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Frequently Asked Questions

Your Dental Implant Questions Answered

Explore our compiled list of FAQs to gain deeper insights and clarity on dental implant procedures, care, and what to expect.

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What is a dental implant?
The term dental implant is actually used to describe a product that is comprised of three basic components. The first component is called a “fixture,” which is a small post fabricated from surgical grade titanium (a strong, lightweight metal) and placed in the upper or lower jawbone where you have a missing tooth. Placing an implant replaces the root of the tooth you lost and serves as an anchor. The implants are bio-compatible, and offer strength and durability, as well as the ability to fuse to the bone through a process called osseointegration. Your bone is better preserved because the implant integrates with your jawbone, helping to keep the bone healthy and intact. Placing dental implants helps preserve the structure and contour of your face while preventing bone deterioration that naturally occurs when we lose teeth. This creates a strong foundation to support the second component, called the “abutment,” which acts as a connector between the implant or fixture, and the third and final component of the implant process, called the “final restoration.” The final restoration may be:
Dental Implants have become so common that more than 500,000 people get implants each year in the United States. But not everyone is a good candidate for dental implants, to find out if you are, read the section below on who makes a good candidate.
 
“Dental implants are designed to function just like your natural teeth and can improve your life in many ways, making them the best solution for patients looking for a permanent tooth replacement procedure.”
This is a difficult question to give a specific answer to because there are so many variables.  The short answer is that a well planned, well placed, and well maintained dental implant will last decades and possibly a lifetime.  The longer answer is that as more clinicians with less experience are placing dental implants the quality of planning and surgical technique has fallen across the industry.  Many doctors select inexpensive “knock off” or “clone” dental implant systems that have poor designs and a limited selection of components, so that the clinician is limited in how he or she can address complications if they arise.  Lastly, prior to the 21st century, very few doctors placed and restored dental implants.  They were a highly trained and competent group of doctors.  They also required their patients to become healthy prior to placing dental implants.  As a result, success numbers from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and early 2000’s are higher.  It is common to see 10 year success rates of 95-98% from this period.  This number is much lower today, although it is likely higher than 80% over a 15-year period based on studies of peri-implantitis (periodontal disease around an implant).
 
The best thing you can do is select a doctor who is very confident with all stages of dental implant treatment:  planning, surgery, restoration, and maintenance.  We specialize in this comprehensive care at Dental Implant Solutions. 
There are many benefits to using dental implants to replace your missing teeth.  If you are missing a single tooth, a dental implant restoration will look, act, and feel like your natural tooth.  You can eat any food on it, brush it normally, and floss it like a tooth.  If a tooth supported bridge is used instead of a dental implant, the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth must be drilled down so that the bridge will seat on them.  This can damage the teeth, resulting in the need for root canals, and there is an increased risk of getting decay in the teeth where the bridge seals to them.  Dental implants have a better long-term prognosis than tooth supported bridges.
 
If you are missing a few teeth, they can be replaced with individual dental implants for the most natural feel, or you can have an implant bridge placed, which uses less implants than the number of teeth that are missing.  This can be beneficial if there is a limited amount of bone or if cutting costs is a desire.  Bridges will floss differently than teeth, but otherwise the will look, feel, and function the same as teeth.
 
Implants can also be used to stabilize dentures.  Loose dentures can be “snapped on” to dental implants, thus minimizing movement of the denture, and increasing chewing efficiency.  In many cases dentures can be replaced with screw-in dental implant bridges that don’t have to be removed.
The process of placing and restoring a dental implant varies from patient to patient depending on how much damage was done previously to the site, how much bone and soft tissue is present, and the health of the remaining teeth, but you can break the process down into 4 categories:
  • Planning
  • Surgery
  • Restoration
  • Maintenance
In the Planning Phase your dentist will take records, such as a CT scan, x-rays, and impressions to help plan the best position, size, and length of the dental implant that is required for long-term success.  This is a very important phase, and most failures originate from poor planning.  Dentists often “chase bone”, and put whatever size implant they can fit into the remaining bone, but it is important to plan what the ideal implant size, depth, and position will be so that the implant can manage the forces that it will be subjected to over the years.  This is the most important phase in determining which dental implants will fail early and which ones will last for decades.
 
In the Surgical Phase your dentist or surgeon will take the steps required to build any necessary bone and soft tissue for a successful outcome, and he or she will place the dental implant into your jawbone.  A series of small drills are used to prepare the bone so that the dental implant can be screwed into the bone.  Then the bone will fuse to the implant over a period of time (between 2-9 months depending on many factors) in a process called osseointegration.  A healing abutment is placed at the initial surgery or at a second follow up surgery several months after the implant is placed.  This healing abutment creates an opening in the soft tissue that the restoration can pass through to connect to the dental implant.  After osseointegration and soft tissue healing around the healing abutment the implant is ready to be restored.
 
In the Restoration Phase your dentist will either scan your dental implant with an optical scanner or she will take a traditional impression.  These records are sent to a dental lab to fabricate your restoration.   This typically takes a few weeks.  Once the restoration is made, your dentist will screw or cement the restoration to your dental implant.
 
The Maintenance Phase is often overlooked by both patients and dentists.  This is the second most important phase in the life of your dental implant.  You must maintain the health of the tissue surrounding your dental implant for long-term success.  The dental implant is just an inanimate piece of metal.  The part that typically fails is YOUR BODY around the dental implant.  The bone and soft tissue may fail because the dentist had poor planning or execution, but it may also fail because you did not care for it properly.  We specialize in the Maintenance Phase at Dental Implant Solutions.
Dental implants are very safe when done properly.  It is common for patients to fear that they will be allergic to dental implants or that their body will “reject” them.  Allergies to dental implants are extremely rare, and it is difficult to find documented cases.  “Rejection” is something that occurs with living donor tissues that are much more complex to work with than inanimate ones, such as a dental implants.  Most often when your bone fails to osseointegrate to the dental implant it is because of a post-operative infection, poor health of the patient, poor surgical technique, or the patient chewing on the site during the healing phase.  Factors such as smoking, vaping, and uncontrolled diabetes can affect dental implant integration, but these fall under the poor patient health category.
 
So what are the risks?  Most risks occur during surgery, such as damage to a nerve, artery, or adjacent tooth, but good planning and surgical technique from your dentist will greatly minimize most of these.  If an implant fails in the future there may be significant damage to the surrounding bone, but if you see a dentist who is trained in maintaining dental implants for regular cleanings and maintenance, then this risk is minimized. 
If you are missing a single tooth, a dental implant restoration will look, act, and feel like your natural tooth.  You can eat any food on it, brush it normally, and floss it like a tooth.  If a tooth supported bridge is used instead of a dental implant, the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth must be drilled down so that the bridge will seat on them.  This can damage the teeth, resulting in the need for root canals, and there is an increased risk of getting decay in the teeth where the bridge seals to them.  Dental implants have a better long-term prognosis than tooth supported bridges.
 
