FAQFrequently Asked
Questions.

Implant Information

  • What is a dental implant?

    A dental implant is a substitute tooth root that serves the same function as a natural tooth root. It preserves bone and provides a stable foundation for a replacement tooth that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth. The implant itself is made of titanium, which is a biocompatible material used in orthopedic implants. They are truly the next best thing to real teeth!

  • What dental implant services do you offer?

    We offer single tooth implants, multiple teeth implants, and full upper and/or lower jaw dental implants. EON Clinics doctors specialize in full mouth restoration with the revolutionary All-on-4 procedure, using the latest dental technology and imaging software to plan the perfect solution for your mouth.

    Traditional dental implants are our most popular service. However, we also offer zirconia dental implants at an additional cost, which are made of the strongest material in dentistry. This premium material will never chip or need to be replaced. This is an excellent option for patients who experience more wear and tear on their teeth due conditions like bruxism, or teeth grinding. When you come in for a free consultation, we’ll review the best options for your condition and budget.

  • Why dental implants? What are the benefits?

    Dental implants are the only permanent solution to replace missing teeth and prevent bone loss. They look, feel, and function exactly like real, healthy teeth. You’ll never have to worry about removing your teeth at night or biting into an apple. Your chewing capabilities will be restored and you’ll smile confidently. Read more about the benefits of dental implants.

  • Why are dental implants better than dentures?

    Dental implants can last a lifetime, unlike bridges, partials, and dentures that may need to be replaced several times. Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants are permanently secured to your mouth and never need to be removed. They allow for better chewing capabilities and easy, convenient oral hygiene. Plus, dental implants prevent the bone resorption that occurs when teeth are missing, preserving the natural appearance of your smile.

    In contrast, dentures are bulky, frequently slip, move around, and may cause discomfort and oral sores if ill-fitting. Dentures are less expensive, but overall less effective. Although dental implants have a higher upfront cost, they offer better long-term value for our patients.

  • Who is a candidate for dental implant treatment?

    Nearly everyone who is missing one or more teeth and is in general good health is a candidate for dental implant treatment. There are a few medical conditions that can undermine the success of implant treatment, such as uncontrolled diabetes. However, there are very few conditions that would keep someone from having implant treatment altogether. As with all medical procedures, we thoroughly evaluate each person and contact their physician should any questions arise.

    When you come in for a free consultation, your doctor will learn about your dental and medical history, review your 3-D CT scan, and check your bone density to recommend a treatment plan that’s right for you.

  • How long do dental implants last?

    With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. If your teeth experience a heavy amount of wear and tear from conditions like bruxism, our doctors may recommend zirconia dental implants. Watch a patient testimonial of Tina, our very first patient, who can attest to the long-term satisfaction of dental implants from EON Clinics.

Procedure

  • What are the benefits of an all-in-one clinic?

    From start to finish, your dental implant procedure will be handled by one team of staff in one location. Many general dentists and clinics that offer dental implants do not have a lab onsite; this means they must rely on an outside prosthodontist and technicians. By offering everything in-house, EON Clinics is able to deliver your new smile faster, while maintaining the highest level of service and quality. At our clinic, you’ll find the oral surgeons who place the dental implants, prosthodontists who specialize in tooth replacement, the dental implant laboratory, and 3-D CT scanner all in one place.

  • How is the dental implant procedure performed?

    Many patients are fearful of the process at first, but we assure you, it’s quick and relatively painless! You may stay awake during the procedure or opt to be put under general anesthesia, whichever is most comfortable for you. Your doctor will surgically insert a dental implant into your jawbone. Four implants are inserted to support a full arch of teeth. Meanwhile, your temporary teeth are crafted at our onsite lab. These temporary teeth are then attached to the implants with a connector.

    You’ll leave the day of your surgery with a set of temporary teeth that look natural. Once your jaw has healed, we’ll replace your temporary teeth with a permanent bridge that looks, feels, and functions just like real teeth! This final appointment takes less than an hour and does not require surgery. At this point, you’ll be able to eat anything you’d like!

  • How long does a dental implant procedure take?

    A single tooth implant can be placed in less than 30 minutes and multiple tooth implants can take up to an hour. A full jaw, also known as an All-on-4, could take 2-3 hours. We’ll cover all of the details with you prior to your appointment.

    Procedure Timeline for Single and Multiple Implants:

    From start to finish, the entire procedure for a single implant or multiple implants takes about 6 months. Most of that time is spent allowing the implant to fuse to the jaw bone. If bone grafting and/or extraction is needed, it may take an additional 4-6 months.

    Procedure Timeline for All-on-4 Full Jaw:

    From start to finish, the entire dental implant process for an All-on-4 full jaw takes about 8 months. Most of that time is spent allowing the implants to fuse to the jaw bone while wearing your temporary teeth. Like any surgery, your healing period may be shorter or longer based on individual healing factors.

  • Is dental implant surgery painful?

    Our patients are often surprised by how quick and uneventful the procedure actually is. Your pain will very likely be minimal; most patients report pain at a level of 2 on a scale of 1 to 10. Pain tolerance varies by patient but our care team is here to assist and provide comfort with pain medication if needed. We’ll make sure you’re comfortable from start to finish.

Recovery

  • How long does it take to recover from a dental implant?

    Keep in mind that everyone recovers and heals differently with any type of surgery. Bone healing after surgery takes approximately 4-6 months depending on the general health and compliance of the patient. Soft tissue healing and maturation can take 3-4 months. Learn more about dental implant recovery or ask your treatment coordinator at your free consultation.

  • When can I return to work after dental implant surgery?

    Some of our patients feel well enough to return to work the next day. However, we recommend that you rest for 3-4 days if you are able. You may experience normal swelling and/or bruising for 1-2 weeks.

