Who is the ideal patient for dental implants?
Anyone in reasonable health who wants to replace missing teeth. You must have enough bone in the area of the missing teeth to provide for the anchorage of the implants. Almost everyone today is an excellent candidate for dental implants to replace small bridges, removable partial dentures and even just one missing single tooth.

What is the success rate of dental implants?
This depends on where the implants are placed and their function. The best placement of implants is in the front portion of the lower jaw where success can be as high as between 98-100%. In other parts of the mouth, success rates can drop significantly to the 90-95% range.

Are dental implants for you?
If you want to replace missing teeth, then discuss the use of dental implants with your dentist. If you decide that dental implants are for you, then he may refer you to a qualified surgeon for that initial phase of the treatment.

Why are dental implants so popular?
Implants offer the perfect permanent dental replacement system most beneficial to overall health, as both dentures and removable bridges have inherent problems caused by looseness. Implants are functional and esthetic.

How long after a dental implant is placed can it be used to anchor my new teeth?
The protocol that was originally developed clearly indicates waiting 90 days for the lower jaw and 180 days for the upper jaw before beginning the construction of the new dental prosthesis that will be supported by the implants. Recently, there has been a inclination to shorten this period, and in some cases patients can leave the office with teeth in place... with selected patients where it's possible to accelerate the healing time.

Does it hurt when dental implants are placed?
The actual procedure to surgically place a dental implant is done under local anesthesia and is usually it is not at all painful.

While the implants are bonding to my jaw bone... do I have to go without my "teeth"?
The original protocol calls for patients to go without wearing their dentures for at least two weeks after implant placement. Over the years, this has been modified considerably and in most situations, patients leave the office wearing their teeth the day the implants are placed. Every patient and procedure is evaluated separately and there might occasionally be a recommendation that a patient go without their prosthesis for a short period of time.

The cost of dental implants.
The success of the restoration, not the overall fee is most important, and... we charge patients according to the complexity of the overall procedure. We find that it is much more cost effective when we place the implants and complete the restoration. We are very affordable, and work with your primary care dentist... so please ask him to contact us to discuss your overall restoration... or, contact us directly.

Please contact us for your questions concerning...

Oral Surgery
Deutoalveolar Surgery (Impacted Wisdom Teeth)

• General Treatment
• Presurgical Consultation
• Preparation for Surgery
• The Surgery
• Post-Operative Concerns and Care
• Dietary Information
• Basic Risks and Complications

Maxillofacial Surgery
Orthognathic Surgery (Jaw Reconstruction)

• Preparation for Surgery
• Basic Risks and Complications

Osseointegration (Implants)

• Preparation and Presurgical Consultation
• Basic Risks and Complications
• Post-Operative Concerns and Care

ASK DR. VARGAS... we speak English, German, and Spanish.

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