How long do dental implants take to complete?

• Mini-implants can take as little as two appointments and can be put into service immediately.
• Two-stage implants usually take 3 months in the lower jaw and 5-6 months in the upper jaw. However, they may be put into immediate service as well. This may be determined before the surgery.

How painful are dental implants?

• Most patients need to take one or two prescription pain pills the day of the surgery.

What if the dental implant fails?

• We replace it at no charge to you up to one year after putting it into service.

How do I choose an implant dentist - questions to ask/things to look for:

1. What is your formal training? "I've been doing a lot of them for a long time" isn't a good answer! Post-doctoral instruction at a hospital or university is the answer you should be looking for.
2. Are the procedures explained to you in detail?
3. Are you presented with treatment options?
4. Is computer-guided implant placement available?
5. Are you shown pictures of your proposed treatment?
6. Did the dentist spend an adequate amount of time in consultation with you?

How many appointments will I need for porcelain veneers?

• Usually two appointments - one to prepare the teeth and one to deliver the veneers (two weeks later).

Is preparing the teeth for veneers very painful?

• Local anesthetics are usually given. Sometimes drilling is not required.

How long do porcelain veneers last?

• A patient's home care, hygiene and dietary habits will really determine the longevity of the veneers. Our practice has one patient who received her veneers in 1992 and they are still looking great and functioning well.

Will I need to take precautions when eating?

• Common sense dictates here - no chewing or sucking on ice; no using your teeth as "tools". It may sound silly, but opening plastic bags with your teeth, chewing on pens or straws and nail-biting are all defininte "no-no's" and will cause fracture of the veneer and/or adhesive failure.

I have a grinding habit. Can I still get veneers?

• Yes, a nightguard or bruxism appliance can be fabricated for you to wear at night to eliminate teeth grinding.