Dental Implants FAQ

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jawbone. It is used to support your replacement tooth or teeth, which can be a crown, dental bridge or denture.

What are Dental Implants made out of?

Dr. Primm uses titanium for the implants he places. Titanium is a very biocompatible metal that has the ability to fully integrate with your bone tissue, essentially becoming a part of your jawbone.

What will my new teeth look and feel like?

Implant-supported new teeth look, act and feel just like natural teeth—people usually do not notice any difference between them and their natural teeth!

How long does the Implant surgery take?

Dr. Primm can place implants in as little as 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the location and the number of implants.

Is there any pain?

Our patients report they were surprised at how little discomfort they experienced both during and after receiving an implant. They often returned to work and regular activities the next day. We make every effort to keep you comfortable during treatment, and we offer IV sedation so you can sleep through the procedure.

What success rate can I expect?

For a healthy individual with good oral hygiene and good health, dental implants are predictably successful with reported success rates above 95 percent. Dr. Primm has many years of training and experience in implant surgery and treating the bone and gum tissues surrounding teeth. As well as his periodontal specialist certificate, he has a diplomate in implant surgery. This training and experience enables him to spot potential issues ahead of time, or take care of any that might arise during surgery. As a result, his success rate is consistently very high.

How much do Implants cost?

We offer very competitive pricing for implant treatment. We also accept many insurance plans and can arrange low- or no-interest financing plans through CareCredit® or LendingClub®.

How long can Implants last?

With proper care, implants have been shown to last for over 40 years. A dental implant’s life span is generally greater than that of a traditional dental bridge or implant dentures, making implants a more economical long-term investment. We provide implant cleanings to help you keep your implants working optimally.

What if I don’t have enough bone or gum tissue for an Implant?

Dr. Primm can augment your jawbone or gum using grafting material so that an implant can be successfully placed. He uses special proteins to help ensure successful bone grafting and to speed healing.

Do I need an Implant for each tooth needing replacement?

No. Dr. Primm can replace three or four teeth with an implant-supported bridge using just two implants. He can also stabilize an existing denture using as few as two implants per arch. For a full arch of teeth he can permanently replace them using as few as four implants per arch. Click here to see the Implant Options for Replacing Teeth for more information.