Dentures can replace a few missing teeth (partial denture) or a full arch of missing teeth (full denture).  Full dentures are removable, and they are supported by the surrounding bone and soft tissue.  Partial dentures are removable, and they are supported by bone, soft tissue, and remaining teeth.  When a denture presses on the bone the resultant force stimulates the bone to resorb.  Patients commonly complain of looseness of their dentures.  They may develop sore spots in their soft tissue from this movement.  Dental implants can be used to stabilize dentures.  Loose dentures can be “snapped on” to dental implants, thus minimizing movement of the denture, and increasing chewing efficiency, but the forces are still directed to the bone and soft tissue, so bone loss and sore spots can occur.
  
In many cases dentures can be replaced with screw-in dental implant bridges that don’t have to be removed.  They are not removable by the patient, but the dentist can remove them for maintenance.  These dental implant supported bridges rest on the implants instead of the soft tissue and bone, so they help retain bone and prevent sore spots.
The costs of dental implants vary significantly, even when comparing getting just a single tooth replaced or when comparing dental implant supported bridge or All-On-X costs between offices.
 
To have a single tooth replaced when the existing bone and soft tissue are perfect and the patient is healthy typically costs $4,500-5,000 including exams, x-rays, CT scans, surgery, and restoration.  This number can increase though with the need of extractions, bone grafting, soft tissue grafting, sedation, and the need to modify adjacent teeth.
 
Dental implant bridges and All-On-X vary significantly from office to office based on the number of dental implants used, the need for extractions and grafting, the type of material the bridge is made from, and the skill level of the dentist. 
 
Many offices offer one or two bridge options, and then they offer one price.  We have found this to result in many unhappy patients, and instead we offer 10 Full Arch Options ranging from less than $2,000 for a full denture to more than $40,000 for smaller natural-feeling bridges that only replace tooth structure.  We have found that offering many options allows our patients to achieve the outcome that they desire as well as to fit their care into a price that fits their budget.
The primary focus of Dental Implant Solutions is to specialize in dental implant procedures and in comprehensively rebuilding your oral health.  As part of any comprehensive rebuild we will perform general dental procedures that are part of the bigger plan.  We do not replace your general dental office, though.  You will need to be seen by a dentist regularly and for a lifetime to have routine exams, cleanings, and treatment for which the need arises.
 
We do offer maintenance of your dental implants though, and we have hygienists who are trained in the care of dental implants to ensure that you get the greatest life out of your dental implants and restorations.
Many things are under your control to make you a good candidate for dental implants, and several things are not under your control.  One of those things not under your control is your age.  Being too old is not a problem, but being too young is.  It is important for growth of the face to be complete prior to placing dental implants.  This is because the dental implants are fused to the bone, and they will appear to sink as the bone grows around them.  The specific age varies person to person, but under 16 years old is generally too young, and patients may need to wait until their 20’s to be candidates.
 
Here is a partial list of things under your control and not under your control that make you a good candidate:
 
Under Your Control:
  • Good overall health (not always under your control)
  • Good oral hygiene
  • Non-smoker
  • Not vaping
  • Healthy lifestyle (moderate alcohol use and no drug use)
  • Healthy diet (take supplements such as Vitamin C, D, and E)
  • Remaining teeth are in good positions to support the planned treatment
 
Not Under Your Control:
  • Good bone volume
  • Lots of surrounding soft tissue
 
Here is a list of things that may make the journey more complicated:
  • Uncontrolled diabetes
  • Poor health
  • Recent chemotherapy
  • Prior radiation treatment near the area
  • Taking some osteoporosis medication

Our doctors are trained to help address any factors that may complicate treatment to help you achieve your goal of getting dental implants.

We’d love to say “yes” here, but the sad reality is that we see many patients who come to our practice to help with failing dental implant cases that they had done “for the best price” or in another country.  Dental implant treatment is a complex field that has many variables.  Patients are excited to have treatment done quickly and to have a new smile, and they think that their journey has been a success.  They perceive the purchase of dental implant treatment to be similar to buying a car, where you shop for the price, and the product is the same.  Initially they are happy, but then biomechanics kick in, and the new restoration and implants start to fail.  We will see several patients per month who have invested $30,000-50,000 on dental implant treatments only to have total failure within a few years.  That’s when patients realize that they didn’t really want something inexpensive or right away.  What they wanted was an outcome that would last for decades.  Keep this in mind when bargain shopping.  It may cost you three times as much and take three times as long in the end to get the real outcome you desired.
What is involved in the dental implant process?
The process of placing and restoring a dental implant varies from patient to patient depending on how much damage was done previously to the site, how much bone and soft tissue is present, and the health of the remaining teeth, but you can break the process down into 4 categories:
  • Planning
  • Surgery
  • Restoration
  • Maintenance
In the Planning Phase your dentist will take records, such as a CT scan, x-rays, and impressions to help plan the best position, size, and length of the dental implant that is required for long-term success.  This is a very important phase, and most failures originate from poor planning.  Dentists often “chase bone”, and put whatever size implant they can fit into the remaining bone, but it is important to plan what the ideal implant size, depth, and position will be so that the implant can manage the forces that it will be subjected to over the years.  This is the most important phase in determining which dental implants will fail early and which ones will last for decades.
 
In the Surgical Phase your dentist or surgeon will take the steps required to build any necessary bone and soft tissue for a successful outcome, and he or she will place the dental implant into your jawbone.  A series of small drills are used to prepare the bone so that the dental implant can be screwed into the bone.  Then the bone will fuse to the implant over a period of time (between 2-9 months depending on many factors) in a process called osseointegration.  A healing abutment is placed at the initial surgery or at a second follow up surgery several months after the implant is placed.  This healing abutment creates an opening in the soft tissue that the restoration can pass through to connect to the dental implant.  After osseointegration and soft tissue healing around the healing abutment the implant is ready to be restored.
 
In the Restoration Phase your dentist will either scan your dental implant with an optical scanner or she will take a traditional impression.  These records are sent to a dental lab to fabricate your restoration.   This typically takes a few weeks.  Once the restoration is made, your dentist will screw or cement the restoration to your dental implant.
 
The Maintenance Phase is often overlooked by both patients and dentists.  This is the second most important phase in the life of your dental implant.  You must maintain the health of the tissue surrounding your dental implant for long-term success.  The dental implant is just an inanimate piece of metal.  The part that typically fails is YOUR BODY around the dental implant.  The bone and soft tissue may fail because the dentist had poor planning or execution, but it may also fail because you did not care for it properly.  We specialize in the Maintenance Phase at Dental Implant Solutions.

There are many benefits to using dental implants to replace your missing teeth.  If you are missing a single tooth, a dental implant restoration will look, act, and feel like your natural tooth.  You can eat any food on it, brush it normally, and floss it like a tooth.  If a tooth supported bridge is used instead of a dental implant, the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth must be drilled down so that the bridge will seat on them.  This can damage the teeth, resulting in the need for root canals, and there is an increased risk of getting decay in the teeth where the bridge seals to them.  Dental implants have a better long-term prognosis than tooth supported bridges.

