Dental Implant FAQs
- What are dental implants?
- Are getting dental implants painful?
- How long does the procedure take?
- Will I have to be without my teeth?
- Will I have to continue to see the dentist after I have dental implants placed?
- How long do dental implants last?
- Am I too old for dental implants?
- I’ve lived with my dentures for years. Can’t I just get by with those?
- How much will I be able to eat after dental implant placement?
- What happens if I wait?
- How much do dental implants cost?
- Why are dental implants expensive?
- Will my insurance cover my dental implants?
- Can I make payments?
- How experienced is Dr. Klausner with placing dental implants?
- What’s the process of having a dental implant placed by Dr. Klausner?
- How are fees handled for this procedure?
- My dentist says that my dental implant reconstruction is complex. Will these add fees to my case?
- Will you bill my medical and dental insurance?
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are the most natural way to replace missing teeth. Made of medical grade titanium, dental implants are designed to replace the root structure of missing teeth, providing support and stability for replacement teeth. They are the longest lasting solution available.
Are getting dental implants painful?
Our patients tell us that there is very little to no discomfort associated with the placement of an implant, and there is minimal to no swelling following the procedure. Intravenous anesthesia is available for those who choose not to be awake during the dental implant procedure.
How long does the procedure take?
In many cases, implants can be placed, and a temporary tooth can be made at the same appointment as the tooth extraction. In other cases, the dental implants are placed and left to heal for several months before we place the final restoration. For the dental implant to fully integrate with your bone, it usually takes 3 months for the lower jaw and 4-6 months for the upper jaw. However, everyone heals differently, so Dr. Klausner and our entire surgical team will monitor your progress closely. We are 100% dedicated to the care we provide in our state-of-the-art surgical office.
Will I have to be without my teeth?
You will not need to go without replacement teeth. If the dental implants are not provisionalized immediately with temporary teeth, then a temporary prosthesis can be made for you. If your teeth were already missing, you may continue using your removable prosthesis with minor adjustments for your comfort during the healing period.
Will I have to continue to see the dentist after I have dental implants placed?
Yes, you will need to continue to visit your dentist on a regular basis for hygiene appointments. It is important to maintain your overall oral health.
How long do dental implants last?
Typically, they last longer than conventional dental work if you take care of them properly with daily cleaning, just as you care for your natural teeth (floss, brush, etc.). When consistently maintained alongside good oral health, implants can last a lifetime.
Am I too old for dental implants?
No, you are never too old! Patients over 90 years of age have replaced loose partials and full dentures with implant-supported restorations, and the comment that we hear most is, “I wish I had done this sooner!” We can enjoy the benefits of easier chewing and speaking and a better quality of life at any age.
I’ve lived with my dentures for years. Can’t I just get by with those?
We all put up with a lot of things that we don’t think will change or improve. However, based on the remarks that we’ve heard from past and present patients, dental implants have opened up a whole new world for them. It is also important to keep in mind that without implants, your jawbone will diminish over time. Dental implants stimulate the bone as natural teeth do, thus keeping the bone healthy and strong.
How much will I be able to eat after dental implant placement?
Our patients tell us they’ve had tremendous improvements in their ability to chew foods and eat what they couldn’t eat before.
What happens if I wait?
Tooth loss leads to eventual bone loss, which may require a more complicated treatment in the future. Waiting will also require you to continue to get your removable prosthesis or denture adjusted, relined or even replaced from time to time. The attachments on a partial denture can eventually loosen the adjacent teeth, and your chewing ability will not be improved. In addition to that, you will accumulate costs for future denture adjustments and relines at your dentist’s office. Your denture will most likely cause you soreness and pain and may lead to a worsened condition as the jawbone deteriorates.
How much do dental implants cost?
The cost of implants varies depending on the number of implants you need, the condition of your teeth and jawbone, and the type of replacement teeth your dentist builds. Often the cost is not much more than the cost of permanent bridgework.
Why are dental implants expensive?
The implant process requires three specialists: a surgeon to place them, a restorative dentist to design the replacement teeth, and a laboratory to tailor them according to the dentist’s prescription. Precise implant components are ordered specifically for your mouth. Much time and skill go into planning and customizing every step to reproduce your missing teeth and preserve or reconstruct your jawbone, gum tissue and teeth. This treatment is designed to last for many years, when properly maintained.
Will my insurance cover my dental implants?
As dental implants have become the standard of care, more insurance companies and policies are providing coverage for these services. We have a professional team that will be more than happy to look at your policy for you and process your claim submission as your services are rendered. Pre-estimates can be obtained from your insurance carrier prior to any procedures.
Can I make payments?
For your convenience, we accept all major credit cards, cash and checks. We also accept Care Credit which allows you to choose a payment plan that meets your needs without any hidden charges or fees. They offer several no-interest short-term and low-interest long-term payment options. It only takes you a moment to apply over the phone or online, and our office will handle the payment processing for you. Please contact our office for more information.
How experienced is Dr. Klausner with placing dental implants?
Dr. Klausner is very experienced with dental implant surgery and reconstruction. He has been placing implants for over 25 years and greatly enjoys this aspect of his surgical practice. He treats hundreds of patients each year who are seeking dental implant reconstruction. In addition, he regularly performs sinus floor bone grafts and onlay bone grafts in preparation for future implant placement. Dr. Klausner is a board certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon.
What’s the process of having a dental implant placed by Dr. Klausner?
- We always begin with a consultation appointment with Dr. Klausner prior to dental implant surgery in which we assess your overall health and the health of your jaws. Usually a 3D Scan of the surgical site is obtained for a more precise evaluation of the existing bone. We discuss different options for you and formulate a treatment plan.
- Next is the surgical procedure, with the anesthetic of your choice. You are then invited to see Dr. Klausner for follow-up after surgery.
- After the implants have healed, you will have another short procedure to expose the implant so that your dentist or prosthodontist can begin making a crown. In some cases, we will place a temporary tooth on the newly placed implant so that we get the best esthetic results.
How are fees handled for this procedure?
Most in-network oral surgery practices charge you for each item or service that you receive. Every time you are in the office, you or your insurance may be billed. This can add extra costs on top of that which you may be responsible for.
For example, with dental implant surgery, you and your insurance company may be billed for:
- Placement of the dental implant
- Imaging of the jaws before and after dental implant placement
- Secondary consult fees
- Bone grafting
- Study models
- Surgical dental implant guide
- Tray setup fee
- Implant uncovering
- Anesthesia services
- Follow-up care
At Central Park Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we bundle our services. This means that the fee that we quote you at the time of your consultation for a dental implant will include imaging (preoperative and postoperative), placement of your dental implant, your surgical guide, implant uncovering and all follow-up care. There are no hidden fees. Anesthesia services are billed separately and will add cost onto your case if you chose to have intravenous sedation with your procedure.
My dentist says that my dental implant reconstruction is complex. Will these add fees to my case?
Complex dental implant cases may require advanced imaging with a radiologist who reviews your case. This can add an additional cost. Jaws that are deficient in bone height and/or width may also require bone grafting which can add cost to a case as well.
We believe strongly in 100% transparency when it comes to the cost of care and will disclose to you prior to surgery all costs that are anticipated.
Therefore, there are no hidden costs at Central Park OMS. Our goal is to keep your expenses affordable while giving you excellent and compassionate surgical care.
Will you bill my medical and dental insurance?
Yes! We provide electronic billing of both medical and dental insurance(s) on the day of service. We will also provide you with paper insurance claims that you can mail in if you chose to do so. If you run into any issues with your insurance, we will advocate for you.
