What To Know
What to know aboutDental Implants
Dental implants are widely considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. At Veda Dental Studio, implants offer a permanent, natural-looking, and natural-feeling solution to tooth loss that preserves bone, restores full chewing function, and lasts decades or even a lifetime. Unlike bridges, implants don't require modifying adjacent teeth, and unlike traditional dentures, they provide stability and chewing ability comparable to natural teeth.
A dental implant consists of three parts: a titanium post that's surgically placed into the jawbone where the missing tooth root would be, an abutment that connects the post to the visible portion, and a custom crown (or bridge or denture) that attaches on top. The titanium post fuses with the jawbone over several months in a process called osseointegration, creating a stable foundation that mimics a natural tooth root. This biological integration is what makes implants so successful and long-lasting.
The implant process typically takes 4 to 6 months from start to finish. The first phase involves surgical placement of the implant post, followed by a 3 to 6 month healing period during which the implant fuses with the bone. Once integration is confirmed, the abutment and crown are placed. While this timeline is longer than alternatives like bridges, the result is a permanent solution that doesn't require adjusting adjacent teeth and offers superior function. For patients with sufficient bone, this treatment preserves jawbone that would otherwise deteriorate after tooth loss. For patients with bone loss, bone grafting may be performed before or with implant placement.
Questions
Frequently askedquestions
Answers to the questions patients ask us most, so you feel prepared before your visit.
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care, dental implants can last 25 years or longer, and many last a lifetime. The implant post itself is highly durable. The crown attached to the implant typically needs replacement every 10 to 20 years due to normal wear, similar to other crowns. Long-term success requires good oral hygiene, regular dental visits, and avoiding habits like smoking that can compromise implants.
Are dental implants painful?
The implant placement procedure is performed under local anesthesia and most patients report minimal pain during the surgery itself. Post-operative discomfort is typically managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and resolves within a few days to a week. Most patients describe the recovery as easier than they expected, similar to a tooth extraction.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Most adults with adequate jawbone density and good general and oral health are candidates for implants. Conditions that may complicate implant placement include uncontrolled diabetes, heavy smoking, severe gum disease, or significant bone loss. In many cases, these issues can be addressed (with bone grafting, gum treatment, etc.) before implant placement. A consultation determines candidacy.
How long does the implant process take?
From initial placement to final crown, the typical implant process takes 4 to 6 months. This includes surgical placement, 3 to 6 months of healing for osseointegration, and final crown placement. Cases requiring bone grafting take longer because the graft must heal before the implant is placed. Some specialized techniques offer faster timelines but aren't appropriate for every case.
Will my insurance cover dental implants?
Coverage for implants varies more than for almost any other treatment, though many plans now include at least some implant benefit under major restorative care. Some plans cover the restoration that goes on the implant but not the surgical placement, so one part of your treatment may be covered while another is not. Most plans have an annual maximum, and because implant treatment is usually staged over several months, it is sometimes possible to plan the stages across two benefit years so more of the treatment falls within coverage. Plans may also apply a missing tooth clause or a waiting period before major treatment is covered. Give our office your plan information and we will verify your benefits and provide an estimate before treatment begins.
What's the alternative to dental implants?
Alternatives include dental bridges (which require modifying adjacent teeth), partial dentures (removable, less stable), or leaving the gap untreated (not recommended due to bone loss and tooth shifting). Each alternative has trade-offs. Implants typically offer the best long-term outcome but require greater upfront investment of time and money. We discuss all options at consultation.
What if I don't have enough bone for an implant?
Patients with insufficient bone can often be treated with bone grafting before or during implant placement. Bone grafts use your own bone, donor bone, or synthetic materials to build up the area where the implant will be placed. The graft heals over several months before the implant is placed. Most patients with bone loss can still receive implants with proper preparation.
How do I care for a dental implant?
Implants are cared for like natural teeth. Brush twice daily, floss daily (special floss may help around implants), and attend regular dental cleanings. Avoid chewing very hard foods or using your teeth as tools. If you smoke, quitting significantly improves implant success and longevity. Regular checkups allow us to monitor the implant and surrounding tissues for early signs of any concerns.
Serving Savannah, Pooler
and Port Wentworth
Our studio is at 492 Jimmy DeLoach Pkwy, Suite 104, Savannah, GA 31407, in The Highlands, just off I-95. It is an easy drive from downtown Savannah, Pooler and Port Wentworth, with parking right outside.
New Patients Welcome