FAQ

Dr. Willardsen has specialized in Prosthodontics, otherwise known as Dental Implant Rehabilitation, for over 20 years. Prior to his professional experience, his education and residency proved most notable. From 1993 to 1997, Dr. Willardsen studied at Loma Linda University Center for Implant Dentistry. There, he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree, propelling him into a four-year residency program at that same institution. At the time, Loma Linda University was one of only two schools in the country to host a full-time residency program, with an emphasis on Prosthodontics. This makes Dr. Willardsen’s preparation for you, one of a kind, as he has trained alongside pioneers of the dental implant field. Not long after his residency, the Doctor made great strides in establishing his very own private practice, now known as Trust Implants . In its early days, the practice was tasked mostly with dental trauma repairs.

A dental implant isn’t an actual tooth, but rather a prosthesis used for replacing missing teeth. Basically, it’s a small titanium fixture the dentist inserts into your jawbone, on top of which the dentist can attach a:

• Fixed bridge
• Single crown (cap)
• Full denture
• Partial denture

After the implant integrates to the bone, the dentist connects a structure known as an abutment to your implant and then attaches your artificial tooth or teeth. So, there are three parts to the process — the implant, the abutment and the artificial tooth.

The dentist surgically places dental implants in your jawbone. Implants serve as your missing teeth’s roots. Since the titanium in the dental implants fuses with your jawbone, the dental implants won’t make noise, slip or cause bone damage like dentures or fixed bridgework may. Plus, the materials don’t decay like your natural teeth supporting regular bridgework could.

Almost anyone who is missing a single tooth, multiple teeth, or all teeth are candidates for dental implants. Talk to your prosthodontist for your specific needs.

When a single permanent tooth or multiple teeth are lost due to dental decay or gum disease, dental implants can now replace them as the 3rd set of fixed teeth! Dental implants can last a lifetime and can improve your appearance, your confidence, and your ability to eat the foods you like, and participate in an active lifestyle, without worrying about your teeth. Dental implants are made of titanium and can never get dental decay!

Implants have many upsides, including:

• They improve your appearance
• They improve your confidence
• They can last a lifetime
• They allow you to have an active lifestyle
• They improve your ability to eat the foods you like
• You no longer have to worry about your teeth
• They never decay because they’re made of titanium

Dental implants, in general, have an up to 98 percent success rate.

Dentists have used dental implants for many years, and implant technology continues to advance. Today, dental implants are sophisticated devices that highly trained professionals put in place. They’re one of the most reliable ways to replace missing teeth.

This is a complicated question since the answer will depend on your specific situation. In obtaining this answer, you’ll learn more about your specific needs. Your dentist can give you a more accurate assessment of the costs of your procedure.

The cost of dental implant treatment will depend on various individual factors, including:

• The amount, quality and location of bone
• The number of dental implants you’ll need to support the teeth
• The number of teeth that need replacing
• The type of artificial teeth the dentist will use
• The types of dental implants used

This is something you can discuss with your dentist during your initial consultation.

Dental implant treatment may qualify for some insurance coverage, but situations vary. We accept PPO and we work with 4 financing groups that can help as well.

The average implant process occurs in multiple steps. You may require more than one healing stage. So, there’s a varied healing period, depending on your health, how many teeth you need replacing and other factors. However, the healing process generally takes anywhere from six to 12 weeks.

The patient will need to quit smoking and alcohol use to an extent. Smoking and chewing tobacco are concerning because they can increase the risk of dental implant failure. The effect of alcohol on your blood can cause bleeding complications making it essential for you to stop alcohol consumption before and after dental implant surgery.