.

How Do I Care for Dental Implants?

Dental implants require the same care as real teeth, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups.