Dental implants FAQs: What to know before, during, and after treatment
From candidacy and cost to recovery and long-term care, explore answers to the most common questions about dental implants.
How do dental implants work?
Hear from one of our leading ClearChoice clinicians as they walk you through how the implant, abutment and crown work together for your smile.
General FAQs
Is ClearChoice® accepting new patients?
Yes, ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers are welcoming new patients across the country. Whether you're just starting to explore dental implants or ready to take the next step, scheduling a consultation is the best way to get personalized information and answers. During your first visit, a ClearChoice team member will review your dental and medical history, take necessary scans, and assess whether you're a good candidate for treatment. Your consultation also gives you the opportunity to ask questions about the full dental implant procedure, treatment timeline, and cost structure.
How can I schedule an appointment with ClearChoice?
You can schedule a consultation by contacting your nearest ClearChoice Dental Implant Center directly or scheduling an appointment online. The process is simple and typically includes a brief phone conversation to confirm availability and help prepare for your visit. Because each person’s dental needs are unique, in-person consultations allow the ClearChoice team to provide guidance based on your specific situation, including your goals, health history, and any existing dental conditions.
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
Most adults in generally good health, who are missing one or more teeth, may be candidates for dental implants. A ClearChoice doctor will evaluate factors like bone quality, gum health, and any preexisting conditions that could affect healing time.
Even if you've experienced bone loss, you may still be eligible for treatment with the help of a bone graft or sinus lift. These preparatory steps can help create a stronger foundation for long-term success. Your provider will walk you through all of your options during the evaluation process.
What happens during the dental implant procedure?
Dental implant treatment typically begins with placing small titanium implants into the jawbone, where they serve as artificial tooth roots. Once in place, these implants go through a healing phase called osseointegration, where they fuse with the bone to provide lasting support. Depending on your case, provisional teeth may be placed on the same day as surgery so you can leave with a functional smile. Final prostheses are typically placed 3-6 months after full healing. Your ClearChoice team will guide you through each step of the process and explain what to expect at every stage.
Does the dental implant procedure hurt?
Discomfort is to be expected with any oral surgery, but many patients report that implant placement feels more manageable than expected. Anesthesia options are used during the procedure to help patients stay comfortable.
After the procedure, swelling, tenderness, or bruising may occur. These symptoms are part of the normal healing process and tend to improve within a few days. Your ClearChoice provider will offer post-surgical care guidance and can recommend ways to manage discomfort at home.
Powered by science, built for you
At ClearChoice, your vision drives your care. From your first 3D scan to your final fitting, we customize your plan to how you want to look and feel. Here’s how we build a personalized smile that fits you, and fits your budget too.
Cost and affordability FAQs
How much do dental implants cost?
The cost of dental implants can vary depending on the complexity of your case, how many teeth need to be replaced, and whether any additional procedures, like bone grafting, are required. Unlike some providers, ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers provide all-inclusive pricing, which means everything from diagnostics to surgery and final prostheses are bundled into one comprehensive fee.
This approach helps reduce confusion and minimize surprise fees during treatment. Your ClearChoice team will walk you through the specific cost of your proposed treatment plan at your consultation and can answer questions about cost and financing options for implants.
Does insurance cover dental implants?
Dental insurance policies vary widely, and many do not include coverage for dental implant treatment. Some patients may be able to submit parts of their treatment bill to their insurance provider for potential reimbursement of eligible services. Reimbursement depends entirely on your plan and provider.
ClearChoice does not accept insurance payments. However, patients receive a detailed treatment bill that they can submit to their insurance carrier.
Are financing options available for dental implants?
Yes. ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers provide access to third-party financing options. These options are subject to lender approval and are not offered directly by ClearChoice.
While ClearChoice does not offer financing itself, your treatment team can support your process and help you evaluate options. If approved, third-party financing options can help make dental implant payments more manageable by spreading them out over time.
Recovery & aftercare FAQs
How long is the recovery period for dental implants?
Recovery timelines can vary depending on your overall health, the number of implants placed, and whether any additional procedures (like bone grafting) were performed. Most patients begin to feel better within a few days, with soft tissue healing typically occurring within one to two weeks.
However, the full healing process (including osseointegration, where the implant fuses with the jawbone) may take several months. Your ClearChoice provider will monitor your progress and let you know when it's time to move to the next phase of treatment, such as receiving your final prostheses.
What can I eat after dental implant surgery?
For the first few days after surgery, a soft-food diet is recommended to avoid disturbing the implant site. Think smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, and soft-cooked vegetables. Chewing can typically be done away from the surgical area if a single implant was placed. However, for implant surgery that involves a large area of the jaw, a soft diet is required to protect the surgery site.
