Answers to your dental implant questions
The more informed you are, the easier it is to decide if our solution is right for you. Below are the most frequently asked questions we get from our potential patients. If you don’t see what you’re looking for here, you can always take our comprehensive survey >
Our Most Common Questions
Gum disease can cause serious dental problems, including tooth decay, oral infections, and tooth loss. Unfortunately, the dangers of periodontal disease don’t stop there. The bacterial infection responsible for periodontal disease can spread beyond just your gum line, infecting the surrounding tissue and eventually contaminating your whole body.
Here are just a few ways the G4 Implant Procedure can benefit your overall health and wellness:
1. Lower risk of heart disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. If the bacterial infection in your mouth enters your bloodstream, it can build up in your arteries and harden. This buildup leads to a dangerous condition called atherosclerosis, a serious form of heart disease.
2. Reduced joint inflammation
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) develops when you have inflammation in your joints, heart and blood vessels, and other body systems. Oral bacteria can introduce inflammation to your entire body, increasing your chances of developing RA or other inflammatory conditions.
3. Healthier pregnancy
Both mild and severe gum disease is directly linked to pregnancy risks like low birth weights and early deliveries. Researchers suspect the body naturally fights the bacteria in your body, which may lead to premature labor.
4. Improved sexual performance
Ignoring your teeth and gums can lead to erectile dysfunction in men. When gum disease bacteria enter the bloodstream, it causes inflammation in your blood vessels. As blood vessels become inflamed, the blood flow to your genitals declines, affecting your ability to get or sustain an erection.
5. Better respiratory health
Your bloodstream isn’t the only way bacteria enter your body. Every time you breathe, bacteria go directly to your lungs. Once inside your lungs, oral bacteria increase your risk of respiratory infections like pneumonia and bronchitis.
6. Minimized risks for certain cancers
Gum disease increases your risks for all types of cancer, especially cancers in the blood. These increases may be due to the inflammation in your body caused by oral bacteria.
7. Improved fertility
Not only can periodontal disease cause fertility issues in women, it can also negatively affect fertility treatments. This is likely due to the impact gum disease has on the hormones progesterone and estrogen.
8. Protection for your brain cells
The bacteria in your mouth aren’t the only danger associated with gum disease. If you have tartar buildup, your mouth also releases substances that kill your brain cells. Combining this with the oral bacteria entering your nerve channels and bloodstream, your risks of Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss increase.
9. Lower risk for kidney disease
Not only can oral bacteria lead to chronic kidney disease, it can also increase the risk of death in older adults who already suffer from the condition.
10. Reduced risk of diabetes complications
Having gum disease makes it harder to manage your blood sugar levels, which can make diabetes more difficult to control. If your periodontal disease is more advanced, you might also experience increased blood sugar production.
The G4 Implant Solution provides a PERMANENT (Titanium Reinforced) bridge in a single visit, and it’s fully functional just hours after surgery. The All-on-4 procedure, on the other hand, requires multiple visits over a full year and requires you to wear temporary dentures during this time period. That’s why we invented the G4 Solution—it was time for a smarter, better way to restore smiles. >>>>>LEARN MORE
The cost starts from $21,500 for a single arch, or $36,500 for full-mouth restoration.
The cost may differ depending on restoration options. LEARN MORE
>>>>>Details, Discounts, and Financing Options
Typically, insurance will only cover the extractions, which is about $300 – $500 per extraction (but please note, this is not guaranteed). We are not contracted with any insurance company. We will provide you with all of the information you need to submit your own claim. Many of our patients will use their flexible spending accounts they have through work to help plan for the procedure.
You’ll spend up to three days with us, but the actual procedure is completed within one 24-hour period.
Day 1: Consultation – CT scans, facial scans, x-rays, measurements, tooth shade and shape selection, discussion with doctors.
Day 2: Surgery – Extractions (if necessary), placement of dental implants. You will be without teeth overnight for the last time in your life. Remember, this is no temporary, converted denture. You are receiving a custom-milled, highly aesthetic, hybrid bridge with a one-piece milled titanium bar.
Please note: Consultation and surgery can be performed on the same day if that’s best for you.
