Dental Implant FAQs

A dental implant is a small titanium anchor placed into your jawbone, to mimic the form and function of your natural tooth root. Once your bone fuses to the implant, the implant acts as a base for a replacement tooth such as a crown.

Once healed, your dental implant and replacement tooth will mimic the look, feel, and function of your natural teeth.

If cared for properly, a dental implant can last a very long time. An implant can also help improve the appearance of your smile and your ability to enjoy the foods you like without worrying about the space left from a missing tooth. Plus, dental implants are made of titanium. This means they are not susceptible to decay! And finally, dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that can stop or reduce jawbone deterioration, which typically occurs when patients are missing teeth.

For over three decades, dental implants have been placed and successfully used by patients just like you. Good oral hygiene and careful use can ensure long-lasting and functional results for the lifespan of your dental implants.

Anesthesia is typically used during the placement procedure to eliminate any discomfort that patients may experience. Dr. Madison will prescribe pain medication for any discomfort you may have after surgery. However, most patients say that the discomfort is minimal after their dental implant surgery. Many are able to return to work the next day.

Insurance coverage varies by plan and provider. It may be possible to obtain additional coverage from your medical plan. Check with your insurance company to see if they can extend your plan. Contact us for more details.

Typically, the dental implant process involves several steps and the overall treatment period can vary greatly for each patient. Treatment time for most patients lasts between 3-6 months. Supplemental procedures, such as bone grafting and tissue augmentation, can often add additional healing time and cost to your procedure. Check out our Supplemental Procedures for more details.

In general, there are no age restrictions for dental implants. However, younger patients who do not have a fully developed jawbone may not be a recipient of dental implants. The reason for this is that continued growth of the jaw may cause implants to shift or loosen. Most patients with a healthy mouth, good overall health, and an interest in repairing their smile can benefit from dental implants.