Implants Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  Why should I see Dr. Goldberg for implants?
A:  Dr. Goldberg has undergone extensive training to provide his patients with comprehensive implant care.  See "About Dr. Goldberg" in the main navigation pane, or "About Dr. Goldberg's Training" in this Implant section.

Also, Dr. Goldberg performs both phases of implant care: he places them, AND restores them.  With most other offices, you need to see a periodontist or oral surgeon first to have the implants placed, and then go back to a dentist to have them restored.

Q:  What are dental implants?
A:  Dental implants are small titanium cylinders that are placed into the jaw.  They imitate the roots of natural teeth, and are used to replace these missing teeth.  Some of their functions are to:

• Replace missing teeth,
• Act as anchors for dentures, so the dentures do not move,
• Replace dentures entirely!

Q:  Why are implants recommended over bridges?
A:  With a bridge, teeth on either side of a missing tooth are being cut down.  This compromises their integrity, and increases the chance of needing root canals in the future. The bone surrounding teeth functions only to support the roots of these teeth, so when a tooth is gone, you continue to lose bone over time, both in thickness and in height.  The result is a defect in the bone, which can affect the teeth on either side of the space.  With an implant in place, the bone is maintained, conserving the overall health of the area. The survival rate for a three-unit (one tooth missing) bridge is about 75% for 10 to 15 years.  The survival rate for the implant and crown is above 95%.  In addition, there is a 25% risk of losing one of the teeth holding a three-unit bridge, for reasons such as root canal failure.

Q:  I have a full denture, but it moves.  What can implants do for me?
A:  Implants can stabilize the denture, so you have minimal or no movement at all.  You can even replace the denture with teeth that don’t go in and out of your mouth!

Q:  I have a partial denture.  What can implants do for me?
A:  Implants can replace your partial denture entirely!  Why have a denture with clasps that weaken the supportive teeth, or can be seen when you smile?

Q:  Does it hurt to place implants?
A:  Not usually.  Occasionally a person may have discomfort, but for the most part, people have no problem at all.  If you have discomfort, a mild pain prescription is all that people generally require.

Q:  How long does it take to complete treatment?
A:  It varies greatly.  When an implant is placed, sometimes a tooth can be added immediately.  Usually, we wait 4 – 6 months before starting the restorative process (adding the tooth or denture).  Also, if bone needs to be added before the implant is placed, this will increase the time frame.

Q:  That sounds like a long time.  Does that mean I have to walk around without teeth?
A:  No, we always treatment plan for this issue.

Q:  What are the success rates of implants?
A:  For a healthy, non-smoking individual, the success rate is approximately 97%.  For a person who has medical conditions, such as diabetes, the success rate decreases.  For smokers, the rate can drop to about 85%.

Q:  I’d like to get implants, but they’re too expensive.
A:  Well, this depends on your perspective.  Think of an implant as an investment in your well-being. Let’s say you’re considering an implant for a single tooth in the front of your mouth.  The longer that tooth is missing, the larger the bony defect becomes (the bony defect is the area where bone is disappearing, because no tooth is present).  The teeth on either side of the space then become compromised. Tooth sensitivity increases, recession occurs, and teeth shift.  If you correct the problem with a bridge, you risk needing root canals in the future on the teeth on either side of the space.  What happens when the bridge needs to be replaced?  The bridge must be cut off and redone, risking damage to those teeth again.   By placing an implant, you do not involve teeth on either side of the space, you maintain the bone, and if something needs to be replaced, it’s usually the crown (cap), not the implant!   The implant process takes time, so the full payment is not expected all at once. Which process do you think is less expensive in the long run and better for your health?  The implant!