What are the Main Benefits of Dental Implants?
So you may be wondering about these artificial teeth. What are their primary advantages? The pluses are more numerous than you can possibly imagine. They include:
1. First and Foremost: Enhanced Self-Confidence
Let’s be honest, your smile is often the first thing people notice when they meet you. If you feel insecure about the appearance of your teeth, that hesitation can show.
With solutions like a single tooth implant or an All-on-4 procedure, you can restore more than just your smile; you can restore your confidence. These advanced implant options are designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth, allowing you to smile freely and without self-consciousness.
Renewed self-confidence is truly priceless—and it all starts with a smile you’re proud to share.
2. Replacement Teeth That Blend in Seamlessly
The impact of a missing tooth depends on its location. While a missing front tooth is more noticeable cosmetically, a lost molar can significantly affect how your bite feels and functions overall.
Many patients worry that a replacement tooth might look artificial or stand out from the rest of their smile. Modern dental implants look far more natural than traditional options like crowns, bridges, or dentures.
At Exo Dental, this is something you don’t have to worry about. Our doctors have a meticulous eye for detail and custom design each replacement tooth to match your natural teeth in color, shape, spacing, and structure. The result is a seamless, natural-looking smile, so natural. It’s almost as if the tooth was never lost in the first place.
3. Often life-long
One of the most common questions we hear is, “How long will a dental implant last?” The answer often surprises people, in a very good way.
When placed by a qualified implant specialist, dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. With proper care, an artificial tooth can truly last as long as you do.
You can feel confident knowing our doctors at Exo Dental have the experience and expertise to precisely place and restore your implant. You’ll also receive clear guidance on daily at-home care to help keep your implant healthy and strong for years to come
4. Easier Adjustment for Smooth Eating and Talking
Anyone who has worn removable dentures knows they can be awkward, especially when eating or drinking. Poorly fitted dentures may shift, slip, or even fall out, creating uncomfortable and embarrassing moments, whether you’re with others or on your own.
Dental implants eliminate these concerns. Because implants are securely anchored and significantly stronger than dentures, they stay firmly in place. This stability allows you to speak clearly, eat comfortably, and drink confidently, whether from a glass or a straw without worrying about movement or mishaps.
5. Help Prevent Bone Loss
Tooth loss doesn’t just affect your smile; it can also lead to jawbone loss. Your natural teeth provide essential stimulation to the jawbone, helping keep it strong and healthy. When a tooth is lost and not replaced, that stimulation stops, and bone deterioration can begin. In fact, up to 25% of bone loss can occur within the first year alone, and the longer the space remains empty, the more bone is lost.
Dental implants do more than simply fill the gap. By replacing both the tooth and its root, implants restore the stimulation your jawbone needs to stay dense and durable. In this way, the bone supports the implant helping to preserve your facial structure and long-term oral health.
6. Numerous Options
There are many ways to replace missing teeth such as removable dentures, bridges, and dental implants and even within implants. There are multiple options available, including snap-in systems, tooth-supported bridges, and partials.
For patients missing all their teeth, an estimated 36 million Americans, according to the American College of Prosthodontists a fixed hybrid denture may be an ideal solution. This option is secured directly to dental implants, allowing the denture to remain firmly in place. Unlike snap-in dentures, which are removable, fixed implant restorations are permanent, making daily care as simple as brushing and flossing your natural teeth.
The bottom line: you have options. Our doctors routinely perform full-mouth implant procedures, and after a comprehensive consultation, he and his team can determine whether oral surgery and dental implants are the right solution for you.
Do Implants Hurt?
As with any oral surgery, it’s normal to experience some mild discomfort following dental implant placement. That said, we take every precaution to make both the procedure and the recovery as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how manageable the process is. Any soreness is typically mild and temporary, and it can be effectively controlled with proper aftercare. The most common post-procedure effects of dental implant surgery include:
- Mild to moderate swelling of the gums and face
- Slight bruising of the gums and/or skin
- Minimal bleeding
- Temporary difficulty chewing or biting
- Minor discomfort at the implant site
While dental implant placement is a surgical procedure, it’s far less invasive than many patients expect. In fact, most people find it to be very manageable. If you’ve ever had a filling or a crown, that experience is often the closest comparison to how the procedure feels while you’re in the chair, certainly not on the level of a root canal.