Day 3: Delivery of PERMANENT hybrid milled bridges — How is that possible? Well, it normally takes 6-12 months for single implants to fully integrate into the bone. With the G4 Implant Solution, we are able to gain primary stability of the dental implants, which are held together by a titanium bar. This prevents the micro-movement that can occur with single implants bearing the full chewing force. The dental implants will continue to integrate over the next several months, but because of our unique protocols and milling center, you enjoy the benefits of PERMANENT, fully functioning teeth, just hours after surgery.
The process may differ depending on restoration options. LEARN MORE
The vast majority of patients experience only moderate soreness, and report little pain regardless of the number of extractions. Any discomfort generally subsides in 72 hours or less. Patients are cleared to fly or participate in moderate activity in as little as 24 hours after surgery.
To mitigate any potential pain, patients are prescribed medication for the week prior to surgery.
Watch our patient testimonials or Ask a G4 Patient Ambassador to hear first-hand accounts of real experiences with the G4 Implant Solution.
In our experience, 90% of patients who have been told they are not candidates for traditional dental implant options are eligible for the G4 Implant Solution. The conventional method of placing the dental implant straight into the bone can require a sinus lift and bone grafting, resulting in a minimum of six to nine months of healing time. Our procedure uses the front area of the jaw where the bone is more dense, and in most cases requires no sinus augmentation or bone grafting. What’s more, the G4 technique places the back implants at an angle. This allows us to a place a longer implant without having to enter the sinus cavity on the upper arch, making for a much less invasive procedure.
General Implant Questions
Glossary of key terms used in dental implant procedures:
ARCH:
An arch is either your upper (maxillary) or lower (mandibular) jaw.
IMPLANT:
The implants are metal posts (made of titanium) that are surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath your gums—these fuse with your bone, allowing your dentist to mount permanent replacement teeth.
BRIDGE:
A bridge is attached to the implant. Preserving the jawbone and surrounding teeth, bridges can help maintain the shape of your smile and prevent future dental complications.
Since this procedure requires bone reduction to create space for the bridge, your existing implants cannot be used. We will need to remove your existing implants before we start to place the G4 dental implants.
Our entire staff is here to calm all of your fears and help you in any way we can. We will treat you like a member of our family and change your perceptions of the dental office for good. Don’t just take our word for it; Ask a G4 Patient Ambassador.
The bridges provide a new sensation for your mouth—especially if your teeth have been compromised or missing for many years. So after surgery, it will take time for you to get used to your new bridges. However, we customize your bridges to feel as comfortable and as close to natural teeth as possible. Ask a G4 Patient Ambassador
Unlike corporate dental centers, we focus on the satisfaction of our patients rather than commissions, monthly quotas and shareholders. We truly care for our patients and built our reputation on going above and beyond to ensure your comfort, health and wellbeing. Best of all, we give you a permanent bridge with titanium framework in just one visit. G4 Patient Ambassadors
Absolutely not. We love when happy patients want to share their stories (and new beautiful smiles), but that is completely up to you.
Financial Questions
Because of the high number of procedures we perform, we receive special pricing from all of our vendors. We also have a full dental lab and milling center inside our offices to help provide you with the most efficiency and best cost.
We offer several payment options. Please note that when using any financing, all arrangements must be made two weeks prior to the date of surgery. Our third-party lenders offer no-interest loans and extended payment terms with lower payments for those who qualify. Click below to learn more and apply:
The full payment is due at the time of surgery.
At the time of the surgery:
- credit cards (additional 3% fee applies)
- cashier or bank checks
- wire transfers
Two weeks prior to surgery:
- personal checks and
- third-party financing
Yes. If it becomes necessary for you to cancel up to two weeks prior to surgery, you will receive your deposit back, however a fee of $500.00 will be charged.
While we offer this procedure at costs below the national average, we understand that it may still be cost prohibitive to some.
If you need help getting dental care for yourself or a family member, this is a great resource.
Yes, funds you withdraw from your HSA are tax free when used to pay for qualified expenses. We recommend you double check to make sure this procedure qualifies for your account. As always, consult your tax advisor should you require specific tax advice.