This is a difficult question to give a specific answer to because there are so many variables.  The short answer is that a well planned, well placed, and well maintained dental implant will last decades and possibly a lifetime.  The longer answer is that as more clinicians with less experience are placing dental implants the quality of planning and surgical technique has fallen across the industry.  Many doctors select inexpensive “knock off” or “clone” dental implant systems that have poor designs and a limited selection of components, so that the clinician is limited in how he or she can address complications if they arise.  Lastly, prior to the 21st century, very few doctors placed and restored dental implants.  They were a highly trained and competent group of doctors.  They also required their patients to become healthy prior to placing dental implants.  As a result, success numbers from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and early 2000’s are higher.  It is common to see 10 year success rates of 95-98% from this period.  This number is much lower today, although it is likely higher than 80% over a 15-year period based on studies of peri-implantitis (periodontal disease around an implant).
 
The best thing you can do is select a doctor who is very confident with all stages of dental implant treatment:  planning, surgery, restoration, and maintenance.  We specialize in this comprehensive care at Dental Implant Solutions. 
Dental implants are very safe when done properly.  It is common for patients to fear that they will be allergic to dental implants or that their body will “reject” them.  Allergies to dental implants are extremely rare, and it is difficult to find documented cases.  “Rejection” is something that occurs with living donor tissues that are much more complex to work with than inanimate ones, such as a dental implants.  Most often when your bone fails to osseointegrate to the dental implant it is because of a post-operative infection, poor health of the patient, poor surgical technique, or the patient chewing on the site during the healing phase.  Factors such as smoking, vaping, and uncontrolled diabetes can affect dental implant integration, but these fall under the poor patient health category.
 
So what are the risks?  Most risks occur during surgery, such as damage to a nerve, artery, or adjacent tooth, but good planning and surgical technique from your dentist will greatly minimize most of these.  If an implant fails in the future there may be significant damage to the surrounding bone, but if you see a dentist who is trained in maintaining dental implants for regular cleanings and maintenance, then this risk is minimized. 
The costs of dental implants vary significantly from person to person.  This is because site may need to be developed in one person but not in another.  Think of it like building a new house.  The dental implant is like the foundation.  Preparing the foundation on a cleared lot that is level and with good soil will be must less expensive than the same process on a wooded lot that is marshy and on a hillside.
 
To have a single tooth replaced when the existing bone and soft tissue are perfect and the patient is healthy typically costs $4,500-5,000 including exams, x-rays, CT scans, surgery, and restoration.  This number can increase though with the need of extractions, bone grafting, soft tissue grafting, sedation, and the need to modify adjacent teeth.
Many things are under your control to make you a good candidate for dental implants, and several things are not under your control.  One of those things not under your control is your age.  Being too old is not a problem, but being too young is.  It is important for growth of the face to be complete prior to placing dental implants.  This is because the dental implants are fused to the bone, and they will appear to sink as the bone grows around them.  The specific age varies person to person, but under 16 years old is generally too young, and patients may need to wait until their 20’s to be candidates.
 
Here is a partial list of things under your control and not under your control that make you a good candidate:
 
Under Your Control:
  • Good overall health (not always under your control)
  • Good oral hygiene
  • Non-smoker
  • Not vaping
  • Healthy lifestyle (moderate alcohol use and no drug use)
  • Healthy diet (take supplements such as Vitamin C, D, and E)
  • Remaining teeth are in good positions to support the planned treatment
Not Under Your Control:
  • Good bone volume
  • Lots of surrounding soft tissue
Here is a list of things that may make the journey more complicated:
  • Uncontrolled diabetes
  • Poor health
  • Recent chemotherapy
  • Prior radiation treatment near the area
  • Taking some osteoporosis medication

Our doctors are trained to help address any factors that may complicate treatment to help you achieve your goal of getting dental implants.

This depends on if the site must be developed first.  It can take up to a year to develop a site before the dental implant can be placed, but often this time frame is six months or less.  It is also common to not need to develop the site or to develop the site (bone grafting or soft tissue grafting) at the same time that the implant is placed.
 
Once the implant is placed in the jawbone, the fusing of the bone to the dental implant, called osseointegration, takes 2-9 months, although 3-4 months in the mandible (lower jaw) and 5-6 months in the maxilla (upper jaw) are the most common integration times.
The short answer is “yes”, although it may take more site development to maximize esthetics.  Some patients prefer not to develop the site just for the sake of esthetics.  They prefer a faster and less expensive procedure.  Other patients will spend a significant amount of time and money to have optimized esthetics.  Neither is better than the other, assuming all of the functional requirements are met.
What is involved in the dental implant process?
The process of placing and restoring a dental implant varies from patient to patient depending on how much damage was done previously to the site, how much bone and soft tissue is present, and the health of the remaining teeth, but you can break the process down into 4 categories:
  • Planning
  • Surgery
  • Restoration
  • Maintenance
In the Planning Phase your dentist will take records, such as a CT scan, x-rays, and impressions to help plan the best position, size, and length of the dental implant that is required for long-term success.  This is a very important phase, and most failures originate from poor planning.  Dentists often “chase bone”, and put whatever size implant they can fit into the remaining bone, but it is important to plan what the ideal implant size, depth, and position will be so that the implant can manage the forces that it will be subjected to over the years.  This is the most important phase in determining which dental implants will fail early and which ones will last for decades.
 
In the Surgical Phase your dentist or surgeon will take the steps required to build any necessary bone and soft tissue for a successful outcome, and he or she will place the dental implant into your jawbone.  A series of small drills are used to prepare the bone so that the dental implant can be screwed into the bone.  Then the bone will fuse to the implant over a period of time (between 2-9 months depending on many factors) in a process called osseointegration.  A healing abutment is placed at the initial surgery or at a second follow up surgery several months after the implant is placed.  This healing abutment creates an opening in the soft tissue that the restoration can pass through to connect to the dental implant.  After osseointegration and soft tissue healing around the healing abutment the implant is ready to be restored.
 
In the Restoration Phase your dentist will either scan your dental implant with an optical scanner or she will take a traditional impression.  These records are sent to a dental lab to fabricate your restoration.   This typically takes a few weeks.  Once the restoration is made, your dentist will screw or cement the restoration to your dental implant.
 
The Maintenance Phase is often overlooked by both patients and dentists.  This is the second most important phase in the life of your dental implant.  You must maintain the health of the tissue surrounding your dental implant for long-term success.  The dental implant is just an inanimate piece of metal.  The part that typically fails is YOUR BODY around the dental implant.  The bone and soft tissue may fail because the dentist had poor planning or execution, but it may also fail because you did not care for it properly.  We specialize in the Maintenance Phase at Dental Implant Solutions.
This is a difficult question to give a specific answer to because there are so many variables.  The short answer is that a well planned, well placed, and well maintained dental implant will last decades and possibly a lifetime.  The longer answer is that as more clinicians with less experience are placing dental implants the quality of planning and surgical technique has fallen across the industry.  Many doctors select inexpensive “knock off” or “clone” dental implant systems that have poor designs and a limited selection of components, so that the clinician is limited in how he or she can address complications if they arise.  Lastly, prior to the 21st century, very few doctors placed and restored dental implants.  They were a highly trained and competent group of doctors.  They also required their patients to become healthy prior to placing dental implants.  As a result, success numbers from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and early 2000’s are higher.  It is common to see 10 year success rates of 95-98% from this period.  This number is much lower today, although it is likely higher than 80% over a 15-year period based on studies of peri-implantitis (periodontal disease around an implant).
 