General Questions
Q: Do You Bill my Dental Insurance?
A: Yes. Exo Dental is a fee-for-service practice, which means we are not bound by insurance limitations. We will gladly submit your insurance claim as a courtesy, and any reimbursements will be sent directly to you. While we estimate your coverage, please note that insurance benefits vary and are not guaranteed.
Q: How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
A: While it may seem like a straightforward question, the cost of dental implants is multifaceted. Various treatments fall under the term “dental implants,” each differing in technique, materials, and the clinician’s expertise. It’s crucial to understand that placing a dental implant is a complex surgical procedure that demands specialized skills and can yield varied outcomes. Therefore, when considering implant treatment, it’s essential to evaluate several factors beyond just the price, as dental implants represent a long-term investment in your oral health.
Q: What Services Do You Offer?
A: We provide comprehensive restorative and surgical care, including:
● All-on-X fixed implant bridges
● Snap-on implant dentures
● Single dental implants
● Smile makeovers with crowns & veneers
● Extractions and bone grafting
● Wisdom teeth extractions
● IV and oral sedation dentistry
Q: Am I a Candidate for dental implants?
A: Most patients are! If you have missing or failing teeth, good general health, and healthy gums, you’re likely a candidate. Even if you’ve been told you have bone loss, we can often rebuild your foundation with bone grafting or Sinus Augmentation.
Q: What Happens at My First Visit?
A: You’ll meet with our Treatment Coordinator and doctor to discuss your goals and take a 3D CBCT scan. We’ll examine your bone structure, discuss your treatment options, review costs, financing, and answer every question you have. You’ll leave with a personalized treatment plan.
Full-Arch Implants (All-on-X)
Q: What Does “All-on-X” Mean?
A: “All-on-X” refers to a full-arch, fixed bridge supported by a number of implants (typically 4–6 per arch). The “X” simply means the exact number of implants varies per patient, depending on anatomy and bone density.
Q: Will I Leave With Teeth The Same Day?
A: In most cases, yes — we can remove failing teeth, place implants, and attach a fixed temporary bridge all in one day. This allows you to walk out with a brand-new smile while your implants heal beneath the surface.
Q: How Long Until I Get My Final Set Of Teeth?
A: Healing and integration take about 4–6 months. After this period, we take final impressions and custom design your permanent zirconia bridge, which offers superior durability, aesthetics, and stain resistance.
Q: What Materials Are Used For The Final Teeth?
A: Our permanent bridges are typically made from monolithic zirconia or a titanium bar with layered zirconia or nanocomposite teeth, depending on your preference, bone, and bite. These materials are strong, aesthetic, and designed for long-term success.
Q: What If I Don’t Have Enough Bone For Implants?
A: We can often restore your jawbone with bone grafting, sinus lifts, or ridge augmentation. In severe bone loss cases, we may recommend angled or zygomatic implants, which anchor into stronger bone higher in the cheek area.
Q: How Long Does The Procedure Take?
A: Most All-on-X surgeries take about 3–4 hours per arch under sedation. You’ll rest comfortably and won’t feel pain during the procedure.
Q: What Is The Success Rate Of Dental Implants?
A: Dental implants have a 95–98% long-term success rate when placed by experienced clinicians and maintained properly with hygiene and follow-up care.
Q: How Much Do You Charge For The "All-On-X" Dental Implants?
A: The cost of “All-on-X” dental implants varies based on individual patient needs. While we are generally on the lower end of the national average for this treatment, our practice offers a higher-quality result due to our experience and advanced technology. We use a completely digital workflow, ensuring more precision and a custom look for your smile.
Additionally, we offer a price-match guarantee for this service when compared to other quotes for the same procedure. Please refer to our Price Match Guarantee for further details.
Snap-On Implant Dentures
Q: How Do Snap-On Dentures Differ From Traditional Dentures?
A: Snap-on dentures secure onto dental implants, offering more stability and comfort than traditional dentures that rest on the gums. They allow you to eat, speak, and smile more confidently.
