DENTAL IMPLANT

Dental Implant

Regain Your Smile and Confidence

Dental implants are generally very reliable, the success rate of implants are expected to be around 95% over 10 years. However, the complexity of each case varies based on individual clinical situations. Dr. Choy and Dr. Liao are specialists whose training specifically focused on the surgical placement of dental implants, which enables them to address complex cases involving bone grafting or sinus lifts. If you’re interested in learning more about dental implants, bone augmentation, or exploring cost and insurance coverage in the Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii area, contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation, and let us create a tailored treatment plan that is right for you.

What are the steps involved in getting a dental implant?

Diagnosis

Proper diagnosis of your dental condition should be made at your general dentist's office. We can match you with one of the exceptional dentists that we work with if you don't have one.

Consultation

Get a free consultation visit with our doctors. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will provide information about your insurance coverage, and also create an affordable payment plan during the same appointment.

Implant Placement

The implants will be placed surgically by our doctors, in some cases at the same time when the damaged tooth is removed. In a few months, your implant will be ready to function.

Implant Restoration

Your dentist will connect the replacement crown or bridge to the implant via a metal post called the abutment. In a short time, you will be able to chew with the dental implant and smile with confidence.

Top 10
Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Implants

Remember, this FAQ is general information, and it's essential to consult with a qualified dental professional for personalized advice and guidance based on individual circumstances.

  • What are dental implants

    Dental implants are titanium screws or posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone. Successful integration of the dental implants provide a sturdy foundation to support a fixed (crowns or bridges) or removable (dentures). 

    Dental implants are often misunderstood as a single-piece prosthesis. However, they consist of three key components: the implant fixture (root in the jaw), the prosthetic abutment (connector above the gum line), and the crown or bridge (visible tooth replacement).

  • Who is a good candidate for dental implants?

     Generally, individuals in good health and sufficient bone quality in the jaw are good candidates. A thorough evaluation of the medical and dental history by our specialists is necessary to determine eligibility.

  • How long does the dental implant process take?

    The process can take several months to more than a year. The timeline can vary based on the initial case presentation, whether bone graft is required or not, and treatment plans.There are situations where the dental implant may be placed at the same time as a bad tooth is being extracted, this is called immediate implant placement.

  • Are dental implants painful?

    The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and patients typically experience minimal discomfort. After the surgery, some mild pain or swelling may occur, but it can be managed with prescribed medications.

  • What is the success rate of dental implants?

    Dental implants have a high success rate, typically ranging from 95% to 98%. Success depends on patient's factors such as general health and oral hygiene, surgeon's factors such as skills and experience, as well as adherence to long term maintenance protocol.

  • Are there any risks or complications associated with dental implants?

    While rare, complications may include infection, implant failure, or damage to surrounding structures. These risks can be minimized with proper preoperative assessment and postoperative care.

  • Can anyone see that I have dental implants?

    When the procedure is performed properly, dental implants generally look and feel like natural teeth. However, careful planning, thorough knowledge of the surgical and prosthetic principles, and the skills of the clinicans are all important factors in achieving the most optimal outcome.

  • Are dental implants covered by insurance?

    Insurance coverage varies, but selected plans under most common dental insurance in Hawaii such as HDS or HMSA often do provide benefits for dental implants. It's advisable to check with your insurance provider for specific details. At our initial consultation, we can provide you an estimation of benefits to help you understand the overall out-of-pocket cost. 

  • How much do dental implants cost on average?

    In general, the cost of dental implants can vary widely depending on several factors, including insurance coverage, the providers, and any additional procedures required. At Honolulu Periodontics and Implants, we have a flat fee for surgical placement of the implant, which means there is no additional cost if bone grafts or sinus grafts are needed. Please be advised that we specialize in surgical aspect of dental implant treatment, your own dentist will provide you with information about the cost of the restoration. 

  • Can I eat normally after dental implant procedure?

    Yes. Typically, a metal cap called healing abutment will be fastened to the implant during the intial healing period as a place holder for the future implant crown.You can function on either side of the mouth during this time because the healing abutments are small compare to your other teeth. However, it is still advisable to avoid putting excessive pressure on the healing abutments.

A better way to do dental implants
Our Values

More Accessible

In implant dentistry, various bone grafting procedures are often needed to build the necessary foundation for long term success, but it also substantially increases the cost of treatment.  So we created a flat per-implant based fee, which means regardless of clinical complexity, implant treatment with us is more accessible to everyone in Hawaii. 

Better Science

All of our implants are genuine Nobel Biocare system, a global leader in innovative technologies and dental implant engineering.

Nobel Biocare has over 40 years of scientific research, documented in more than 2,000 peer-reviewed scientific publications, and generally considered among the highest industry standards.

Better Technology

As a practice that strives to make specialty care accessible for all while staying on the cutting edge, we are constantly looking for ways to improve. We have a number of specialized equipment to handle a wide range of implant cases.  By leveraging the latest technology in implant dentistry, we aim to treat every patient as safely and efficiently as possible

What Sets Us Apart

Implant in the Esthetic Zone

Dental implant treatment in the esthetic zone (front six teeth) requires extra attention to details in order to produce the most optimal result. 
Surgically, a soft tissue graft may be added along with implant placement to augment the tissue volume by us.   In addition, your dentist may work with you to create a provisional restoration (temporary crown) to contour the tissue ahead of the final restoration.  Those little details help us achieve the most natural result possible for your smile.

Digital Workflow

Implant dentistry has evolved alongside digital technology in the past decade.  In most cases, implant position can be captured with a digital scanner and the dental restoration can be made with stronger material through Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology.

Full Arch Implant

In cases of terminal dentition or fully edentulism (missing all the teeth), instead of only relying on a denture, patients now have the options of a fixed, secured, natural looking dental prosthesis supported by several dental implants.  The All-On-4 (or 6) treatment concept is a specific protocol developed for full arch rehabilitation, replacing all of the missing teeth in either top or bottom of the mouth with a single dental bridge.  The procedure utilizes specially designed prosthetic components and surgical techniques to minimize bone grafting and the number of implants required to support a fully functional set of teeth, sometimes all in the same day.  It is a complex treatment concept that often requires careful collaboration from the surgeon, restorative dentist, and lab technician on your treatment team.

Set up a free implant consultation

Have a question? We are here to help. Send us a message and we’ll be in touch. 

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