  • What can I eat after dental implant surgery?

    Your post-op diet will be determined based on the extent of the surgery and recovery protocol. Your care team will provide instructions before you go home so you can feel better and recover faster!

    For the first 24-48 hours post-op, you’ll consume only cool liquids. After that, food can be warm but not boiling hot for 2 weeks, or 4 weeks if you have had sinus surgery. As your jaw heals for the next 6 months or so, you’ll be wearing your temporary bridge of teeth. During this time, you’ll be on a “fork-tender” graduated diet, which can include ground and canned soft meats, pasta, and cooked vegetables. Read more: What foods can you eat after dental implant surgery?

    Once your jaw has fully healed and your permanent bridge of teeth is placed, you’ll be able to eat everything under the sun! Steak, corn on the cob, apples, and peanuts will be enjoyable again. You’ll dine with family and friends while eating and smiling confidently.

Cost & Insurance

  • How much are dental implants?

    Dental implant costs vary greatly and these costs are based on several different factors.  Things that can affect price may be based on your anatomy, your specific treatment needs and even your choice of material used. That being said, here are the starting costs of dental implants at an all-in-one center:

    • Single tooth implant costs start at:  $5,000, depending on your specific needs.
    • One jaw:  upper or lower costs start at:  $25,000, depending on your specific needs.
    • Full-mouth replacement costs start at:  $50,000, depending on your specific needs.

    Keep in mind that costs are inclusive, unlike traditional dentists where they often break up the implant procedure into several “billable” sessions or services, we provide you with one cost that gets you from where you are now to completely restored – From START to FINISH.

    Dental implants are truly an investment, but you will reap the benefits every single day.  With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime. EON Clinics also offers affordable payment plans with zero to low interest for those who qualify.

  • Why do dental implants cost so much?

    At EON Clinics, the cost of dental implants is all-inclusive with no hidden fees. Your treatment cost covers a variety of expenses:

    • Oral surgeon fees
    • Prosthodontist fees
    • Custom-fabricated temporary and permanent prostheses
    • Material costs
    • Anesthesia related costs
    • Any included medications
    • Post-surgical follow-up appointments
    • 3-D CT scan imaging

    You will live with the outcome of your smile transformation for the rest of your life, and you truly do get what you pay for. Our patients repeatedly say that they were grateful to choose the highest quality care and a lifetime solution. Their only regret? Not doing it sooner!

  • Is it safe to get cheap dental implants outside of the U.S.?

    Dental tourism can be an affordable way to receive treatment that would otherwise be out of budget, but a limited budget is all the more reason not to gamble with your health and savings. EON Clinics doctors continually are fixing teeth that were poorly placed elsewhere at a cheap price. Oftentimes, we see patients spending even more to fix the smile they initially thought would save them money. As such, we highly advise against dental tourism. Read more on the dangers of dental tourism.

  • Can you finance dental implants?

    Yes! We offer financing through LendingClub, CareCredit, GreenSky, and Proceed Finance. When you come in for your free consultation, we’ll see if you qualify for financing and payment plans. We’ll also check your insurance plan to see if your plan provides coverage for a portion of the procedure. We’ll assist you with the entire process, making it as easy as possible to pay for your implants.

  • What dental implant payment plans do you offer?

    We offer a variety of 0% and low interest payment plans to help you fund your dental implant procedure. Our treatment coordinators are happy to assist you with the entire process at your free consultation . You’ll find out the loan amount you’re approved for, your interest rate, and repayment terms. We’ll also provide your exact treatment cost and plan, so you can budget for your procedure.

  • What is my interest rate?

    Interest rates vary based on the credit plan and your credit score. Some of our partners allow borrowers to choose their repayment terms and offer a 0% interest rate if paid in full on time. Your finances may change, and many of our partners allow borrowers to refinance their loans after one year. It’s worth coming in for a free consultation to learn what promotional plans and options you qualify for.

  • Can I finance dental implants with bad credit?

    Loan approval rates for our four dental implant financing partners vary. Even if you are not approved for a loan at this time, our treatment coordinators are happy to suggest alternative options. We’ve seen patients qualify for unsecured medical loans through credit unions, banks, and other personal loans. A co-signer may also help you qualify for a loan. Don’t be afraid to ask your family and close friends for some support during this time. You will be surprised at how willing people can be to help you reach your goal.

  • Does insurance cover dental implants?

    Certain dental insurance plans do reimburse portions of the dental implant procedure, but unfortunately, it is rare to receive significant coverage. Most insurance providers consider dental implants a “cosmetic procedure.” However, we will provide you with information so you can maximize your insurance for reimbursement. Coverage amounts depend on the insurance provider, plan coverage details, and plan annual limit. Private dental insurance plans may cover certain aspects of your procedure such as anesthesia, tooth removal, and bone grafting.

    There are a few cases where medical insurance is available for people who are missing all of their teeth, and as a result, have medical complications. Typically, medical insurance will cover dental implant and tooth replacement procedures related to the following types of conditions:

    • Trauma, say you lose your front teeth after a car accident
    • Loss of teeth due to a medical condition
    • If teeth are lost in the course of tumor treatment
    • A congenitally missing tooth

    This type of coverage depends solely on the individual policy. Other than these situations, medical coverage is very rare.

  • Does Medicare/Medicaid cover dental implants?

    Medicaid, Medicare, and state/county insurances (such as BadgerCare and CountyCare) do not cover dental implants at all. For more information on these options, visit our friends at Medicare Consumer Guide.

Still have questions or interested in getting started with a free consultation? Get in touch with our dental implant experts by calling 800-250-3500.