Dental Implants Frequently Asked Questions
From dental pricing to quality dental products – we try to answer all your questions about dental implants.
If you have additional questions, feel free to fill out the form to the right, or send an email to: [email protected].
- What is a dental implant?
- What dental implant brands do you offer?
- Why do I need to wait 4-6 months for my permanent teeth?
- Can I save expense by providing my xrays and scans to you?
- How do I send you my Xrays?
- How many days will I likely need to stay for Stage 1?
- How many days will I likely need to stay for Stage 2?
- How much pain is typical after each phase?
- After the final implants are in place, do they ever need to be removed by a dentist for cleaning?
- Do you choose the style of teeth and color, or are they standard?
- What guarantees do you offer?
- What is Dental Implant Surgery with Immediate Loading?
- How can I care for my new temporaries?
- What are some common concerns found when wearing a temporary protheses?
What is a dental implant?
Dental implants are a safe and long-lasting option for replacing missing teeth. They are popular among patients and dentists alike because they look and feel like natural teeth and also offer great stability and strength. Once dental implants are in the patient’s mouth, they can be maintained and cleaned as normal teeth.
An implant is a special screw that is inserted into the jawbone, and will eventually hold an abutment and dental crown. Once the implant has successfully bonded to the bone (this process is called osseointegration), it is ready for a crown. If several implants are placed, they work as abutments so a partial or complete fixed denture can be anchored to it.
What dental implant brands do you offer?
Zimmer
Why do I need to wait 4-6 months for my permanent teeth?
When you receive your dental implants, we will send you home with a beautiful set of temporary teeth. They will look so good that everyone will think they are real. These temporary teeth have a lifespan of 6 months.
During these four- six months, your dental implants will need to heal and integrate into your jawbone. This process is called osseointegration. In short, it means that your jawbone will grow through your dental implants, fusing your implants to your jaw for life.
Your surgeon and Patient Coordinator can tell you exactly how long you will need to wait for your permanent teeth. However, as a general rule, your upper arch requires 6 months to fuse completely and your lower arch will require only 4 months.
Can I save expense by providing my xrays and scans to you?
The price for the packet of Ct Scan and 2 panoramics has a cost of $175. If you come with the initial Ct and Panoramic you don’t have to pay for it, but they cannot be older than 3 months.
How do I send you my Xrays?
We find that a lot of patients can easily send the Xrays digitally – via WeTransfer.com. The process is simple:
- Go to WeTransfer.com
- Select the “Free” option
- Click to add your files and follow the directions
- Add your Patient Coordinator’s email address, then fill in your email address
- Write a message – and click Send!
How many days will I likely need to stay for Stage 1?
We recommend that patients plan to stay for at least two additional days after we have completed our care to allow time for rest and healing. These two days also allow us time to make any final adjustments to ensure an ideal fit.
Please speak with the Patient Coordinator to determine the exact number of days to plan for your stay in Costa Rica. However, you may use the following as a general guideline.
Typical Timeline:
- Day 1: Xrays, Clnical Exam, Consultation w/Prosthodontist & Surgeon
- Day 2: Surgery (Lab work to create temporaries)
- Day 3: Recovery (Lab work to create temporaries)
- Day 4: Recovery & Place Temporaries (or on Day 5)
- Day 5: Free time to Day 9
- Day 9: Check Healing & Bite
- Day 10: Final Check up
How many days will I likely need to stay for Stage 2?
12 business days is needed for Stage 2.
Please speak with the Patient Coordinator to determine the exact number of days to plan for your stay in Costa Rica.
How much pain is typical after each phase?
This really depends upon the patient. Our specialists meet with you discuss your pain tolerance and your medical history. They create a custom pain management plan so you feel as little pain as possible.
After the final implants are in place, do they ever need to be removed by a dentist for cleaning?
You should make sure you are scheduling a cleaning once a year with your dentist for your dental implants.
You should have a regular dental cleaning every 6 months.
Do you choose the style of teeth and color, or are they standard?
All of our work is custom for each patient. We make sure you have the size, color and shape of tooth that fits your specific case. We don’t proceed with the plan until you have approved it every step of the way. Our specialists will make recommendations and work through the exact look you would like for your smile. If you want a gap in your teeth – they can even provide that!
What guarantees do you offer?
At Goodness Dental, we work with the leading specialists, and we stand behind all of our work. We offer a Lifetime Guarantee on dental implants, and a limited guarantee on our crowns, bridges, dentures and other restorations.
What is Dental Implant Surgery with Immediate Loading?
Immediate loading is defined as restoring the implant in within 48 hours of implant placement – after oral surgery.
The prostheses will only be placed in the mouth if the implants have good stability, otherwise a removable prostheses has to be used. The prostheses should be worn during the integration time of the implants (4-6 months).
During the integration time of the implants (4 to 6 months), the patient is allowed to eat only soft food. If harder food is eaten, integration of the implants will not be successful.
How can I care for my new temporaries?
Hygiene is crucial for maintenance of the implants. If food is trapped between the implant and gum, inflammation of the gum can occur and integration of the implants can be compromised.
CARING FOR YOUR TEMPORARIES
To experience as few problems as possible with your temporaries, please follow the care instructions below:
- Do not eat or drink anything hot for at least an hour after your temporaries are placed.
- Rinse with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a four-ounce glass) for a couple of days after placement of the temporary to help lessen gum sensitivity.
- Avoid sticky foods, such as caramel, taffy or gum, since these can dislodge the temporary.
- When brushing your teeth, use a soft bristle brush to gently massage gum tissue.
- Floss daily, but pull the floss through the sides of your teeth instead of pulling up.
- To avoid breaks, do not chew on hard substances, such as nuts, ice or pencils. If possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth.
- If you experience tenderness in the gum tissue and teeth, take a mild pain reliever and anti-inflammatory according to the directions. Call your doctor immediately if the discomfort does not subside or worsens.
What are some common concerns found when wearing a temporary protheses?
Temporaries are designed to restore your teeth for a provisional or interim period of time. Although today’s temporaries are significantly more lifelike and durable than those used previously, it is not uncommon for some people to experience problems with their temporaries.
- Temporaries may have a rough feeling that can be irritating to your tongue.
- They fall out easily.
- The teeth with the temporaries are more sensitive to hot and cold.
- It is harder to chew.
- You are not pleased with how the temporaries look.
- Temporaries can cause bad breath if not properly cleaned.