Q: How Many Implants Are Needed?
A: Most lower snap-on dentures require two to four implants; upper dentures may use four to six for added retention.
Q: How Long Do The Snaps Last?
A: The nylon inserts inside the denture usually last 6–12 months before needing replacement, depending on wear. This is a quick, affordable maintenance visit.
Q: Can The Snaps Be Converted To A Fixed Bridge Later?
A: In some cases, yes! If your bone quality and implant positions allow, we can upgrade your removable snap-on denture to a fixed All-on-X bridge later.
Single Implants, Crowns & Veneers
Q: How Long Does A Single Implant Take From Start To Finish?
A: From placement to final crown typically takes 4–6 months, allowing your bone to integrate with the implant before attaching the permanent restoration.
Q: What If My Implant Crown Chips Or Breaks?
A: Implant crowns are durable, but accidents happen. We’ll evaluate the damage, repair or replace the crown, and check your bite to prevent future issues.
Q: What Materials Do You Use For Crowns And Veneers?
A: We use premium ceramics and zirconia, custom-shaded to your smile. These materials mimic natural enamel while providing excellent durability and translucency.
Extractions, Bone Grafting & Sedation
Q: Will I Need Bone Grafting Before Implants?
A: If you’ve had missing teeth for a while or significant bone loss, yes — bone grafting helps rebuild the foundation, so implants are strong and stable. We’ll determine this using 3D imaging during your consultation.
Q: Is Sedation Safe?
A: Yes. We offer oral, IV, and local anesthesia options based on your comfort level and medical history. Our team is trained to monitor you closely throughout the procedure for a safe, stress-free experience.
Q: How Long Is Recovery After Extractions Or Implants?
A: Most patients experience mild swelling and soreness for 3–5 days. You’ll be prescribed pain management and antibiotics if needed. Most patients return to work within a few days.
Healing, Diet & Aftercare
Q: What Can I Eat After Surgery?
A: We recommend a soft-food diet (eggs, pasta, smoothies, mashed potatoes) for the first few weeks. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods. As healing progresses, you can gradually return to a normal diet as advised by your doctor.
Q: How Do I Clean Around My Implants?
A: Use a soft toothbrush and water flosser to clean under and around your implants. Regular professional maintenance (every 6 months) is essential to keep them healthy and avoid peri-implantitis.
Q: How Long Will My Implants Last?
A: With proper hygiene and regular checkups, implants can last 20+ years or even a lifetime. The prosthetic teeth (zirconia bridge or denture) may need maintenance or refreshment over time.
Q: Do I Need To Come Back For Maintenance?
A: Yes. Implant systems require periodic maintenance — usually every 4-6 months — to clean under the prosthesis, replace O-rings or inserts (for snap-ons), and check implant health.
Warranty, Financing & Travel Patients
Q: Do You Offer A Warranty On Implants Or Restorations?
A: Yes. We offer a limited implant warranty that covers implant replacement for failures for life*, provided you maintain your follow-up and hygiene appointments.
Q: What Financing Options Are Available?
A: We work with trusted financing partners to offer flexible monthly payment plans. Our team can help you find a plan that fits your budget, often with low or no-interest options.
Q: Do You Treat Out-Of-Town Patients?
A: Absolutely. Many of our patients travel for full-arch implant care. We can coordinate your consultation, surgery, and follow-up timeline efficiently, and recommend nearby lodging and transportation options.
Q: How Long Will I Need To Stay In Town After Surgery?
A: We usually recommend staying 2–3 days after your procedure so we can check healing and make any needed adjustments before you travel home.
Long-Term Care
Q: What Happens If I Move Or Relocate?
A: Your treatment records are yours — we’ll provide full documentation and imaging for your new dentist upon request. Implant care can be managed by most restorative dentists or prosthodontists.
Q: Can Smoking Or Medical Conditions Affect My Implants?
A: Yes. Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, or poor hygiene increase the risk of implant failure. We’ll discuss these risks honestly and help you take steps to optimize success before treatment.
Q: How Often Should I Get My Implant Bridge Checked?
A: We recommend a professional check and cleaning every 6 months to ensure your implants, gums, and prosthetic components stay healthy and functional.
