Have questions about dental implants? Get answers from the Floss Boss! Do you have one or more missing teeth? If so, you've probably heard about dental implants - the #1 recommended solution for replacing missing teeth permanently. But what you might not have heard are the answers to your dental implant FAQs, like "How much do dental implants cost?" Luckily, we can help you! At WildeWood Aesthetic Dentistry, our leading restorative dentist gets asked a lot of questions about dentistry. So much so that he has his own Opens new tab to Dr. Griffin's YouTube channel YouTube channel (he calls himself the "Floss Boss") answering all your dental questions. In this particular blog, Dr. Justin Griffin is going to answer the top 5 dental implant FAQs, including:
  1. Does a dental implant hurt?
  2. How long do dental implants last?
  3. Are there any risks or complications with dental implants?
  4. Do I have to be sedated for dental implant surgery?
  5. Does dental insurance cover dental implants?  What's the average cost for dental implants?
 

Dental Implant FAQs

Before we dive into answering your frequently asked questions, we want to share a quick background on dental implants: What are dental implants? A dental implant can replace your entire missing tooth from root to crown. It consists of surgically placing a small titanium post within your jawbone, connecting the post with an abutment, and placing a custom-designed crown that looks and feels like your surrounding teeth. Dental implants are widely used to replace missing teeth and restore your smile. Plus, they have a Opens new tab to WebMD website 98% success rate - that's one of the highest surgical success rates today!

1. Does a dental implant hurt?

Click the video to hear the answer or scroll to read it: The placement of a dental implant (dental implant surgery) should not cause any pain. Post-op, you may feel slight discomfort, but the most our patients ever need to treat it is Advil. Generally, the extraction of your tooth will cause more discomfort than the placement of your implant. Additionally, you may feel more discomfort post-op with an extraction. Getting a dental implant should not feel too different than getting ordinal dental procedures, like a filling. You can expect to return to work the next day (sometimes even the same day). Our dentist in Columbia, SC uses a local anesthetic to numb the area beforehand to minimize any pain. He also offers sedation dentistry but more to come on that.

2. How long do dental implants last?

Click the video to hear the answer or scroll to read it: Another similar question: What lasts longer, a bridge or dental implant? Dr. Griffin uses this analogy to compare the longevity of dental bridges vs. dental implants: If you place a dental bridge in 10 patients and monitor them for 10 years, about 7.5 patients will still have their bridge. That's a 75% success rate over 10 years. Now, if you place a dental implant in 10 patients and monitor them for 10 years, about 9.6 to 9.8 patients will still have their dental implants. That's a 96 to 98% success rate over 10 years - much higher than a dental bridge. Not to mention, the post of your dental implant should last the rest of your life. As for the crown portion of your dental implant (or bridge), that is susceptible to wear and chips. You may need to update your crown at the normal life cycle (around 15 years). What does a dental implant look like? With a skilled restorative dentist, your new tooth should look and feel just like your surrounding teeth. For example, check out these before and after dental implants photos of one of Dr. Griffin's patients: Ready to restore your smile and confidence?

3. Are there any risks or complications with dental implants?

Click the video to hear the answer or scroll to read it: As with all surgeries, there are always some potential risks. Here are some things to consider with dental implant surgery:
  • Medications (blood thinners, benzodiazepines)
  • Conditions that prevent your body from healing normally (diabetes)
  • Smoking habits
During your consultation for dental implants in Columbia, SC, we will go over your medication history and if needed, consult with your physician. Often times, your chances of dental implant failure are higher if you are diabetic or a smoker. But generally, not enough to avoid treatment. Additionally, to increase your chances for a successful dental implant, it's important you seek out a skilled and experienced restorative dentist. Not to mention, find a dentist who utilizes modern technology to make your experience pain-free, quick, and effective. For example, a good doctor will make sure your implant isn't near any nerves or sinuses. Why do dental implants fail? Most often, Dr. Griffin finds dental implants fail because the bone won't integrate with the post - it's your body's way of rejecting the post, which can happen with any surgery like a knee or hip replacement.

4. Do I have to be sedated for dental implant surgery?

Click the video to hear the answer or scroll to read it: No! You do not have to be sedated or under general anesthesia for dental implant surgery. It is common for people to assume you need to be sedated for this procedure. But if you can withstand getting a dental crown, then you can receive a dental implant without sedation. At WildeWood Aesthetic Dentistry, 90% of our patients complete dental implant surgery with only using local anesthetic (a numbing agent). If you have dental anxiety, you may want to utilize sedation dentistry - regardless of what procedure you're getting. Sedation dentistry can keep you relaxed and take your mind off the task at hand throughout the appointment. Dr. Griffin offers oral sedation and can help you decide if this is your best option during your consultation. Want to learn tips on how to overcome your dental anxiety? Read this blog of ours!

5. Does dental insurance cover dental implants?  What's the average cost for dental implants?

Click the video to hear the answer or scroll to read it: Most dental insurances cover dental implants, meaning they pay a portion of the dental implant and the crown on top. The typical maximum annual payout for dental insurance is $1,500 - sometimes as high as $2,000 or as low at $1,000. The average cost of dental implants in Columbia, SC is between $4,500 and $5,500. That cost takes into account the tooth extraction, bone grafting (if necessary), post placement, and crown. With insurance covering an average of $1,500, you can expect to pay around $3,000 out of pocket (give or take). At our Columbia dental office, we accept a variety of payment methods and offer third-party financing to make dentistry affordable. Click here to learn more. While it may seem like a lot of money upfront, dental implants are a cost-effective investment. Unlike bridges or dentures, your dental implant won't need as much ongoing maintenance or replacements, which can quickly add up in cost. Plus, the dental implant should last you the rest of your life!

Any more dental implant FAQs?

If you have some burning dental implant questions you want to be answered, ask away! You can leave your question(s) in the comments or better yet, schedule a consultation and get answers tailored to your unique situation! Dr. Griffin is accepting new patients and proudly serves the Columbia, SC area, including Irmo, Lexington, Camden, Blythewood, and Elgin, SC. Click here to schedule your consultation or contact us by: