Answers to 8 frequently asked questions about dental implants.

Are you curious about dental implants but want to learn a little more before booking your appointment? Here are 8 questions the Tomasik Family Dental team is often asked by patients interested in dental implants for the first time.

1. What are the benefits of getting dental implants?

Dental implant benefits range from helping you achieve optimal oral health to boosting your smile confidence. The design of these implants makes them a truly long-term solution for tooth loss. While the dental implant’s crown will last  10-15 years, the implant post itself lasts for life.

Dental implants replicate natural teeth in a way that isn’t achievable with any other restorative dentistry procedure. They halt the bone loss in the jaw that occurs after we lose a tooth. They also stimulate your facial muscle, keeping your face looking fuller and more youthful.

Dental implants offer so many benefits and don’t need any sort of special care. After the implant process is complete, you can carry on with life as usual, eating the foods you love and taking care of your smile with your normal oral hygiene routine.

2. How much will dental implants cost me out of pocket?

The cost of dental implants varies from patient to patient. There are many variables at play, such as the number of dental implants needed or whether or not a bone graft is necessary. Some dental insurance plans will cover a portion of dental implant surgery, but some don’t.

We want to reassure patients that we always strive to make all of our dental care as affordable as we can. We also offer in-house membership plans for our patients and accept CareCredit as well as many other forms of payment. Chat with our office team about your situation, and we can figure out a plan to help you afford your dental implants.

3. How do I know if I’m a candidate for dental implant surgery?

If you’re a healthy adult with no serious underlying medical conditions, chances are high that you’re a good candidate for dental implant surgery. Ideally, you’ll be able to plan ahead, so you can get the problem tooth extracted and your new dental implant placed right away.

Of course, the only way to know for sure that you are a good candidate for dental implants is by checking with your dentist. Dr. Tomasik will do a thorough evaluation and discuss all the details with you.

4. Can I still get dental implants even if I lost my teeth years ago?

In many cases, yes. If you experienced tooth loss a few years ago, your jaw bone may have already begun to shrink. In this situation, it’s possible for Dr. Tomasik to place a bone graft in your jaw to help rebuild the bone structure. After a few months of successful healing, he will then be able to place the dental implant post.

During your consultation with Dr. Tomasik you’ll discuss your options and come up with a plan together.

5. What’s it going to feel like having dental implants in my mouth?

After your dental implant has healed, you won’t even notice it anymore. Just as your implant post bonds with your jawbone like a natural tooth, your body accepts the dental implant as one too. When you chew food or brush and floss, your implant will feel just like a natural tooth.

The dental crown atop the implant post that forms your new tooth will also be indistinguishable from your surrounding teeth. Your dentist will perfectly shape and smooth it to blend in seamlessly with your smile.

6. Is dental implant surgery going to hurt? What about healing after?

Oral surgery isn’t nearly as invasive as medical surgery, and most patients won’t even be put under for their implant placement. If you do feel anxious, keep in mind that we offer a number of sedation options to keep you comfortable.

You won’t feel a thing during the actual procedure, aside from some pressure as Dr. Tomasik gently and strategically places the post. Afterward, you will feel some discomfort for a few days as your body recovers and begins to heal around the implant. Our goal is to minimize this discomfort as much as possible through pain management medication and detailed at-home care instructions.

7. Will I need a bunch of dental implants if I’m missing most of my teeth?

Considering that the average adult has a total of 28 teeth (with wisdom teeth removed) the idea of replacing every tooth with a dental implant may seem excessive. We agree!

Patients with extensive or complete tooth loss can get implant-supported dental bridges, which allow us to place fewer dental implants without sacrificing any of the benefits we talked about earlier. Denture wearers even have the option for implant-supported dentures, which only need between 4 and 8 implants for each half of your smile.

8. Are there other options if I’m not ready to invest in dental implants?

As much as we love dental implants, we never want patients to feel rushed into any procedure.

If you’re interested in dental implants but need some more time to think about it or save up, we are happy to help. Placing a dental bridge in the gap or having you fitted for full or partial dentures may be the best solution while you wait for dental implants.

Book your dental implant consultation with Dr. Tomasik to learn more.

If you still have questions about dental implants, the best way to learn more is through a consultation with Dr. Tomasik. Your consultation will give you a chance to speak with Dr. Tomasik about your tooth loss and explore dental implants as a permanent solution.

To book your consultation, call our Bee Cave office during normal office hours or send us a message via this form.