What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots placed in your jawbone to replace a missing tooth and restore oral health. They can be made of solid zirconia (metal-free) or zirconium (TiZr), which means they are not harmful to the living tissue in your mouth. Your bone can grow around and bond in a process called osseointegration. Here at Contemporary Dentistry, if you’re experiencing tooth loss, we are proud to offer a metal-free dental implant option if patients prefer it. All implant procedures are performed by our experienced oral surgeon to ensure the highest level of care and precision.
After the placement of dental implants, we will put a cosmetic restoration on top of that artificial root, such as a single dental crown, partial dentures, or even full dentures.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are the closest option to natural teeth—both in appearance and function. They offer a wide range of benefits, including:
- Look, feel, and function like natural teeth
- Anchored securely in the jawbone
- No need to avoid favorite foods
- Easy maintenance—brush and floss like normal
- Do not rely on or damage neighboring teeth
- Preserve jawbone and gum health
- Can last a lifetime with proper care
Implants blend seamlessly into your smile, with custom crowns that match your natural enamel. Since they’re rooted in the bone, they support themselves—unlike bridges or partial dentures, which depend on nearby teeth and can cause wear and tear.
We’re also happy to offer metal-free implants, which provide:
- High compatibility with gum tissue
- Natural appearance and function
- Safety for those with metal allergies
- No risk of corrosion or galvanic reactions
- Success rates similar to titanium implants
Whether you’re looking for lasting comfort, a confident smile, or a metal-free solution, we’re here to help you choose what’s best for your needs.
Can Dental Implants Really Last a Lifetime?
Yes, they can! Here are a couple of examples that show how long-lasting they can be:
- The first dental implant patient had his four implants for four decades before he passed away.
- The second dental implant patient has had his implants for 48 years and counting!
But that’s just a couple of examples. Let’s consider some 20-year, long-term studies. These studies show that between 90 and 95% of dental implants are still in place at the end of the follow-up, an average of 15-17 years after placement.
In fact, in terms of defining the “lifetime” of dental implants, we just haven’t reached that point yet. Over half of dental implant failures occur in the first year, during what is described as the “wearing-in” period. Then relatively few fail after that, and no studies have been long enough to show the point at which they begin to fail at a significant rate, which would be considered the end of their lifetime.
We can’t guarantee how long your implants will last, but we can say that dental implants can last a lifetime. And we give your implants the best chance of success by using a specialist to place them.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a reliable, long-lasting solution—but they aren’t right for everyone. Use this quick guide to see where you might stand:
| Criteria | Good Candidate | Not a Good Candidate |
|---|---|---|
| General Health | In good overall health | Uncontrolled chronic or immune-compromising conditions |
| Oral Health | Healthy gums, no active infections | Untreated gum disease or poor oral hygiene |
| Jawbone Density | Sufficient bone to support implant | Severe bone loss that cannot be treated with a bone graft |
| Commitment to Care | Willing to maintain regular dental hygiene and checkups | Unwilling to follow dental care instructions |
| Smoking/Alcohol Use | Non-smoker or willing to quit; moderate or no alcohol use | Smokes heavily or uses alcohol excessively and won’t stop |
| Age | Adult with fully developed jaw | Child or teen with growing jawbone still in development |
| Tooth Loss | Missing one or more teeth or planning extractions | No tooth loss and no need for replacement |
Even if you’re not a perfect candidate right now, treatments like periodontal therapy and bone grafting can sometimes make implants possible.
Pain, Recovery, and Sedation
Getting dental implants is generally more comfortable than most expect. Recovery typically involves minor swelling and soreness for a day or two, which can be managed with over-the-counter or prescribed medication. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days. Full healing and integration with the jawbone (osseointegration) takes a few months, after which your permanent restoration is placed.
To help patients remain relaxed during the procedure, we offer sedation options, including oral, nitrous oxide, and IV sedation. You’ll discuss the best option for you during your consultation to ensure a comfortable experience from start to finish.
Cost and Financing
Dental implants are a long-term investment in your oral health. The cost depends on factors like the number of implants, the type of material used, the kind of restoration placed, and whether additional procedures like bone grafts are needed. A full quote is provided after your evaluation.
We work with most dental insurance plans and offer flexible financing through CareCredit. Our team can help you review all options and find a payment solution that works for your budget.
Dental Implant FAQ
Learn More About Dental Implants in Rochester, NY
If you want to learn more about dental implants and whether they’re right for you, please call (585) 244-3337 or email us for an appointment with a Rochester implant dentist at Contemporary Dentistry.
