Dental Implant

Dental implants are titanium screws or posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone. Successful integration of the dental implants provide a sturdy foundation to support a fixed (crowns or bridges) or removable (dentures). 

Dental implants are often misunderstood as a single-piece prosthesis. However, they consist of three key components: the implant fixture (root in the jaw), the prosthetic abutment (connector above the gum line), and the crown or bridge (visible tooth replacement).

 Generally, individuals in good health and sufficient bone quality in the jaw are good candidates. A thorough evaluation of the medical and dental history by our specialists is necessary to determine eligibility.

The process can take several months to more than a year. The timeline can vary based on the initial case presentation, whether bone graft is required or not, and treatment plans.There are situations where the dental implant may be placed at the same time as a bad tooth is being extracted, this is called immediate implant placement.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and patients typically experience minimal discomfort. After the surgery, some mild pain or swelling may occur, but it can be managed with prescribed medications.

Dental implants have a high success rate, typically ranging from 95% to 98%. Success depends on patient's factors such as general health and oral hygiene, surgeon's factors such as skills and experience, as well as adherence to long term maintenance protocol.

While rare, complications may include infection, implant failure, or damage to surrounding structures. These risks can be minimized with proper preoperative assessment and postoperative care.

When the procedure is performed properly, dental implants generally look and feel like natural teeth. However, careful planning, thorough knowledge of the surgical and prosthetic principles, and the skills of the clinicans are all important factors in achieving the most optimal outcome.

Insurance coverage varies, but selected plans under most common dental insurance in Hawaii such as HDS or HMSA often do provide benefits for dental implants. It's advisable to check with your insurance provider for specific details. At our initial consultation, we can provide you an estimation of benefits to help you understand the overall out-of-pocket cost. 

In general, the cost of dental implants can vary widely depending on several factors, including insurance coverage, the providers, and any additional procedures required. At Honolulu Periodontics and Implants, we offer a flat fee for all of the necessary bone graft or sinus graft procedures to keep the cost  of dental implant transparent and affordable. Please be advised that we specialize in surgical aspect of dental implant treatment, your own dentist will provide you with information about the cost of the restoration. 

Yes. Typically, a metal cap called healing abutment will be fastened to the implant during the intial healing period as a place holder for the future implant crown.You can function on either side of the mouth during this time because the healing abutments are small compare to your other teeth. However, it is still advisable to avoid putting excessive pressure on the healing abutments.