Missing a tooth, or several teeth, changes more than just your smile. It can make chewing feel awkward, affect how you speak, and even lead to bone loss in your jaw over time. Dental implants have become the gold standard for replacing missing teeth, but most people have questions before they’re ready to say yes.
Let’s answer the five we hear most often.
1. Does Getting a Dental Implant Hurt?
This is usually the first question out of someone’s mouth. And here’s the honest answer: the procedure itself isn’t painful because you’re completely numb. Dr. Jenson uses local anesthesia, and for patients who feel anxious, we can talk about additional comfort options.
After the numbness wears off, you’ll feel some soreness, similar to having a tooth extracted. Most patients tell us over-the-counter pain relievers handle it just fine. That discomfort usually peaks around day two or three and then fades quickly.
Compare that to living with a missing tooth for years. A few days of mild soreness is a small trade-off for getting your full smile back.
2. How Long Does the Whole Process Take?
This varies from patient to patient, but here’s a typical timeline.
The first step is placing the implant itself, that’s a small titanium post that goes into your jawbone. Then you wait. Your bone needs time to grow around that post and lock it in place. That process, called osseointegration, usually takes three to six months.
After that, Dr. Jenson attaches an abutment (a small connector piece) and finally places your custom-made crown.
For patients getting All-on-Four implants, where a full arch of teeth is supported by just four implants, the timeline can be shorter. Some patients walk out with temporary teeth on the same day.
3. Will My Insurance Cover Any Of It?
Dental insurance often covers a portion of the implant crown, since that’s functionally replacing a tooth. But the implant post itself? That varies widely by plan.
Here’s what we always tell patients: don’t assume anything. Our team will check your benefits before any work is done. We’ll tell you exactly what your plan covers and what your out-of-pocket cost looks like. Some patients also use Health Savings Accounts or flexible payment plans.
4. How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
This is the part that surprises people. With good care, dental implants can last 20 years, 30 years, or even a lifetime. That’s dramatically different from bridges, which typically need replacement after 10 to 15 years.
The crown on top may eventually wear down and need replacement, just like natural teeth. But the implant post itself? That titanium post fuses with your bone. It becomes part of you.
The catch is you have to take care of it. Brush and floss like you would with natural teeth. Keep your regular cleanings. Avoid using your teeth as tools. Do those things, and your implant will likely outlast your memory of ever being missing a tooth.
5. Am I Actually a Candidate for Implants?
Most people are. You just need healthy gums and enough jawbone to support the post. If you’ve been missing a tooth for years and your bone has thinned, Dr. Jenson can often build it back up with a bone graft. That adds time to the process, but it makes implants possible for almost everyone.
Heavy smokers, uncontrolled diabetics, and patients undergoing certain cancer treatments may face higher risks. But those aren’t automatic disqualifiers, they’re just factors we talk through together.
Restore Your Smile Today
Dental implants aren’t the cheapest option up front. But when you look at how long they last and how well they work, they’re often the best long-term investment you can make in your smile.
If you’ve been living with a gap in your smile, or struggling with dentures that slip and click, give us a call. Dr. Jenson restores all types of implants at Hazel Dell Dental Care. Come find out whether implants are right for you.