Dental Implants & Gum Disease FAQ

Implant placement is generally a very comfortable procedure. Only the area being treated needs to be anesthetized — over 99% of patients do not need a nerve block for implant placement. A simple dental implant placement typically takes less than an hour in our office.

With modern materials, the implant usually takes about 8 weeks to fuse with the bone, compared with 4–6 months for older implants. Softer bone may take longer, and bone regeneration or sinus augmentation adds additional healing time.

Yes. Implants can often be placed at the time of tooth extraction unless there is infection in the area or not enough bone above the socket. Front teeth can sometimes even be restored the same day.

Implants are designed to last many years — often for life — with proper care. Many of our patients' implant-supported restorations have remained stable and unchanged for 10, 13, and even 15 years.

For most patients, yes. With a dental implant, you don't cut down the two adjacent teeth, cleaning is easier, and implants don't decay and don't need root canals. Implants also help preserve your jawbone.

Yes. We see and welcome children of all ages. Children may have gum problems, congenitally missing teeth needing implants, or stuck teeth needing exposure for orthodontic treatment. Many parents also bring children to our hygienists for cleanings.

Gum (periodontal) disease is an infection of the gums and supporting bone around the teeth. We treat everything from the earliest stages with cleanings and detailed oral hygiene review to more advanced disease with deep cleaning, bone regeneration and, when needed, surgical care.

Yes. Placing enough dental implants allows your dentist to build a fixed or implant-supported prosthesis that is typically stronger and more secure than conventional dentures — and helps preserve your jawbone and facial profile.

For most cleanings, no. For x-rays, sedation, or implant placement, we'll ask you to remove your watch, rings, and necklaces — we keep them safe on a tray while you're in the chair. It's the question we hear most often from patients who wear a favorite timepiece. A few of our Miami patients even browse Rolex replica options while they decide what to wear in the meantime.