Dental Implant Frequently Asked Questions - Massapequa Park, NY • Long Island

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a treatment that replaces an entire missing tooth from root to crown. A small titanium post is placed into the jawbone, recreating the root, and this is used to support a variety of restorations that bring back the teeth.

How do dental implants compare to traditional bridges & dentures?

Traditional tooth replacements are designed to only bring back the visible portion of the tooth, or the crown, leaving them without a root foundation. This inherently makes them much less stable than natural teeth and likely to break down over time.

Implants overcome this problem by restoring a tooth both above and below the gum line. This not only makes them extremely secure, but this two-part construction also has another benefit. Replacing a tooth root provides support for the jawbone from within, which can prevent bone loss, and therefore helps maintain the strength of the bite as well as the overall shape and appearance of the face. Implants are the only treatment that can do this!

How many teeth can implants replace?

Implants can be used to replace any number of missing teeth, supporting a single crown, bridge, or even a full denture.

What is the dental implant procedure like?

After having a consultation with Dr. Mohr where he determines that you are a good candidate for dental implants, he will refer you to one of his “dream team” of oral surgeons to actually place your implants into your jawbone. After you have had time to heal (which can take a few weeks to a few months), you’ll return to Dr. Mohr’s office to receive your new, custom-made teeth (you’ll wear temporary ones immediately after placement).

How long does it take to get dental implants?

This answer can vary from patient to patient depending on their particular situation, such as how many teeth they want to be replaced and the condition of their jawbone. In most cases, the fewer implants involved, the shorter the overall treatment time. A procedure involving someone with a healthy jawbone getting just one tooth replaced will probably only take a few months from beginning to end. On the other hand, if a patient is getting multiple implants and has a weak jawbone due to bone loss, the process might take closer to a year. Dr. Mohr can give you an expected timeline when you come to see him for a consultation.

Does it hurt getting dental implants placed?

Thanks to modern techniques including local anesthetic and dental sedation, most implant patients report feeling little to no discomfort either during or after the procedure.

How much do dental implants cost?

Because dental implants are able to help patients with varying degrees of tooth loss, the overall cost of the procedure can be quite different from person to person. Factors such as how many implants are going to be placed, where they are located, and what kind of restoration is used can all make the procedure more or less expensive. How much will your dental implants cost? Dr. Mohr can give you a definitive answer when you come to see him for a consultation.

Can I get dental implants to replace front and/or back teeth?

Yes, any tooth, no matter its original location in the mouth, can be replaced with a dental implant. Typically, restoring a front tooth with a dental implant is a little more complicated because there is less bone toward the front of the jaw, and there are more cosmetic factors to consider compared to a back tooth (molar) as well. But, as you’ll see in our smile gallery, implants can look great no matter where they are located!

How do I take care of dental implants?

Fortunately, dental implants, once they have been placed and the patient is fully healed, don’t require a special hygiene routine. Patients are simply advised to brush and floss every day as well as come in for checkups with their implant dentist in Massapequa Park at least twice a year. Things are a little different immediately following the placement surgery, but you’ll be given thorough aftercare instructions to ensure that your recovery process is as smooth (and short!) as possible.

Are there any diet restrictions with dental implants?

No! With dental implants in Massapequa Park, you can eat whatever you like, including hard, sticky, and chewy foods. We tell patients that they can basically treat their implants just like real teeth, keeping in mind that they should be a little cautious when chewing foods with pits or bones so they don’t accidentally crack a tooth. Patients should also be careful when eating items that stick to the teeth, as these can expose the gums and bone supporting the implant directly to sugar, which feeds bacteria that can lead to infection. To mitigate this, a patient should rinse their mouth or brush and floss after waiting about 30 minutes.

Are dental implants covered by dental insurance?

Right now, most dental insurance plans do NOT provide coverage for dental implant surgery. However, most DO offer benefits for services that are often connected to dental implants, such as exams, X-rays, sedation, extractions, and gum disease therapy. Policies will almost always help pay for the restorations that are attached to implants as well. Of course, each plan is unique and has different terms. So, when you come to see us for a consultation, we’ll help you work out all the financial details before you begin the treatment process. To learn more about the price and how to best pay for implants, be sure to visit this page on our website.

Have More Questions?

At Smile Creations, we want our patients to have all the information they need to make well-informed decisions about their dental care. So, if you have a question that hasn’t been answered here, we invite you to call us any time. Or, if you would like more definitive answers to these questions concerning your specific situation, we recommend that you schedule an in-person consultation with Dr. Mohr. It will probably be the first step to you getting your complete smile back!