FAQ - Long Beach, CA

A dental implant is made up of three parts—a titanium or ceramic post, an abutment, and a restoration. Built to function like natural tooth roots, dental implants provide bone support and a stable foundation for a single dental crown, a dental bridge, a denture, or a full arch prosthesis.

Dental implants are the only permanent tooth replacement option and are designed to last for decades. Because they are surgically inserted into the jawbone, they provide health and functional benefits comparable to natural teeth.

Dental implants have achieved a consistently high success rate (over 95%) since their introduction decades ago. Greater success is achieved through a combination of surgical technology, high-quality materials, clinical experience, and long-term maintenance.

Many patients are candidates for dental implants already or can qualify after receiving preparatory treatments like bone grafting and tooth extractions. Candidacy is more accurately determined after a comprehensive consultation and evaluation with an implant dentist.

Dental implants are a team effort between an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and a Restorative Dentist. While Dr. Silegy performs the actual dental implant surgery, and initial tooth extractions and bone grafting, if necessary. The restorative dentist (your referring dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis or final arch. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the dental implant process.

The cost of dental implants is based on many factors, including how many teeth are missing and for how long, the types of materials used, and what additional procedures are needed. Our team can help you apply for dental financing and will file insurance claims on your behalf to help you afford treatment.

With advanced surgical technology, modern dental implant placement is efficient and precise. Often, the procedure can be completed in just a few hours using patient-fitted surgical guides. The length of your surgery depends on several factors, but you’ll remain comfortable no matter how long it takes.

There are several reasons: Why sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge a space? In addition, removing a denture or a “partial” at night may be inconvenient, not to mention that dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and rather embarrassing.

Dental implant surgery is completed while you are under sedation. You will feel no pain and may even sleep lightly through your procedure. Most patients have no memory of their appointment or the procedure.

The majority of dental implants and bone graft can be performed in the office under local anesthesia, with or without general anesthesia.

Dental implant placement is a surgical procedure, and it’s recommended that you rest for a few days after your appointment. Patients generally report minor discomfort that can be mitigated with over-the-counter medication. You can return to normal activities after one week. A soft food diet is required for the next several months as the implants integrate with your jawbone.

Dental implant treatment can range from a few months to over a year. In many cases, implants can be surgically placed soon after the consultation and treatment plan are complete. For patients needing bone grafting, this may be a separate procedure requiring several months of healing before dental implant surgery. After dental implants are placed, healing can take 3+ months before optimal integration is achieved and a final restoration can be permanently attached. In many cases, patients can wear a temporary restoration during healing.

A single prosthesis (crown) is used to replace one missing tooth – each prosthetic tooth attaches to its own dental implant. A partial prosthesis (fixed bridge) can replace two or more teeth and may require only two or three implants. A complete dental prosthesis (fixed bridge) replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of implants varies depending upon which type of complete prosthesis (removable or fixed) is recommended. A removable prosthesis (over denture) attaches to a bar or ball in socket attachments, whereas a fixed prosthesis is permanent and removable only by the dentist.

Dental implants are cared for just like natural teeth and require no special maintenance. Brush twice a day and floss once a day. Depending on your restoration, a water flosser may be needed to ensure all food debris is removed.

Yes, you should still maintain your routine dental appointments. Dental implant restorations are resistant to decay but can still develop peri-implantitis. This infection of the gums around the implants develops as a result of bacteria from plaque and tartar buildup. You should maintain your regular dental hygiene routine and see your dentist every six months.

Dental implants are designed to last for decades and have the potential to last for the rest of your life. Surgical technology and clinical experience, along with your health habits, ultimately affect the longevity of your implants. Choosing an experienced implant team like ours at Silegy OMFS provides more precise and accurate surgery that better guarantees the long-term success of your treatment.