As healing progresses, you’ll gradually return to a more normal diet. Your ClearChoice team will provide personalized guidance on what to eat after dental implant surgery, and when you can resume your regular eating habits safely.
How do I care for my dental implants?
Caring for your dental implants is similar to caring for natural teeth. Brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing daily, using a water flosser, and rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash are typically recommended. It’s important to follow your provider’s dental implant care instructions, especially during the early healing phase.
Routine checkups are also essential for long-term success. Your ClearChoice provider may schedule follow-up visits to assess healing, clean your prosthesis, and monitor the stability of your implants.
How long have dental implants been around?
Dental implants have been around since the 1960s, with modern implantology advancing significantly over the decades. Today, dental implants are a well-established and reliable solution for missing teeth. ClearChoice has been a leading provider of dental implant solutions since 2005, providing more than 200,000 patients with beautifully transformed smiles.
“The staff is wonderful and the procedure was fascinating. You’re able to come out and have a smile all in one day, all in one place.”
Carolyn, ClearChoice Phoenix
Results & longevity FAQs
Are dental implants permanent?
Dental implants are designed to be a long-term solution for tooth loss. The titanium implant placed in the jawbone is intended to last many years, potentially a lifetime with proper care and routine monitoring.
That said, it’s important to distinguish between the implant and the teeth that are attached to the implants (such as a crown or full-arch prosthesis). While the implant is designed to last a lifetime, the attached teeth may need replacement or adjustment over time due to normal wear. Your ClearChoice team will help you understand how to care for both.
How long do dental implants last?
With good oral hygiene and routine dental visits, the titanium implant placed in the jawbone has been shown to last decades, and in many cases, a lifetime. Success rates are high, especially when patients follow aftercare instructions and minimize risk factors like smoking or poor oral hygiene.
The teeth that are attached to the implants are made from various materials, such as zirconia or acrylic. Over time, the teeth may need to be replaced, even if the implant itself remains healthy. Your ClearChoice team will monitor your results and provide care guidance tailored to your specific case.
Can dental implants fail?
While rare, dental implants can fail in some cases. Failure may occur if the implant does not properly integrate with the bone, if an infection develops at the implant site, or if excessive pressure is placed on the implant too soon after surgery.
Certain risk factors, such as smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, or untreated gum disease, can increase the chances of complications. Fortunately, most issues can be identified early and addressed by your ClearChoice provider. Regular checkups and consistent oral hygiene are key to minimizing risk and supporting long-term success.
Am I a candidate for ClearChoice Dental Implants®?
Take our 30-second quiz to find out if dental implants are right for you.
Additional FAQs
What if I’ve experienced bone loss: can I still get dental implants?
In most cases, yes, many patients with bone loss can still be candidates for dental implants. In some cases, a bone graft or sinus lift may be recommended to help improve bone quality and provide a stable foundation for the implants.
These procedures can extend the overall treatment timeline, but they are commonly performed as part of the dental implant process. During your consultation, your ClearChoice team will assess your bone quality using advanced imaging and discuss whether additional steps are needed to support long-term success.
What are one-day dental implants?
“One-day dental implants” or “dental implants on the same day” are phrases sometimes used to describe fixed full-mouth implant treatment where patients receive permanent trial teeth on the same day as their implant surgery. While this approach may shorten the time to visible results, it’s important to understand that the full healing process still takes several months, and permanent final teeth are placed only after proper healing.
At ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers, this approach has been used for over 20 years and is available for qualifying patients as part of a carefully planned process that prioritizes safety, function, and long-term outcomes.
What makes ClearChoice different from other dental providers?
ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers focus exclusively on dental implants, offering an integrated, team-based treatment model that brings prosthodontists, oral surgeons, and lab technicians together under one roof. This approach allows for faster coordination and all-in-one treatment planning.
Patients receive personalized care, imaging, surgery, and temporary restorations, typically in a single location, rather than visiting multiple offices. ClearChoice also uses all-inclusive pricing, which helps simplify the process and reduce unexpected fees. You can learn more about the ClearChoice model during your in-person consultation.
What treatment options and care can I expect at ClearChoice?
ClearChoice oral surgeons and prosthodontists have treated thousands of patients nationwide. They offer a full range of dental implant solutions, including fixed full-mouth implants, implant-supported dentures, and single implants.
Each ClearChoice Dental Implant Center follows a patient-first approach designed to provide predictable timelines, transparent pricing, and ongoing follow-up care. Your ClearChoice team will discuss the treatment path recommended for you and help you understand what to expect based on your health history and individual needs.
Go further for your smile
Learn more about dental implants with your ClearChoice team at your side.