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Dental Implant FAQ
Everything you need to know about dental implants, from procedure to cost to longevity.
Considering dental implants? We've compiled answers to the questions patients ask most frequently. If your question isn't here, contact our team or book a consultation.
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What Is a Dental Implant?
Understanding the basics
A dental implant is a small titanium or zirconia post placed in the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Once integrated with bone (osseointegration, 3-6 months), it provides a permanent foundation for a crown, bridge, or full-arch prosthetic.
With proper care, dental implants can last decades—many last a lifetime. The implant post itself is designed to be permanent. The restoration (crown or prosthetic) may need replacement after 10-20 years depending on material and bite forces.
Dental implants have a well-documented success rate exceeding 95 percent over 10 years when placed by an experienced clinician and maintained with proper oral hygiene. Computer-guided surgery and premium implant systems further improve predictability.
Who Can Get Dental Implants?
Most adults with missing teeth are candidates. Key requirements are sufficient bone volume (or willingness to undergo bone grafting), reasonably good general health, and healthy gums. Age alone is not a disqualifier. See our full candidacy guide for details.
In many cases, bone grafting, sinus lifts, and ridge augmentation procedures can rebuild the jawbone to the volume needed. A 3D CBCT scan shows exactly what preparation is needed—this is rarely a permanent barrier to implants.
Most chronic conditions—including diabetes, high blood pressure, and autoimmune conditions—do not disqualify you. What matters is coordination with your physician and careful management during treatment.
What Happens During Implant Placement?
Implant placement is performed under local anesthesia, and most patients report less discomfort than expected. IV sedation with one of our dental anaesthetists (dental anesthesiologist) is available for patients who prefer to be fully relaxed. Post-operative discomfort is typically manageable with prescribed medication and resolves within days.
From consultation to final restoration, the typical timeline is 3-6 months—most is healing time while the implant integrates. Some cases qualify for immediate loading (Teeth-in-a-Day), where a provisional restoration is placed the same day. Your timeline depends on your clinical situation.
All-on-4 is a full-arch implant solution that replaces all teeth in the upper or lower jaw using four strategically placed implants. A permanent prosthetic is attached, providing a fixed, natural-feeling result. It is one of the most transformative treatments in implant dentistry.
What Does Implant Treatment Cost?
The cost depends on the number of implants, type of restoration, whether bone grafting is needed, and if sedation is included. A single implant with crown is the simplest case; a full-arch All-on-4 is a larger investment. Vitality provides a detailed estimate at your consultation.
Many plans cover a portion of implant treatment, particularly the restoration phase. Vitality's team verifies benefits and submits claims electronically. For CDCP or employer plans, we coordinate benefits to reduce out-of-pocket costs wherever possible.
Vitality offers flexible payment plans through third-party financing partners. Monthly options are available for qualifying patients with terms tailored to your budget. Our coordinators walk you through available plans during your consultation.
How Do I Care for Implants?
Implant restorations are cared for like natural teeth—brushing twice daily, flossing, and attending regular dental exams and cleanings. Your hygienist uses instruments designed specifically for implant maintenance to keep both the implant and surrounding tissue healthy.
Yes. If an implant fails, the cause is identified, the site is reassessed, and a revised approach is planned. Many failing implants can be salvaged or successfully replaced once the underlying issue is addressed.
Vitality monitors every patient through structured follow-up. If problems develop—whether at Vitality or from an implant placed elsewhere—early intervention is always the priority. Contact us for evaluation.