Q. Would it be possible to have dentures made now and add implants later, and if this is possible would my dentures have to be remade after I get implants?
A. You may have dentures made now and have implants at a later date. Many times the recently make dentures may be used in the final prosthesis.

Q. I’m seeing ads in the newspaper and TV about “teeth in an hour”. Will you explain what
A. With the new advances in implant technology, it is now possible to come into the office with no teeth and leave the office with permanent teeth. This process my accomplished, in some instances, in about an two to three hours.

Q. How is this possible?
A. With the use of CT Scans of the jaws, and a special technique to place the implants in a very precise manner, it is now possible to fabricate a permanent bridge prior to having the implants placed and seat the bridge as soon as the implants are placed.

Q. Do you recommend this procedure?
A. Yes, but having done a large significant number of half mouth and full mouth implant supported bridges, I recommend starting out with a temporary bridge rather than a permanent bridge. This allows you, the patient, to suggest changes regarding how the permanent teeth will look. If the permanent bridge is placed at the time of implant placement, it is very difficult to make changes to the bridge.

Q. How do I know my implant-supported teeth will look natural?
A. This is a very good question and many people express this concern. First of all, all patients are encouraged to bring in photographs of them selves when they had their natural teeth. The first step in the process is (if the patient is presently wearing dentures) to begin the process of making new dentures. Initially the teeth are set in wax so the patient can look at them and make suggestions for change if so desired. We spend all the time necessary to make the teeth look as natural as possible. Once the patient approves the arrangement, color and shape of the teeth, a guide is made from this tooth set up that directs the surgeon in the placement of the implants. It is important to understand that every ones face is shaped a little differently, although most fall within 4 different categories: ovoid, square, tapering and square tapering. For example, a person with a square face will never look completely natural with upper front teeth that have an ovoid shape; therefore selection of the teeth that fit the face is extremely important.

Q. I presently wear dentures and would like to have implants, but I can’t afford $15,000.00-$20,000.00. for implants. Is there any less costly way to get some help, especially for my loose lower denture?
A. Yes. With the new advances in implant components, it is now possible to have implant supported teeth with significantly less cost. Sometimes it is even possible to use a patients existing denture to even further reduce the cost.

Q. How do these new implant components work? A. The female portion of the implant component is screwed directly into the implant and the male component is processed into the denture. The denture then “snaps” into place.

Q. Do these components wear out? A. Some of the recent research shows that a denture may be removed and replaced up to 100,000 times before they have to be replaced. Keep in mind though, that each patient is different. Some patients with a strong bite or a clinching problem may not have this great of a result.

Q. Is it very expensive to replace the components and do I have to go without my teeth?
A. Depending on the number of components that need to be replaced, It generally costs $50.00 - $ 100.00 and takes only a few minuets while you are in the dental office to get them replaced.