Dental implants have an over 99% success rate when placed by experienced and trained oral surgeons. However, failures can happen. The most common type of dental implant failure is known as non-integration. Implants normally heal by integrating into the surrounding bone as bone cells grow into the surface of the implant and bind to it [...]

Loosing a tooth is an emotionally difficult experience which makes its quick replacement a priority for most people. How long you should wait before an implant can be placed depends on the location of the extracted tooth and the integrity and quality of its supporting bone. There are three basic timelines: Immediate replacement with an [...]

Cone beam dental CT scan has significantly changed the way we, as dentists, practice dentistry. It provides us with 3-dimensional images of the teeth and its supporting structures important in making the right diagnosis and providing appropriate treatments with more precision. They are commonly used in dental implant treatment, teeth extractions, pathology, and treatment of [...]

Smoking has long been associated with great risk of post operative complications in many surgical fields and its adverse effects in oral surgery and periodontics has been well documented. But how about dental implants? Several studies have shown increased dental implants failure and complications in smokers vs. nonsmokers. Smoke has over 4000 toxins, including nicotine, [...]

One of the most common questions people ask me about dental implants is not about the procedure, but if their insurance will cover it. As a general rule of thumb, most do not. So when preparing financially for an implant, plan on paying out-of-pocket. Over the last several years, more dental insurances have begun to [...]

Many patients ask if their dental implants will set off alarms at airport security. The simple answer is NO. Dental implants are made of titanium metal and therefore are not magnetic. Hence they do not set off alarms at airport security. How about other kinds of implants used in orthopedics? Researchers from the orthopaedic surgery [...]

Dental implants are an important investment in living a long and healthy life for anyone with missing teeth. But how can you protect your investment? There are two key roles that must be fulfilled to keep your dental implants and teeth healthy for years to come and protect your investment: Team dentists roles: Precise placement [...]

Are you wondering if dental implants are covered by your dental or medical insurance? The answer for the most part is NO. Dental implants are considered elective procedures and therefore rarely covered by insurance companies. In addition, most PPO dental insurance plans have a $1000 to $1500 annual limit for mostly basic services such as [...]

When should bone grafting be done following extraction of a tooth? It is a question often asked by patients and also some dentists. The procedure is called extraction site bone preservation and augmentation grafting. It is highly recommended for any patient having tooth extraction, to inquire about bone grafting from the oral surgeon and discuss [...]

Are dental implants abroad or overseas really cheaper? Many advertisements offering treatment in Costa Rica or other countries certainly make you think so. But I’ve seen many patients who have done exactly that and have came back not only with disappointments but also having to ultimately pay more. One patient went to India only to come [...]