Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes a good candidate for dental implants?

Implants work well for most patients! However, there are cases where additional bone or gum structure may be needed to ensure a successful placement. In general, the ideal candidate is someone with generally good oral health who doesn’t smoke or drink. Thankfully, all of these potential issues are surmountable, and our team would love to help. Contact us today to learn more!

How long is a new patient visit? What will happen?

In general, a patient’s first appointment at our San Marcos dental office will last an hour. After our team members have reviewed your paperwork and ensured that everything’s in order, you’ll be brought back to see Dr. Earnest, where you’ll discuss your personal goals and past dental and medical history. Then, he’ll capture X-rays and use intraoral cameras to thoroughly inspect your smile, gaining a comprehensive understanding of your smile’s needs. After performing an oral cancer screening as well, he’ll discuss the results with you and make recommendations for treatment, as well as answer any questions you have.

How long do dental implants last?

One of the most important benefits of choosing dental implants is their longevity. In fact, if cared for properly, they can last for a lifetime.

Is there any special way I need to care for dental implants?

Not at all! A dental implant can be treated just like a natural tooth, in that you need to be sure to brush and floss daily as part of your regular oral health routine. Additionally, regular check-ups at our San Marcos, TX dental office allow our team to keep an eye on implants and ensure that your smile is healthy as a whole.

What if I’m not a viable candidate for dental implants?

Just because you may not be a viable candidate for dental implants during your initial consultation with Dr. Earnest doesn’t mean you can’t become one! We can perform bone grafting in order to give you the adequate jawbone structure necessary to support implants.

Is it possible to be too old for implants?

We’re happy to let you know that age isn’t really a factor when it comes to the success of dental implants. Bone healing in patients who are 60 to 100 years old occurs with an almost equal level of success when compared to younger patients. That’s why we need to check your oral health before beginning treatment

Whether you’re missing one tooth, multiple teeth, or an entire arch, dental implants can give you the next best thing to what you have lost. Although you’ve heard about their benefits, it’s normal to have several questions. Here are the answers you need to make the best choice for your smile.

Who makes a good candidate for dental implants?

Implants work well for most patients! However, there are cases where additional bone or gum structure may be needed to ensure a successful placement. The ideal candidate is someone with generally good oral health who doesn’t smoke or drink. Thankfully, all these potential issues are surmountable, and our team would love to help. Contact us today to learn more!

How long is a new patient visit? What will happen?

In general, a patient’s first appointment at our San Marcos dental office will last an hour. After our team members have reviewed your paperwork and ensured everything’s in order, you’ll be brought back to see Dr. Earnest, where you’ll discuss your personal goals and past dental and medical history. Then, he’ll capture X-rays and use intraoral cameras to thoroughly inspect your smile, gaining a comprehensive understanding of your smile’s needs. After performing an oral cancer screening as well, he’ll discuss the results with you and make recommendations for treatment, as well as answer any questions you have.

What if I’m not a viable candidate for dental implants?

Can I get dental implants if I have gum disease?

Despite being preventable, at least 50% of adults in the U.S. have a form of gum disease, making it a leading cause of tooth loss. If you have lost teeth from the infection, you cannot get dental implants until after you’ve undergone periodontal therapy. After the infection has been successfully treated, you can be a candidate for dental implants. In some cases, you may need additional treatments to reverse the damage caused by the infection, like bone grafting.

Is it possible to be too old for dental implants?

How long do dental implants last?

One of the most important benefits of choosing dental implants is their longevity. In fact, if cared for properly, they can last for a lifetime.

Is there any special way I need to care for dental implants?

Not at all! A dental implant can be treated just like a natural tooth, in that you need to be sure to brush and floss daily as part of your regular oral health routine. Additionally, regular check-ups at our San Marcos, TX dental office allows our team to keep an eye on implants and ensure that your smile is healthy as a whole.

Can dental implants fail?

Dental implants are the most successful and reliable option to treat tooth loss; however, they can fail. Generally, the risk of implant failure is less than 5%. Most often, it results from a preventable infection called peri-implantitis. You can significantly reduce your risk of complications by maintaining your oral hygiene at home and visiting your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup.

Do dental implants hurt?

Often, you’ll only need a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort during your implant placement surgery, so you won’t feel any pain. If your case is complex or you’re treating more than one tooth, you may need a sedative or general anesthesia.

Although you won’t have any pain during your placement surgery, you will experience some discomfort while you heal, but it can be managed with an over-the-counter pain reliever until it subsides in a few days.

How much are dental implants?

There’s no easy way to determine how much you’ll pay without first having a consultation. The cost of the treatment is based on your specific treatment plan, such as the number of teeth you’re treating. There are several factors that influence the cost, like your dental insurance. We’ll provide you with a custom estimate and explain the cost of each phase of your treatment to help you find the solutions you need to keep your new smile affordable.

Will my insurance pay for my dental implants?

Although every policy differs, most insurance companies will not cover the entire cost of the treatment, but they may pay for certain aspects of it depending on your plan. After paying your annual deductible, your insurance may include certain portions of your dental implants until you reach your yearly allowance, like the restorations. We work on your behalf with your insurance company to maximize the value of your benefits to reduce the amount you need to pay out-of-pocket.

Still Have Questions?

We take the time to answer your questions and address your concerns during your initial consultation. If you’re ready to rebuild your smile, contact our office today to schedule your consultation.