The best thing you can do is select a doctor who is very confident with all stages of dental implant treatment:  planning, surgery, restoration, and maintenance.  We specialize in this comprehensive care at Dental Implant Solutions. 
 If you are missing a few teeth, they can be replaced with individual dental implants for the most natural feel, or you can have an implant bridge placed, which uses less implants than the number of teeth that are missing.  This can be beneficial if there is a limited amount of bone or if cutting costs is a desire.  Bridges will floss differently than teeth, but otherwise the will look, feel, and function the same as teeth.  Dental implants have a better long-term prognosis than tooth supported bridges, and they are much more comfortable than a removable partial denture.
Many things are under your control to make you a good candidate for dental implants, and several things are not under your control.  One of those things not under your control is your age.  Being too old is not a problem, but being too young is.  It is important for growth of the face to be complete prior to placing dental implants.  This is because the dental implants are fused to the bone, and they will appear to sink as the bone grows around them.  The specific age varies person to person, but under 16 years old is generally too young, and patients may need to wait until their 20’s to be candidates.
 
Here is a partial list of things under your control and not under your control that make you a good candidate:
 
Under Your Control:
  • Good overall health (not always under your control)
  • Good oral hygiene
  • Non-smoker
  • Not vaping
  • Healthy lifestyle (moderate alcohol use and no drug use)
  • Healthy diet (take supplements such as Vitamin C, D, and E)
  • Remaining teeth are in good positions to support the planned treatment
Not Under Your Control:
  • Good bone volume
  • Lots of surrounding soft tissue
Here is a list of things that may make the journey more complicated:
  • Uncontrolled diabetes
  • Poor health
  • Recent chemotherapy
  • Prior radiation treatment near the area
  • Taking some osteoporosis medication
Our doctors are trained to help address any factors that may complicate treatment to help you achieve your goal of getting dental implants.
The short answer is “yes”, although it may take more site development to maximize esthetics.  Often when multiple teeth in a row are missing, there is bone loss too.  Some patients prefer not to develop the site just for the sake of esthetics.  They prefer a faster and less expensive procedure.  Other patients will spend a significant amount of time and money to have optimized esthetics.  Neither is better than the other, assuming all of the functional requirements are met.
Dental implant bridges that replace several adjacent teeth are relatively easy to clean.  You can use your normal toothbrush and toothpaste.  They will clean normally at your hygiene visits.  The biggest difference is flossing.  Since the restored teeth are fused together floss will not pass between them.  We will show you have to use a floss threader, to go under your bridge and to clean the area.
What is involved in the dental implant process?
The process of placing and restoring a dental implant varies from patient to patient depending on how much damage was done previously to the site, how much bone and soft tissue is present, and the health of the remaining teeth, but you can break the process down into 4 categories:
  • Planning
  • Surgery
  • Restoration
  • Maintenance
In the Planning Phase your dentist will take records, such as a CT scan, x-rays, and impressions to help plan the best position, size, and length of the dental implant that is required for long-term success.  This is a very important phase, and most failures originate from poor planning.  Dentists often “chase bone”, and put whatever size implant they can fit into the remaining bone, but it is important to plan what the ideal implant size, depth, and position will be so that the implant can manage the forces that it will be subjected to over the years.  This is the most important phase in determining which dental implants will fail early and which ones will last for decades.
 
In the Surgical Phase your dentist or surgeon will take the steps required to build any necessary bone and soft tissue for a successful outcome, and he or she will place the dental implant into your jawbone.  A series of small drills are used to prepare the bone so that the dental implant can be screwed into the bone.  Then the bone will fuse to the implant over a period of time (between 2-9 months depending on many factors) in a process called osseointegration.  A healing abutment is placed at the initial surgery or at a second follow up surgery several months after the implant is placed.  This healing abutment creates an opening in the soft tissue that the restoration can pass through to connect to the dental implant.  After osseointegration and soft tissue healing around the healing abutment the implant is ready to be restored.
 
In the Restoration Phase your dentist will either scan your dental implant with an optical scanner or she will take a traditional impression.  These records are sent to a dental lab to fabricate your restoration.   This typically takes a few weeks.  Once the restoration is made, your dentist will screw or cement the restoration to your dental implant.
 
The Maintenance Phase is often overlooked by both patients and dentists.  This is the second most important phase in the life of your dental implant.  You must maintain the health of the tissue surrounding your dental implant for long-term success.  The dental implant is just an inanimate piece of metal.  The part that typically fails is YOUR BODY around the dental implant.  The bone and soft tissue may fail because the dentist had poor planning or execution, but it may also fail because you did not care for it properly.  We specialize in the Maintenance Phase at Dental Implant Solutions.
This is a difficult question to give a specific answer to because there are so many variables.  The short answer is that a well planned, well placed, and well maintained dental implant will last decades and possibly a lifetime.  The longer answer is that as more clinicians with less experience are placing dental implants the quality of planning and surgical technique has fallen across the industry.  Many doctors select inexpensive “knock off” or “clone” dental implant systems that have poor designs and a limited selection of components, so that the clinician is limited in how he or she can address complications if they arise.  Lastly, prior to the 21st century, very few doctors placed and restored dental implants.  They were a highly trained and competent group of doctors.  They also required their patients to become healthy prior to placing dental implants.  As a result, success numbers from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and early 2000’s are higher.  It is common to see 10 year success rates of 95-98% from this period.  This number is much lower today, although it is likely higher than 80% over a 15-year period based on studies of peri-implantitis (periodontal disease around an implant).
 
The best thing you can do is select a doctor who is very confident with all stages of dental implant treatment:  planning, surgery, restoration, and maintenance.  We specialize in this comprehensive care at Dental Implant Solutions. 
If your budget is sufficient enough to have dental implant supported bridges you will almost certainly be happier with the result than with a tissue-supported full denture or a snap on denture.  This is because any type of denture moves, even implant retained snap on dentures.  All dentures, including snap on dentures, are supported by soft tissue and bone when you chew, as opposed to implant supported bridges that sit on the dental implants.  This results in the bone and soft tissue resorbing over time with dentures.  You are also at risk of developing sore spots under all dentures.
Many things are under your control to make you a good candidate for dental implants, and several things are not under your control.  One of those things not under your control is your age.  Being too old is not a problem, but being too young is.  It is important for growth of the face to be complete prior to placing dental implants.  This is because the dental implants are fused to the bone, and they will appear to sink as the bone grows around them.  The specific age varies person to person, but under 16 years old is generally too young, and patients may need to wait until their 20’s to be candidates.
 
Here is a partial list of things under your control and not under your control that make you a good candidate:
 
Under Your Control:
  • Good overall health (not always under your control)
  • Good oral hygiene
  • Non-smoker
  • Not vaping
  • Healthy lifestyle (moderate alcohol use and no drug use)
  • Healthy diet (take supplements such as Vitamin C, D, and E)
  • Remaining teeth are in good positions to support the planned treatment
Not Under Your Control:
  • Good bone volume
  • Lots of surrounding soft tissue
Here is a list of things that may make the journey more complicated:
  • Uncontrolled diabetes
  • Poor health
  • Recent chemotherapy
  • Prior radiation treatment near the area
  • Taking some osteoporosis medication
Our doctors are trained to help address any factors that may complicate treatment to help you achieve your goal of getting dental implants.
The short answer is “yes”, although there are many factors that will affect how natural your bridge will look.  Different materials have different esthetic appearances.  Full zirconia porcelain bridges can look opaque sometimes, although this is improving with newer materials.  Hand made porcelain fused to metal bridges can be highly esthetic.  Milled acrylic teeth may have a monochromatic look, whereas denture teeth supplied by a manufacturer may look very natural.  
 
