Most dental implants are made from commercially pure titanium (grade 4) or titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V). These materials are biocompatible, meaning your body accepts them without triggering an immune response. Some newer implants use zirconia ceramic, though titanium remains the gold standard due to decades of long-term clinical data.

With proper oral hygiene and regular checkups, dental implants routinely last 20 to 30 years or longer. The implant post itself rarely fails after successful osseointegration. The crown or prosthesis on top may need replacement after 10 to 15 years due to normal wear, similar to any dental restoration.

Most patients report that the procedure is less painful than they expected. Local anesthesia numbs the surgical site completely, and we offer IV sedation for patients who want deeper relaxation. Post-operative discomfort is typically managed with over-the-counter ibuprofen for two to three days. The bone itself has no nerve endings, so the healing phase is usually uneventful.

A straightforward single implant case takes about three to six months total. That includes the initial placement surgery, a healing period for osseointegration (typically three to four months), and then the final crown placement. Cases requiring bone grafting add two to four months. Immediate-load cases like All-on-4 can deliver provisional teeth the same day as surgery.

Age alone does not disqualify you. We have successfully placed implants in patients in their 80s. What matters is your overall health, bone density, and ability to heal. A CBCT scan and medical history review will determine if you are a good candidate regardless of age.

Yes, but smoking increases implant failure risk 2-3x. We strongly recommend quitting at least 2-4 weeks before surgery and during the 3-6-month healing period. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reduces oxygen to healing bone, and impairs osseointegration. We discuss your smoking history honestly during consultation and help you plan for the best possible outcome.

Dr. Ostovar maintains a success rate above 98 percent, which aligns with the best outcomes reported in peer-reviewed literature. This rate reflects careful case selection, CBCT-guided planning, and meticulous surgical technique. The small number of failures are typically related to uncontrolled systemic conditions or smoking.

A single implant with abutment and crown typically ranges from $3,500 to $5,500 depending on complexity. Full-arch solutions like All-on-4 range from $20,000 to $30,000 per arch. We provide detailed treatment plans with exact costs after your CBCT consultation, and we work with most PPO insurance plans and offer financing options.

Many PPO dental plans now cover a portion of implant treatment, typically 50 percent of the surgical placement up to your annual maximum. Medical insurance may cover bone grafting if it is related to trauma or pathology. Our treatment coordinator will verify your specific benefits before treatment begins.

The jawbone beneath a missing tooth begins to resorb within months because it no longer receives mechanical stimulation from a root. Adjacent teeth drift into the gap, opposing teeth over-erupt, and your bite alignment changes. Over years, this cascade can lead to additional tooth loss, TMJ issues, and facial collapse that ages your appearance significantly.

CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) produces a three-dimensional scan of your jaw in about 15 seconds using far less radiation than a medical CT. It lets Dr. Ostovar measure bone width, height, and density at the exact implant site, locate the inferior alveolar nerve, and assess sinus proximity. This data eliminates guesswork and is essential for digitally guided surgery.

PRF stands for platelet-rich fibrin. We draw a small amount of your blood before surgery, spin it in a centrifuge to concentrate platelets and growth factors, and place the resulting fibrin membrane at the surgical site. PRF accelerates soft-tissue healing, reduces swelling, and has been shown to improve early bone formation around implants.

Smoking significantly increases implant failure risk — studies cite failure rates two to three times higher in smokers. We strongly recommend quitting at least two weeks before and eight weeks after surgery. If you are unable to quit, we will discuss your specific risk profile honestly so you can make an informed decision.

Yes. Guided surgery uses your 3D CT scan to digitally plan exact implant positions on a computer. We fabricate a custom surgical guide — a 3D-printed template that fits over your teeth and directs the drill to the precise planned location. This means smaller incisions, shorter surgery, less swelling, and more predictable results. We use guided surgery for most implant cases.

Yes. In addition to local anesthesia, we offer IV sedation administered by certified providers right in our Beaverton office. IV sedation puts you in a deeply relaxed, semi-conscious state where you will not remember the procedure. It is especially helpful for patients with dental anxiety, strong gag reflexes, or those undergoing longer multi-implant surgeries.