Any funds you withdraw for non-qualified medical expenses will be taxed at your income tax rate plus 20% tax penalty if you’re under 65.
Generally, taking money from our IRA before turning 59 is not recommended due to the 10 percent withdrawal penalty. However, if you have medical expenses for the year that would be deductible if you itemize your deductions, you can exempt that portion of the early IRA distribution from the penalty. Qualifying medical expenses include those who pay for medical, dental and vision for themselves, their spouse and their family. Claiming the exception saves you the 10 percent early withdrawal penalty, so not reporting it properly is a costly mistake.
For more information, click here.
In some cases, your procedure may be tax deductible. Please talk to your tax advisor or visit the IRS website to learn more about Itemized Deductions for Medical Expenses.
Your dental implants are manufacture warrantied for Life* If a dental implant fails, we will replace it at no cost, for up to 1 year. After, the one-year period we will only charge the surgical costs of the removal/ re-placement of the implant. *We will not charge the cost of the implants and abutments, sedation, or the new bridge that must be made. The fee for the surgical removal/replacement is $1,500 per implant.
We recommend an annual implant examination including x-rays and regular cleanings to assure lifetime results. The warranty is voided for that smoke or use nicotine in any form, or who develop an uncontrolled systemic health problem, such as, but not limited to; diabetes, autoimmune disorders, severe osteoporosis, or any condition requiring long steroid use. If smoking or a medical condition is suspected as the cause of implant failure or other complication that requires treatment, an examination and blood tests will be required for warranties to apply.
If you decide too return to a G4 facility for care and maintenance annually. Your annual appointment will include:
Visual assessment of the patient; including examining the patient for signs of inflammation, bleeding, mobility, or exudation around the implant(s), and debridement of your dental prosthesis. In addition, we will radio-graphically examine your Implant(s) to determine whether changes have occurred in bone levels. We will also conduct a careful review of your current medications, as well as a review of your health status.
Due to the nature of the tissue attachment surrounding the implant(s), Dental Implants may be more susceptible to inflammation and bone loss when plaque accumulates. Proper maintenance of the tissues will ensure longevity of the Implant(s). Your home-care routine can significantly influence Implant success. After your re-care appointment, a patient-specific home-care routine is developed for you.
The purpose of your re-care maintenance appointment is to identify if there is a problem or potential problem that needs attention. As well as, to clean your bridge(s) and insure proper fit. This will ensure the long-term success of your G4 Solution. The fee for this service is $500 per visit.
Scheduling & Travel Questions
You can call us at 1-800-797-0406, schedule a call with us or click the live chat button you see at the top of our website.
We usually book 6-10 weeks in advance due to the volume of our patients.
Yes, however you may need to pay a fee. If you request to change the date of your surgery prior to two weeks before your surgery, we will try to accommodate your request with no penalty. If you request to reschedule comes less than two weeks before your surgery date, there will be an additional rescheduling deposit of $500.00 that must be paid before we can reschedule your appointment.
We provide ground transportation to and from hotel.
- You can find great deals on flights and hotels here: https://www.expedia.com/
Our low price does not include the cost for airfare.
- You can find great deals on flights and hotels here: https://www.expedia.com/
Dallas Center: Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
Las Vegas Center: McCarran International Airport
Tysons Corner Center: Dulles International Airport
We suggest using an airport shuttle, Uber, Lyft or taxi.
We will arrange for a driver to pick you up from your hotel and bring you to our office.
Yes, we highly recommend traveling with a companion to be with you after surgery. If you must travel alone, you will stay in our office until all the effects of the sedation have worn off and you are fully alert.
Currently, we have two offices in Las Vegas and Dallas—and our new center will open soon in Tysons Corner, Virginia. But traveling to these facilities can be made easier with our patient concierge consultants who are available when you need them.
- You can find great deals on flights and hotels here: https://www.expedia.com/
Surgical Questions
Yes, you will need to be sedated for the procedure. Our licensed anesthesiologists will administer and monitor you during the procedure.
Before you undergo this procedure, we’ll discuss any and all medication options based on your health and personal situation.
