Answers to FAQ’s about tooth implants:
A dental implant, or tooth implants, are an excellent solution in dentistry today for replacing missing teeth. A tooth implant can replace a single tooth or multiple missing teeth. An implant gives you the support you need to chew, talk, and smile with confidence. It is stronger and lasts longer than a bridge, partial or complete denture. Read on to learn more about the way our gentle family dentists handle tooth implants.
What are the benefits of a dental implant?
The first benefit of a dental implant is that it preserves your bone. When you lose a tooth, you will also start to lose bone in that area. If you lose enough bone, you may notice facial features starting to collapse. Tooth implants prevent your face from collapsing by preserving your bone in the area of the missing tooth. Dental implants are really a great solution in dentistry today for replacing missing teeth. With a dental implant you can:
- Retain your natural face shape and smile.
- Protect and preserve the healthy bone structure.
- Speak more easily.
- Eat all of your favorite foods.
- Smile more confidently.
- Stop worrying about cavities on the new tooth.
- Protect your natural teeth from shifting.
- Dental Implants are a top option for replacing missing teeth as they have an excellent prognosis and make a great long-term investment.

Tooth implant or a dental bridge?
Typically, bridges need a replacement every ten years. Tooth implants may be a greater investment at first, but they provide a solution that will last a lifetime. Also, tooth implants never need root canals or fillings like the teeth supporting bridges may eventually need.
Does insurance cover tooth implants?
Because dental implant surgery is typically considered a cosmetic procedure, most insurance plans don’t cover the cost. Although, be sure to check your policy as many will cover a part of the crown, bridge, or denture that is placed onto the implant.
Do tooth implants hurt?
Implant surgery can be done under local anesthetic or dental sedation if deemed necessary. After the anesthetic has worn off, patients may feel mild discomfort. Usually, over-the-counter medications will control this discomfort, but if the discomfort cannot be tolerated or lasts longer than three days be sure to contact your Lincoln dentist as soon as possible.
Are tooth implants successful?
Tooth implants have a high success rate of 95%. This rate drops from 95% to 85-90% when the oral surgeon places the implant in grafted bone. The success of any tooth implant depends on adequate planning and patient selection. Not every patient is a candidate for a tooth implant. Therefore, it is imperative that each implant surgery is carefully planned. With careful planning, the implant will not cause injury to nerves, blood vessels, or sinuses, and the results will be beautiful.
How long do tooth implants last?
Tooth implants can last for more than 30 years! In most cases, they are a lifetime solution. The life of a tooth implant depends on proper dental care including brushing, flossing, and regular cleanings at your dental office. Also, the life of a tooth implant can depend on genetics, diseases, and nutrition.

Who is a good candidate for a tooth implant?
Patients who are good candidates for tooth implants are healthy and do not have any uncontrolled dental problems. Also, patients may not be good candidates if they have diabetes, chronic disease, or are a smoker. In these situations, the tooth implant may have a hard time integrating into your jawbone. Your Lincoln dentist can determine if you are a good implant candidate.
Do dental implants support dentures?
Many patients with traditional dentures experience the uncomfortable rubbing motion of their denture on their gums. Dentures start to move around because the jawbone flattens over time and provides less support for the denture. Dental implants support bone structure and allow your denture to snap onto the top of them. Once your denture snaps into place, it will not move. Thus, tooth implants provide a more comfortable lifestyle for denture patients.
What are mini dental implants?
Mini dental implants are shorter and thinner versions of conventional dental implants. They are often used in patients that do not have enough bone structure to support conventional dental implants or who are unable to have a bone graft.

Who places dental implants?
While our gentle family dentists don’t place the implants, we will refer you to an oral surgeon who can. Oral surgeons have significant experience in implant surgeries because they complete this procedure multiple times a week. After the oral surgeon places the implant in your bone, your dentist will create a crown, bridge or denture to cover the implant. As mentioned, dental implants are an excellent solution in dentistry today for replacing missing teeth. An implant gives you the strength you need to carry out your life with confidence. Call us at Northstar Dental to set up your consultation appointment today! More about Dental Implants.

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We have 7 Locations in Lincoln, NE!
- Lincoln Family Dentistry – Central Lincoln
- South Lincoln Family Dentistry – South Lincoln
- Northeast Lincoln Family Dentistry – Northeast Lincoln
- Preserve Family Dentistry – East Lincoln
- Coddington Dental – West Lincoln
- NorthStar Dental – North Lincoln
- SouthPointe Dental – Southwest Lincoln
- Emergency Dentist NE – Emergency Dental Care
Nebraska Family Dentistry has multiple Lincoln Dental Clinics!
Choose a “dentist near me” location that is convenient for you.