We will discuss your esthetic concerns at your consultation appointment, and we can help you choose which of our 10 Full Arch Options is best for your esthetics goals.
Full arch dental implant bridges can be difficult to clean.  Many patients clean under them with a Waterpik, which is very good, but flossing under the bridge is important too, and can be tricky.  We will show you the best way to clean your specific bridge.  Bridges that replace both tooth and soft tissue/bone structure, such as full zirconia or acrylic-titanium bridges, are the most difficult to clean.  Bridges that replace only tooth structure are relatively easy to clean, and bar-supported overdentures are the easiest to clean.  We will discuss your concerns at your consultation appointment, and we will help guide you to the best of our 10 Full Arch Options to fit your wants.
We offer 10 Full Arch Options to restore your upper and/or lower arch to better health and function.  Options include removable dentures, implant-retained dentures, bar-supported overdentures, 5 types of fixed dental implant supported bridges, natural tooth and dental implant combination solutions, and solutions that save all of your natural teeth.  We help you select the best option for your wants and to fit your budget.
Will "snap on" dental implant retained dentures work the same as dental implant supported bridges?
In most cases, snap on dentures are not as effective or comfortable as screwed in dental implant supported bridges, including All-On-X type bridges.  The closest snap on denture to a screw-retained implant bridge would be a lower denture retained by 6 implants.  This option would be chosen for easier removal and cleaning, but patients mostly choose screw-retained dental implant bridges over this option since the cost is similar.
 
Snap on dentures are more stable than regular dentures, but they are much less stable than screw-retained bridges.  Snap on dentures can still tip, and they can even pop out if the retentive nylons become worn.  Snap on dentures also rest on your gums, so sore spot are possible.  Patients with less dexterity may struggle to seat and remove snap on dentures.
 
If you want to stabilize your removable denture, and you are on a limited budget, snap on dentures are a great option, but if you want a very solid feeling restoration then a screw in bridge may be better for you.
The minimum number of implants for the lower arch (mandible) is 2, but 4 is often more stable, and 6 is very stable.  Things that may limit your ability to get more than 2 implants in the lower jaw include limited bone volume and a limited budget.  If your budget is the limiting factor, then the good news is that you can often start with 2 implants, and then add more later.
 
The minimum number of implants in the upper jaw (maxilla) is 4 since the bone is less dense.  If you get 6 implants, then it may be possible to remove more of the denture that covers the roof of your mouth.  Like the lower jaw, you can usually add additional implants later, if desired.
Maintaining the health of your dental implants is critical to long-term success.  You will want to see a knowledgeable implant dentist at least every 6 months to have your denture and dental implants cleaned.  We recommend 2 exams per year, but your dentist may feel that 1 is sufficient.  It is important for your dentist to test your denture to see if it will need a reline, since your denture may still feel stable to you even it it does need a reline.  This check should be done annually.  Annual radiographs are important to check for bone loss.
 
If you follow these protocol, your dental implants should last at least 10 years, and likely they will last for decade.
Many things are under your control to make you a good candidate for dental implants, and several things are not under your control.  One of those things not under your control is your age.  Being too old is not a problem, but being too young is.  It is important for growth of the face to be complete prior to placing dental implants.  This is because the dental implants are fused to the bone, and they will appear to sink as the bone grows around them.  The specific age varies person to person, but under 16 years old is generally too young, and patients may need to wait until their 20’s to be candidates.
 
Here is a partial list of things under your control and not under your control that make you a good candidate:
 
Under Your Control:
  • Good overall health (not always under your control)
  • Good oral hygiene
  • Non-smoker
  • Not vaping
  • Healthy lifestyle (moderate alcohol use and no drug use)
  • Healthy diet (take supplements such as Vitamin C, D, and E)
  • Remaining teeth are in good positions to support the planned treatment
Not Under Your Control:
  • Good bone volume
  • Lots of surrounding soft tissue
Here is a list of things that may make the journey more complicated:
  • Uncontrolled diabetes
  • Poor health
  • Recent chemotherapy
  • Prior radiation treatment near the area
  • Taking some osteoporosis medication
Our doctors are trained to help address any factors that may complicate treatment to help you achieve your goal of getting dental implants.
Maintaining the health of your dental implants is critical to long-term success.  You will want to see a knowledgeable implant dentist at least every 6 months to have your denture and dental implants cleaned.  We recommend 2 exams per year, but your dentist may feel that 1 is sufficient.  It is important for your dentist to test your denture to see if it will need a reline, since your denture may still feel stable to you even it it does need a reline.  This check should be done annually.  Annual radiographs are important to check for bone loss. 
The cost varies on how many implants you would like, if you need any extractions and grafting, and if you can use your existing denture.  We have packages for many snap on dentures to make the process easier for you.
 
If you can use your existing full lower denture, lower snap on packages for 2 implants start for less than $4,995 if available discounts are applied.
 
If you need a new lower denture, lower snap on packages start for less than $6,995 after available discounts, and they include a high quality metal framed denture (for greater strength).
 
If you can use your existing full upper denture, upper snap on packages for 4 implants start for less than $9,295 if available discounts are applied.
 
If you need a new upper denture, upper snap on packages start for less than $11,195 after available discounts, and they include a high quality metal framed denture (for greater strength).
 
Call today for a free consult!
This is a tricky question, and it is often answered incorrectly by dentists.  Every type of restoration requires a minimum “vertical height”.  This is the distance from the top platform of the dental implant to the tops of the teeth in that arch.  I single tooth may only need 5mm of vertical height in an extreme case (7-10mm is more common), but a implant supported zirconia All-On-X bridge may need 15mm or more height.
 
We use the snap on connection system that requires the lowest vertical height, and that is 11-12mm.
 
When we plan your snap on denture, you need to decide if you you want to save as much bone as is possible after that 11-12mm is established (which will make your snap on denture more stable), or if you want us to reduce more bone so that you can upgrade in the future (which makes your snap on denture less stable).  It’s good to have a long-term plan before we start.
 
Occasionally we can convert an existing snap on denture to a screw-retained one, but again, this is dependent on the vertical that exists after the previous surgery.
What is a dental implant?
The term dental implant is actually used to describe a product that is comprised of three basic components. The first component is called a “fixture,” which is a small post fabricated from surgical grade titanium (a strong, lightweight metal) and placed in the upper or lower jawbone where you have a missing tooth. Placing an implant replaces the root of the tooth you lost and serves as an anchor. The implants are bio-compatible, and offer strength and durability, as well as the ability to fuse to the bone through a process called osseointegration. Your bone is better preserved because the implant integrates with your jawbone, helping to keep the bone healthy and intact. Placing dental implants helps preserve the structure and contour of your face while preventing bone deterioration that naturally occurs when we lose teeth. This creates a strong foundation to support the second component, called the “abutment,” which acts as a connector between the implant or fixture, and the third and final component of the implant process, called the “final restoration.” The final restoration may be:
Dental Implants have become so common that more than 500,000 people get implants each year in the United States. But not everyone is a good candidate for dental implants, to find out if you are, read the section below on who makes a good candidate.
 
