Replacing Failing Teeth

Signs include recurring infections or abscesses on the same tooth, a root-canal-treated tooth that has developed new symptoms, increasing mobility, a persistent deep periodontal pocket, a vertical root fracture visible on imaging, or a tooth that has been patched and re-crowned multiple times. Dr. Ostovar uses objective criteria — not guesswork — to assess prognosis.

It depends on the tooth's long-term prognosis. If retreatment can reasonably deliver another 10 to 15 years of service, saving the tooth is usually the right choice. If the prognosis is guarded or hopeless — meaning failure within five years is probable — an implant with a 95-percent-plus survival rate is the more predictable investment.

A dental implant with a crown is the gold standard for single-tooth replacement. A fixed bridge is an alternative when implant placement is not feasible. A removable partial denture is a lower-cost option for patients who are not surgical candidates. For multiple missing teeth, implant-supported bridges or full-arch prosthetics provide fixed solutions.

An implant replaces the tooth without altering the adjacent teeth — no drilling on healthy neighbors. It also stimulates the jawbone, preventing the resorption that occurs under bridges and dentures. Implants have higher long-term survival rates than bridges and can last a lifetime with proper maintenance.

The jawbone resorbs predictably after tooth loss — 40 to 60 percent of ridge width is lost in the first year. As bone volume decreases, implant placement becomes more difficult or requires bone grafting. In severe cases, the bone loss may preclude implant placement entirely, limiting you to removable prosthetic options.

In many cases, yes. Immediate implant placement at the time of extraction is ideal when bone quality and quantity are sufficient, infection is controlled, and the anatomy is favorable. Dr. Ostovar and Dr. Gvozden evaluate each case on CBCT imaging to determine if same-day placement is appropriate.

A single dental implant with abutment and crown typically ranges from $4,000 to $6,000 at our office. This includes the surgical placement, the healing period, and the final restoration. Socket preservation grafting, if needed, adds $500 to $900. We provide detailed cost estimates before any treatment and offer CareCredit financing.

Multiple failing teeth are best managed with a comprehensive treatment plan rather than one-at-a-time replacements. Dr. Ostovar designs a phased plan that prioritizes extractions and grafting first, followed by implant placement, and finally prosthetic delivery. For patients losing most or all teeth, All-on-4 or implant-supported dentures offer efficient full-arch solutions.

Not always, and you deserve a second opinion before such a major decision. Dr. Ostovar evaluates each tooth individually using objective prognosis criteria. Teeth with reasonable long-term prospects are kept and incorporated into the treatment plan. We only recommend extraction when the evidence clearly shows the tooth cannot serve you well for the foreseeable future.

All-on-4 is a full-arch replacement technique that uses four strategically positioned implants to support a fixed bridge of 10 to 14 teeth. It is designed for patients who are losing or have lost all teeth in one arch. You leave the surgical appointment with a fixed temporary prosthesis — no denture adhesive, no removable plate. The final prosthesis is delivered after healing.

Dentures remain a viable option, particularly for patients who are not surgical candidates or who prefer a non-surgical approach. Modern dentures are significantly better than those of previous generations. That said, implant-supported options — even just two implants to stabilize a lower denture — dramatically improve retention, comfort, and chewing ability compared to conventional dentures.

Dental implants themselves have a documented lifespan of 20 to 30-plus years, with many lasting a lifetime. The crown or prosthesis attached to the implant may need replacement after 15 to 20 years due to normal wear. Compared to bridges (average 10 to 15 years) and dentures (5 to 8 years before relining), implants offer the best long-term value.

Extraction and grafting recovery is typically three to five days of manageable discomfort. Implant placement surgery has a similar recovery profile. The implant integration period (osseointegration) takes three to six months, during which you wear a temporary restoration. The final crown or prosthesis appointment is a non-surgical visit with no recovery needed.

Yes. We offer CareCredit financing with plans ranging from six months interest-free to extended payment terms up to 60 months. For large treatment plans, phasing the work over time also distributes costs across multiple insurance benefit years. Our treatment coordinators help maximize insurance benefits and structure payments that fit your budget.

Having restorative care and surgical procedures in the same office means your replacement is planned from the final tooth backward — Dr. Ostovar designs the ideal tooth position first, then Dr. Gvozden places the implant precisely where it needs to be to support that design. This "restorative-driven" approach produces better aesthetics, better function, and fewer complications than the more common approach of placing the implant first and designing the tooth to fit it later.