Dental Implant FAQ: Your Complete Guide to Implants & Our Coordination Service

National Implant Network is a coordination service that helps organize early-stage intake, consultation scheduling, and expectation-setting for dental implant patients. We streamline the process so you arrive informed and providers receive consultations aligned from the start.

No. We are not a dental clinic, insurance company, or dental provider network. We do not provide clinical care, treatment recommendations, or insurance. Diagnosis, treatment planning, and all clinical decisions remain with the licensed dental provider you choose to consult with.

No. We do not make any treatment recommendations. Our role is strictly administrative - we collect relevant intake information and help coordinate the consultation process. All clinical decisions are made between you and your dental provider.

Helpful items include your main goals, any prior dental records or imaging you already have, a list of medications, and key timing or scheduling constraints. If you don't have records, that's okay - your provider will advise what's needed during your consultation.

We focus on practical coordination factors including availability, scope alignment, and intake fit. Credentialing, diagnosis, and treatment decisions remain the responsibility of the provider and patient. We help connect you with providers who have indicated availability for new implant consultations.

Timing varies by location and provider availability. Our goal is to reduce back-and-forth by confirming the basics early so your consultation can start on the right foot. Most patients are connected with a provider within 2-5 business days.

It means clarifying goals, timeline considerations, and what the consultation will cover - so there are fewer surprises and the visit is more productive for both patient and provider. We help ensure both parties understand what to expect from the initial consultation.

We only collect information needed to support intake and coordination. Your information is shared only with providers you choose to consult with, and we follow standard privacy practices. If you have questions about what's collected or shared, contact us and we'll explain the process clearly.

Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically placed into your jawbone where teeth are missing. They act as artificial tooth roots, providing a stable foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth.

Good candidates generally have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. However, even if you have bone loss, techniques like bone grafting can often make implants possible. Only a consultation with proper imaging can determine your specific candidacy.

Dental implants have a success rate of over 95% for healthy individuals with proper oral hygiene. With good care, they can last a lifetime, making them one of the most predictable and successful procedures in dentistry.

Most patients report that the discomfort is less than they expected. The procedure itself is done with local anesthesia, and many patients compare it to getting a filling. Post-operative discomfort is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain medication for a few days.

The complete process typically takes 3-6 months for a single implant, but can be longer if bone grafting is needed. Some "teeth in a day" procedures are available for specific cases. Your provider will give you a personalized timeline after evaluation.

Costs vary based on:

• Number of implants needed
• Need for additional procedures (bone grafts, sinus lifts)
• Type of restoration (crown, bridge, denture)
• Geographic location
• Provider experience and credentials

During your consultation, you'll receive a detailed cost breakdown and can discuss financing options.

Implants require the same care as natural teeth:

• Brushing twice daily
• Flossing daily
• Regular dental check-ups (every 6 months)
• Avoiding hard foods that could damage them
• Using antimicrobial mouthwash as recommended

Unlike natural teeth, implants cannot get cavities, but gum health is crucial for their longevity.

There's no upper age limit for dental implants. Health status and bone quality are more important factors than age. Many patients in their 70s, 80s, and even 90s successfully receive implants. The oldest recorded implant patient was over 100 years old.

For most patients who choose them, yes. Consider these factors:

• Long-term investment: Unlike bridges or dentures that need replacement, implants can last a lifetime
• Bone preservation: They prevent jawbone deterioration that occurs with missing teeth
• Quality of life: Ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence
• No damage to adjacent teeth: Unlike bridges, they don't require altering healthy teeth
• Improved oral health: Easier to clean than bridges

Implant failure is rare (less than 5%), but if it occurs:

• The implant can usually be removed
• After healing, another implant can often be placed
• Most providers offer warranties or guarantees
• Proper planning and aftercare significantly reduce failure risk
• Smoking, diabetes, and poor oral hygiene increase failure risk

True implant emergencies are rare. Most issues involve the crown or restoration, not the implant itself. If you experience:

• Pain or swelling: Contact your provider immediately
• Loose crown: Keep the crown safe and call for repair
• Injury to the area: Seek immediate dental care
• Bleeding that won't stop: Go to emergency care

Regular check-ups prevent most emergencies before they happen.

Coverage varies by plan. Typically:

• Most dental plans cover part of the restoration (crown/bridge)
• Some cover a portion of the implant itself
• Medical insurance may cover implants after accidents or medical conditions
• Many providers offer financing options and payment plans
• Check with your insurance provider for specific coverage details

Smoking increases the risk of implant failure by 2-3 times. Most providers will:

• Recommend quitting before the procedure
• Ask you to avoid smoking during healing (at least 2 weeks post-op)
• May have stricter candidacy requirements for smokers
• Smoking cessation programs can improve success rates
• Be honest with your provider about smoking habits for the best outcome

Alternatives include:

• Dental Bridges: Use adjacent teeth for support (requires altering healthy teeth)
• Partial/Complete Dentures: Removable appliances
• Tooth-Supported Overdentures: Dentures that clip onto remaining teeth
• Resin-Bonded Bridges: Less invasive but less durable
• Flippers: Temporary partial dentures

Each option has pros and cons that your provider will explain based on your specific situation.

Typical recovery timeline:

• Day 1-3: Swelling and discomfort peak, soft foods only, ice packs recommended
• Week 1: Most return to normal activities, stitches may dissolve
• Month 1-3: Bone grows around implant (osseointegration)
• Month 3-6: Final restoration placed
• Ongoing: Regular check-ups and good oral hygiene

Most people take 1-2 days off work and resume normal eating within a week.

Look for these important factors:

• Experience: Years performing implant procedures
• Technology: 3D/CBCT imaging for precise planning
• Credentials: Additional implant training/certifications
• Before/After Photos: Real patient results
• Patient Reviews: Feedback from actual patients
• Consultation Style: Takes time to explain options
• Office Environment: Clean, modern, and professional

Your comfort and confidence in the provider are as important as their technical skills.