Dental Implant FAQs

Board Certified Periodontist, Dr. Bal answers your common questions regarding Dental Implants

Why should I get my implants placed by Dr. Bal?

Dr. Bal is a board-certified Periodontist.  Periodontists are dentists who undergo 3 additional years of residency training in a university setting and are thoroughly trained in placement of dental implants, treatment of gum diseases, soft tissue grafting, bone grafting, and treating complex cases with esthetic demands.  Also, we use only the best quality of dental implants and related components to provide long lasting solutions. 

Do I need a referral from my general dentist to come to your office?

Referral to our office is not necessary.  You can come to us directly to get periodontal care and for implant placement, whether you have a current dentist or not. We can easily get your records from the dentist who has treated you un the recent past.

Will you work with my dentist on my case?

Whether you are referred to us by your dentist or self-refer to our office, we will always work with your existing dentist. If you do not have a current dentist, we will be very happy to refer you to a dentist who will treat you like a family. 

Will you take my insurance?

We are in-network with most insurance companies.  For very few insurance companies we are not in-network.  Regardless, we will happily verify your coverage when you see us. We will file your claim on your behalf to your dental insurance to help you get the maximum reimbursement from your insurer for covered procedures.

Will my insurance cover treatment?

All insurance policies have different coverage for different procedures. We will happily verify your insurance coverage when you come to see us.

What happens at my first visit?

Your first visit at our office will be an examination visit. X-rays, if necessary, will be taken and if needed a 3D CT scan of your jaw will also be taken. We will review your medical and dental history.  We will discuss your treatment goals and go over your treatment options and answer all of your questions.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a titanium post (like a tooth root) that is surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath the gum line that allows your dentist to mount replacement teeth or a bridge into the area. An implant doesn’t come loose like a denture can.  Dental implants also benefit general oral health because they do not have to be anchored to other teeth, like bridges. 

Is the procedure painful?

Dental implants are generally inserted in our office under local anesthetic.  Most patients experience little to no discomfort and are back to work the next day. 

How much does it cost? 

There are many factors than can affect the cost of dental implant at our office.  We will be able to provide the fee at your consultation visit.    The crown will be done at your dentist’s office. 

What are the risks involved?

Although implants have been in use for decades proving them safe and efficient, rare complications can occur. Risks after surgery include pain, infection, damage to adjacent teeth, numbness, tingling and implant failure. Infections generally will respond to medications. Note that all complications described occur less than 1% of the time. 

What does the procedure entail?

• Comprehensive dental exam will be done. We will take dental x-rays and if needed a 3D scan taken.
• Treatment plan: Tailored to your situation. This plan takes into account factors such as how many teeth you need to have replaced and the condition of your jawbone if you will need bone or if an immediate implant can be placed. 
• Surgery: once an implant is placed the area will have to heal for 4 months.
• Prosthetic: You will return to your dentist for placement of the final tooth or teeth on your implants.

Should I always try to save my teeth?

Not in every case. Dr. Bal is a Board Certified Periodontist and an expert in saving teeth.  Sometimes we do so even when teeth are severely compromised. However, there are times, when teeth are so broken down, loose due to advanced bone loss that the work needed to try to save them is very costly, very extensive and still there is risk of complete failure.  At your examination visit, we will let you know what is recommended in your particular situation that will provide you the best long term solution.

How will I know whether a denture, a partial denture or an implant is the best option if my teeth are broken-down?

At your examination visit, we will review your medical and dental history, do full mouth oral examination of your teeth, gums and bone. We will discuss and explain all your treatment options in detail, give you the pros and cons of each, and answer all your questions.

What if I don’t have enough strong bone to support an implant?  

Sometimes there is not enough bone available to support a dental implant.  In this case, Dr. Bal, will use a technique called bone grafting to build up the bone in your jaw.  After this graft has been given time to heal, the implant treatment can proceed.

How long does the process take?  

Most implant procedures involve three-five appointments over a few months.  The implant is placed in the jaw in the first appointment, and then let to osseo integrate (bond) with the jaw bone for a period of four months.  At your next appointment the dentist will evaluate the osseointegration. An X-ray is taken at this visit and you will be referred back to your dentist to make impressions so that the teeth can be fitted on the implants.   Typically, you’ll receive your permanent restoration on the fifth appointment.  Ask your dentist about your specific dental needs to find out what options are available and the timing involved.

What is an All-on-4 Treatment Concept?

The basis of All-on-4 Treatment Concept is strategic placement of 4 implants in the jaw for equal load distribution to provide the greatest support and stability.  A lot of collaboration happens between the prosthodontist and our office before the actual surgery happens so that the treatment is executed seamlessly for the best possible outcome.

Who are candidates for implants and replacement teeth on the same day?

People who need their teeth extracted and people who already have missing teeth but don’t have severe bone loss can be candidates for implant placement and functional new teeth in the same visit.

Patients can replace individual teeth with single implants mounted by crowns, and they can replace several missing teeth with implant-supported bridges.

Will I need bone grafting?

It all depends on your particular circumstances. Dr. Bal will determine if any bone grafting is needed at your examination visit after reviewing your x-rays.  We will let you know what would be needed in your case at your consultation visit.

Would the All-on-4 Treatment Concept be good for me if I’m already wearing dentures?

Absolutely. Patients who have already been wearing dentures can benefit just as much from the All-on-4 Treatment Concept as patients who still have some remaining teeth that need to be extracted. Come to our office for a full examination and consultation with Dr. Bal to see if you are a candidate for All-on-4 Treatment Concept.

How soon after extractions would it be best to receive an implant?

For the back (multi rooted) teeth, we wait minimum 4 months to place the implants.  For the front (single rooted) teeth, depending on the shape and size of the root, implant can be placed at the time of tooth extraction.  This technique is called immediate implant placement.

Where are you located?

We are conveniently located at 120 East Fir Street Suite 101, Mount Vernon WA 98273. We serve patients from Everett, Arlington, Marysville, Stanwood, Camano Island, Mount Vernon, Burlington, Anacortes, Sedro-Woolley, Bellingham, Oak Harbor and the surrounding communities.