“Dental implants are designed to function just like your natural teeth and can improve your life in many ways, making them the best solution for patients looking for a permanent tooth replacement procedure.”
The process of placing and restoring a dental implant varies from patient to patient depending on how much damage was done previously to the site, how much bone and soft tissue is present, and the health of the remaining teeth, but you can break the process down into 4 categories:
  • Planning
  • Surgery
  • Restoration
  • Maintenance
In the Planning Phase your dentist will take records, such as a CT scan, x-rays, and impressions to help plan the best position, size, and length of the dental implant that is required for long-term success.  This is a very important phase, and most failures originate from poor planning.  Dentists often “chase bone”, and put whatever size implant they can fit into the remaining bone, but it is important to plan what the ideal implant size, depth, and position will be so that the implant can manage the forces that it will be subjected to over the years.  This is the most important phase in determining which dental implants will fail early and which ones will last for decades.
 
In the Surgical Phase your dentist or surgeon will take the steps required to build any necessary bone and soft tissue for a successful outcome, and he or she will place the dental implant into your jawbone.  A series of small drills are used to prepare the bone so that the dental implant can be screwed into the bone.  Then the bone will fuse to the implant over a period of time (between 2-9 months depending on many factors) in a process called osseointegration.  A healing abutment is placed at the initial surgery or at a second follow up surgery several months after the implant is placed.  This healing abutment creates an opening in the soft tissue that the restoration can pass through to connect to the dental implant.  After osseointegration and soft tissue healing around the healing abutment the implant is ready to be restored.
 
In the Restoration Phase your dentist will either scan your dental implant with an optical scanner or she will take a traditional impression.  These records are sent to a dental lab to fabricate your restoration.   This typically takes a few weeks.  Once the restoration is made, your dentist will screw or cement the restoration to your dental implant.
 
The Maintenance Phase is often overlooked by both patients and dentists.  This is the second most important phase in the life of your dental implant.  You must maintain the health of the tissue surrounding your dental implant for long-term success.  The dental implant is just an inanimate piece of metal.  The part that typically fails is YOUR BODY around the dental implant.  The bone and soft tissue may fail because the dentist had poor planning or execution, but it may also fail because you did not care for it properly.  We specialize in the Maintenance Phase at Dental Implant Solutions.
This depends on if the sites must be developed first.  It can take up to a year to develop a site before the dental implant can be placed, but often this time frame is six months or less.  It is also common to not need to develop the site or to develop the site (bone grafting or soft tissue grafting) at the same time that the implant is placed.
 
Once the implant is placed in the jawbone, the fusing of the bone to the dental implant, called osseointegration, takes 2-9 months, although 3-4 months in the mandible (lower jaw) and 5-6 months in the maxilla (upper jaw) are the most common integration times.
Bone grafting is a process used to rebuild bone that has been lost from trauma, infection, or other reasons.  Having a tooth or dental implant within the bone supports the bone.  Once a tooth is lost, the bone begins to resorb.  The more time that has elapsed, often the more bone loss has occurred.  There are several procedures and several materials that can be used to grow new bone, and to prepare your site to support your dental implant.
There are several types of bone grafting procedures, including:
  • Socket preservation graft
  • Guided bone regeneration
  • Sinus lift
  • Ridge splitting
Visit our section on BONE GRAFTING for more information.
Yes, bone grafting is very safe.  Most bone grafting is done using bone particles donated from a cadaver.  This technique was invented in the United States in the 1960’s, and there have been no known transmissions of disease since the inception of donor bone grafting.  The graft material looks similar to large salt granules, and it has been treated prior to packaging to remove any organic matter.  
 
Occasionally we use bone from a cow that has been treated similarly.  The type of bone used has to do with the desired outcome of the graft and with the forces that the graft will be subjected too.
 
We can use bone harvested from your body also.  In small amounts this may be desirable, but if a large amount needs to be harvested, the procedures can be invasive and uncomfortable, so this technique is not as common as using cadaver tissue.
Is sedation an option for dental implants?
While routine dental implant and bone grafting surgeries are often performed comfortably for our patients using only dental anesthetic, we offer a variety of sedation options to ensure your comfort.
 
Entry level sedation is nitrous oxide, often called “laughing gas” (although no one really laughs when using it).  We offer this for patients who just want to “cut the edge” a bit.  It is fully reversible, safe, and you can drive yourself to and from your appointments.
 
Oral sedation involves taking prescribed medication before and at your appointment.  We often boost the effect by placing patients on nitrous oxide at the same time.  This method typically takes longer to reach the desired effect, so we book extra time for your appointment.  This increases the cost vs. nitrous oxide.  We also need to monitor you more deeply.  Your airway is still open, and mostly unprotected, so the procedure will go more slowly as we ensure your safety.  Many patients expect to be asleep, but the term “sleep dentistry” is often misused for oral sedation (and even IV sedation).  The patient is still awake.  He will feel tired, detached, and possibly sleepy.  It’s more like being drunk than being asleep.  You will need a driver to take you to and from your appointment, and you will be tired for most of the day.
 
For patients who want to sleep through their procedure we offer general anesthesia.  This is administered in our office by an anesthesiologist.  It is much safer than oral sedation since the patient is constantly monitored by the anesthesiologist.  This allows the dentist or surgeon to focus solely on the surgical procedure, and not the patient’s airway and vitals.  We can do more procedures when a patient uses general anesthesia, often performing all surgical procedures in one visit.  We also find a substantial reduction in post-operative pain and infections when general anesthesia is used.  The cost is higher, but the safety and positive patient experience far outweigh it. 
IV sedation is not the same as general anesthesia.  It is more similar to oral sedation, except the doctor can administer it more quickly, reverse it more quickly, and modify it more easily.  IV sedation can be superior to oral sedation, but it is inferior to general anesthesia due to the airway being at risk of being blocked.  Patients also have a chance of “remembering the procedure” with IV sedation.  As a result we have chosen to offer general anesthesia for the best “sleep dentistry” experience.
Although this is possible, it is best to plan on paying for general anesthesia yourself.  Our anesthesiologists will be in contact with you prior to your appointment, and they have specialists who can help you to arrange payment, including financing and working with your medical insurance if possible.
What will happen before my surgery date?
Prior to your surgery you will have a pre-surgical appointment.  At this appointment you will discuss your pre-surgical plan, such as when to start your medications and what to wear to your surgery, and you will also discuss your post-surgical care so that you can be prepared.  
 
At this appointment you will receive all of your prescriptions, you will pay for your upcoming procedure, and we will answer any questions that you have.   Our goal is for you to be fully prepared for your surgery,  so that your surgery runs smoothly.  
Although it is not mandatory for you to be on antibiotics for your surgery, in most cases it is highly recommended that you take them.  Antibiotics are rarely needed for extractions, often needed for bone grafting, and highly indicated for dental implant placement.  Post-op infections are a primary cause of the failure of a graft or dental implant to integrate, so it is important to protect against this.
You will be given extensive instructions on what to do after your surgery at your pre-surgical appointment.  We will recommend steps, such as preparing ice packs and purchasing softer foods, that you can do prior to your surgery.  You will be given written instructions, and we will review them with you, and your driver if you are sedated, after your surgery also.
It is common to have discomfort after surgery.  Many extraction and dental implant placement procedures result in minimum discomfort, and you may find that over the counter pain medication is adequate.  Larger procedures, including most bone grafting procedures, may result in several days or more of soreness, and may require stronger pain medications.  We will recommend steps that you can take to minimize discomfort, and we will prescribe a pain medication in case it is needed.  In some cases steroids will be prescribed to minimize pain and swelling.  Applying ice regularly to the surgical site for 1-2 days after surgery will greatly reduce pain and swelling.
 
It is common for patients who smoke or vape to have greater post-operative pain, and for a longer duration, so if you do either of these you should be prepared for greater discomfort.
Applying ice to your surgical site 4 or 5 times a day for 1-2 days after surgery is one of the best ways to minimize pain and swelling.  We recommend that you prepare several ice packs prior to your surgery.  One of the best, and easiest, means of icing is to buy bags of frozen peas or corn.  They can be applied directly to your face, they will form to the shape of your face, they can be re-used, and they are inexpensive.  Just make sure to mark them so that you don’t accidentally eat them later, since the peas or corn will likely spoil.
Are dental implants safe and are there any risks?
Dental implants are very safe when done properly.  It is common for patients to fear that they will be allergic to dental implants or that their body will “reject” them.  Allergies to dental implants are extremely rare, and it is difficult to find documented cases.  “Rejection” is something that occurs with living donor tissues that are much more complex to work with than inanimate ones, such as a dental implants.  Most often when your bone fails to osseointegrate to the dental implant it is because of a post-operative infection, poor health of the patient, poor surgical technique, or the patient chewing on the site during the healing phase.  Factors such as smoking, vaping, and uncontrolled diabetes can affect dental implant integration, but these fall under the poor patient health category.
 
So what are the risks?  Most risks occur during surgery, such as damage to a nerve, artery, or adjacent tooth, but good planning and surgical technique from your dentist will greatly minimize most of these.  If an implant fails in the future there may be significant damage to the surrounding bone, but if you see a dentist who is trained in maintaining dental implants for regular cleanings and maintenance, then this risk is minimized. 
Many factors can result in your bone not osseointegrating to the dental implant after surgery.  There is not a set time that it becomes evident that the implant is not integrated, but it typically becomes clear between the 2nd to 4th month after surgery.
 
Your surgeon will determine why the implant did not integrate, and then he or she will address that issue and place a new dental implant.  It is very common for the new dental implant to osseointegrate without issues after that.
 
Some of the common reasons that implants do not osseointegrate:
  • Post-operative infection
  • Too little blood flow at the surgical site
  • Too large of a bone graft done at the same time as the implant was placed
  • The bone overheated during surgery
  • The patient chewed on the site after the implant was placed
  • The patient smokes or vapes
  • The patient has diabetes or poor health
Notice that allergies to titanium are not on the list.  This is EXTREMELY rare.  Not only has Dr. Hodges not seen a metal allergy to a dental implant in his 20+ years of implantology, but he commonly asks lecturers at symposiums he speaks at if they have seen it, and to date he hasn’t met one who has.
What technology do you use at your office to improve a better outcome?
Since we specialize in dental implants and full mouth restoration, we can spend more time and money that the average dental office on technologies that are advancing the field of dental implantology.  This results in us delivering safer treatment, better outcomes, and longer lasting restorations.
 
Here is a partial list of the technologies that we are currently using:
  • Computer Tomography (CT scans)
    1. This allows the surgeon to see a 3D rendering of your jaw
    2. CT scans are the gold standard for surgical planning and safety
  • CAD surgical planning
    1. Your surgeon will perform your surgery in a CAD program before your actual surgery.
    2. This aids in the best planning, safety, and outcome. 
  • Guided surgery
    1. Surgical guides aid in greater accuracy and implant positioning.
  • Piezo bone cutting technology
    1. This device allows us to make precise and atraumatic cuts in your jawbone.
    2. Safe cutting tips aid in surgeries that are near blood vessels, nerves, and the sinus floor.
  • Magnetic mallets
    1. This device uses a rapid tapping motion combined with specialized tips for smoother and faster extraction procedures.
    2. We have found that this aids greatly in preventing bone fractures near the extraction site.
  • NOMAD hand held x-ray units
    1. Super low radiation and highly accurate hand held x-ray units aid in safer and more accurate dental implant placement.
  • Penguin and NeoTell RFA (Resonance Frequency Analysis) devices
    1. RFA devices read how stable a dental implant is.  This aids your doctor in knowing if and when your dental implant is ready to restore.
  • W&H dental implant motors
    1. We use the industry standard in dental implant motors.  They are much more expensive than competitor models, but their accuracy and flexibility aids in the best results for your dental implant surgery.
  • Neoss dental implant system
    1. We genuinely believe that this dental implant system is the best in the world.  Dr. Hodges has used this system for over 15 years, and he now places Neoss exclusively due to its patented surface that aids in rapid osseointegration, its collar design which aids in treating peri-implantitis should it arise, and its brilliant patented one-of-a-kind abutment interface.  This Swedish/British company was co-founded by the inventor of the metal that dental implants are made from and from the inventor of RFA technology. 
  • Intraoral scanners
    1. Intraoral scanners are highly accurate intraoral camera systems that transfer the data about your dental implant and your teeth to the dental lab.  Scanners replace the gel filled impression trays that so many of us know all too well.
  • 3D printers
    1. We can print our own guides, denture try ins, and night guards with our in-office printers, which speeds up your treatment time.
  • Milling technology
    1. Acrylic, zirconia, titanium, and other metals can all be milled for greater accuracy and strength.  We can also store your digital file for milled restorations so that they can be more easily modified or remade should problems arise.
We are constantly studying, training for, and purchasing new dental implant technologies.  Currently we are in the process of incorporating photogrammetry into our workflow for Full Arch Treatments.  Check back for more updates!
Changes are constantly coming to the field of implantology.  These changes come in the form of new technologies that improve the safety of the surgery or the restorative process.  They also come in the form of changes to the dental implant surface or components.
Current areas of development include:
Surgical Improvements:
  • Live guided surgery, such as X-Guide, that allows the surgeon to see the drilling process as it happens on a screen with your surgical plan and CT scan.
  • Guided surgery using robotics
  • Surface enhancements to the dental implant that result in faster osseointegration
Restorative Improvements:
  • Photogrammetry, such as Pic or Instarisa, is a process that aids your dentist in planning your full arch restoration more affectively before your surgery is done, and it helps your dentist transfer the locations of your dental implants more accurately into the software that you implant bridge will be designed in.  A series of intraoral and extraoral cameras are used to collect accurate data that allows your implant bridge to be designed in CAD software where the technician can see your face as well as your dental implants.  This results in better esthetics and a faster process for the most esthetic outcome.
Maintenance:
  • Changes in the design of the top 1/4 of the dental implant (called the “collar”) will help reduce bacteria and toxins from adhering to the dental implant if bone loss occurs.  This will reduce the inflammation, and will help to prevent peri-implantitis from developing.
Not all new technology works out.  We invested $40,000 in X-Guided technology only to find that the predictability just isn’t here yet.  The workflow turned out to be cumbersome, and Dr. Hodges was more accurate placing implants free hand than with the X-Guide, but at Dental Implant Solutions we continue actively studying these technological changes, and we invest a substantial amount money in purchasing and training for these advances.
Is maintenance required for my dental implants?
The Maintenance Phase is often overlooked by both patients and dentists.  This is the second most important phase in the life of your dental implant next to proper planning.  You must maintain the health of the tissue surrounding your dental implant for long-term success.  The dental implant is just an inanimate piece of metal.  The part that typically fails is YOUR BODY around the dental implant.  The bone and soft tissue may fail because the dentist had poor planning or execution, but it may also fail because you did not care for it properly.  We specialize in the Maintenance Phase at Dental Implant Solutions.    
You will want to have your dental implants cleaned just like you have your teeth cleaned (even if you no longer have teeth).  Plaque, calculus, and bacteria can build up on your dental implants and restoration, and if left for too long their presence will likely result in peri-implantitis, which is similar to periodontal disease with teeth, except it is much more aggressive.
 
You will want a minimum of 2 cleanings per year, but more may be recommended by your dentist if you are susceptible to  peri-implantitis.
 
At Dental Implant Solutions, our dentists and hygienists are specially trained in the unique care requirements of dental implants so that you can protect your investment for years to come.
Yes you can!  Our dentists and hygienists are trained by Dr. Hodges to identify and treat peri-implant mucositis (inflammation around your implants) and peri-implantitis (infection and loss of bone around your implants).  Dental implants are treated differently than teeth, and it important for your dental team is properly trained to care for you and your dental implants.
Peri-implantitis is a process where infection adjacent to your dental implant results in soft tissue damage, and more specifically, bone loss.  As more dental implants are being placed, we are identifying that peri-implantitis will be a major concern in the future.
 
A retrospective study of 5,000 patients over 9-12 years showed that 14.5% of the patients had moderate to severe peri-implantitis, and 7.6% had lost at least 1 implant.  This is a major concern for larger dental implant restorations, such as All-On-X, yet most dentists don’t know how to care for these more complex restorations.
 
Dr. Hodges has developed a protocol over his 20+ years of restoring fixed full arch restorations, and we follow these protocol at Dental Implant Solutions to ensure the greatest longevity, as well as reasonable maintenance, of your dental implants.
We treat peri-implantitis at Dental Implant Solutions.  We will assess the likely sources of your peri-implantitis, and then we will treat this sources as well as the actual peri-implantitis.
 
Treatments for peri-implantitis include:
  • Surgical intervention, including bone grafting
  • Laser treatments
  • Application of localized and/or systemic antibiotics
  • Modification or replacement of the restoration
  • Extraction of the dental implant followed by replacement
  • Follow up protocol
Contact us if you are concerned that you have peri-implantitis, and we’ll get you taken care of.
Do you offer financing?
We offer financing through third party companies such as Care Credit, Proceed, and Lending Club.  These companies offer short term repayment options as well as longer terms up to 7 years.  You can visit their sites by clicking on the links at the bottom of our webpages.
 
We also offer in-house payment plans with 50% of the treatment cost due prior to starting treatment, and then the balance divided up equally over up to 5 months.  These plans are interest free.
 
Lastly, we offer layaway plans plans for patients who prefer to pay in full before starting their treatment.  Available discounts still apply for patients who choose layaway.
Although we are not signed up directly with any dental insurance companies, our patients will typically be reimbursed by their dental insurance companies for qualifying services at the “out of network” reimbursement level.  We will assist in preparing forms for you to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.  In-office zero interest payment plans are available if you need time to wait for payments from your insurance company.
Although we used to work with medical insurance companies for coverage of dental implant procedures, most medical insurance plans now refuse to pay for dental implant services.  As a result, we do not directly bill medical insurance companies.  We will aid you with the paperwork to submit if you feel that you may get coverage.
 
Also, our anesthesiologists occasionally are successful with getting your medical insurance to cover the cost of general anesthesia.  Their specialists can advise you about this. 
Our branch in Gig Harbor currently accepts Medicaid for the fabrication of full dentures, partial dentures, and the surgical services associated with them, but does not offer any other Medicaid services.  Our Covington branch does not accept Medicaid.
 
Seattle Dental and Denture Arts in Downtown Seattle offers full Medicaid services, including all denture and surgical services, for Medicaid patients.  Visit their website at  https://www.seattledentalanddenturearts.com/ for more information.
Our payment options are as follows:
  • Pay as you go with cash, check, credit card– no discounts
  • Finance through Care Credit, Proceed, etc.- no discounts
  • Layaway (pay up front before any treatment started) – discounts apply
  • In-office payment plan – never to exceed 6 months (½ up front followed by up to 5 equal monthly payments) – no discounts, and must be paid in full before final restoration is sent to the lab
  • Patient submits insurance – discounts apply
Available Discounts:
  • Prepay entire treatment prior to starting = 5% discount
  • Watch for promotional discounts
Do you offer a warranty on your single tooth and short-span bridge dental implants and restorations?
We do offer a warranty for our dental implants and their restorations!  Dental implants that replace single teeth or that are used under short-span dental implant bridges (several teeth, but not restoring the full arch) are warranted for 5 years after they are placed.  Porcelain or gold restorations and implant components, such as the abutment, are covered for 4 years after delivery.
 
Conditions for maintaining dental cleanings, exams, and radiographs apply.  We want you to have peace of mind with your investment!
 
Read About Our Warranty
We have a Base Warranty for our implant supported Full Arch Options, and we offer an Extended Warranty for purchase.  We want you to have the greatest flexibility with regards to your purchase, so in 2024 we reduced our Full Arch Package fees, and then gave you the option to buy back the extended coverage.
 
Our Base Warranty is included at no charge for Full Arch Packages includes 6 months of coverage for dental implants after the final restoration is placed, and 60 days coverage for the restoration and all components.  
 
Our Extended Warranty can be purchased for $1,495.  The specifics vary for each type of Full Arch Package, but the term of the warranties is 5 years.  
 
Read About Our Warranty
Our Base Warranty is included with the purchase of your dentures, snap on dentures, and dental implants for snap on dentures.  Base coverage for dentures and snap on abutments ranges from 30 days to 6 months.  Dental implants placed for snap on dentures have a base coverage of 6 months.
 
Our Membership Plans extend your warranty AND INCLUDE ALL MAINTENANCE for the lifetime of your membership.  Monthly membership plans start at $24.95 per month.
 
Read About Our Warranty and Membership Plans   
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Get in touch with us today
  • [email protected]
  • 27015 169th PL SE., Ste 100 Covington, WA 98042
  • (253) 236-8015
  • Covington Hours:
    Mon/Wed 9am-6pm
    Thurs 9am-5pm
    Fridays by Appointment
  • 11511 Canterwood Blvd, Ste 120, Gig Harbor, WA 98332
  • (253) 514-8649
  • Gig Harbor Hours:
    Tues/Thurs 9am-5pm
    Fridays by Appointment
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