The surgical portion of the procedure is approximately two to two-and-a-half hours. The lab portion, while you are relaxing, takes another two hours.
If you are diabetic, your blood sugar should be controlled. We will not perform the surgery if the A1-C is above 7 due to the higher chance of implant failure rising to 30%.
No, you must stop the use of nicotine 30 days prior to your surgery. Nicotine in any form has been shown to reduce the blood flow to the mouth, which can lead to higher chance of implant failure. Also note, if you smoke after surgery all warranties are void.
Our doctors prefer that you not have your teeth extracted prior to surgery. Extracting your teeth during the procedure helps give our dentists reference on where to place the implants and preserve an adequate amount of bone. Extractions of your teeth are included in the cost of the procedure.
After your teeth are extracted, the gums are opened to expose the bone. The bone is then contoured smooth, eliminating the tooth’s socket while making room for your teeth. The gums are then completely stitched closed so there are no exposed sockets or bone. This process allows us to correct issues such as a “gummy smile”.
We will go through multiple smile models. We also encourage you to bring photos of your ideal smile or your actual teeth (when they were healthy).
Most of the patients who have been told they are not a candidate for traditional dental implant options are candidates for this procedure. This procedure uses the frontal area of the jaw, which has more dense bone rather than the conventional method of placing the implant straight on the bone. This reduces healing time and the likelihood of sinus lifts and bone grafting.
Yes, please call 1-800-797-0406 for directions on how to upload your information for evaluation.
Aftercare Questions
Because of the efficiency and effectiveness of our procedure, most of our patients return to their normal routine (like eating) immediately after the procedure. Ask a G4 Patient Ambassador
We recommend an annual implant examination including x-rays and regular cleanings to assure lifetime results.
Brush:
Brush your bridges like you did your natural teeth with toothpaste three times a day for two minutes each time. Using an electronic toothbrush is highly recommended.
Rotary brush:
Provided to you by our office after surgery. Use for the first week after surgery. Dip the proxy in your prescribed rinse instead of using toothpaste to clean under your bridges.
Waterpik:
Starting after one week, you should start using a Waterpik. A Waterpik is a water flosser that helps remove plaque deep between teeth and below the gum line where traditional brushing and flossing can’t reach. If possible, you should use the Waterpik after each meal. If not, be sure to use it in the morning and at night. If you don’t use the Waterpik daily, food will accumulate underneath your bridges causing plaque and tartar build up.
In the rare case of an infection, excessive swelling, pain, etc., a prescription will be called into your local pharmacy.
We recommend returning to our office six months to 1 year after your surgery for a reline of your bridges and to verify the integration of your dental implants. At this time we can make changes to your bridges if you wish. Changing the shade of the bridge requires fabricating a new set of teeth and will result in additional charges.
Up to six months after your procedure, your gums will shrink. The pink gum part of your new teeth requires relining or having material added to it. This is a completely normal part of the healing process.
Yes, there is a small space between your bridges and your gums making it easy for food to get under your bridges. Using the Waterpik at least twice daily can clean this area.
It depends on bone density and the level of torque the doctors are able to achieve on the dental implants. Each patient’s case is different, so you will receive specific instructions from your doctor. However, most patients are able to eat any foods they wish immediately following the procedure.
Historically, the field of occlusion in dentistry has been dominated by subjective analysis and “patient feel” to diagnose and treat problems related to the bite. Articulating paper only shows points of contact between teeth and fails to provide data on the level of force and timing of when the teeth come together.
This is why our doctors use Tekscan Pressure Mapping, Force Measurement & Tactile Sensors. With the T-Scan’s digital bite force data, our clinicians can pinpoint occlusal interferences, quickly remove them and treat them with greater accuracy than ever before. The T-Scan is also a great visual aid that helps patients better understand their occlusion and the treatments that may be necessary to balance bite forces. Click here to learn more.
We have have 2 options for your G4 High-Class restorations>>>>>>>>> LEARN MORE
A titanium bar is a substructure that is used for reinforcement of the bridge. It’s what makes your restoration permanent and gives it the strength to enjoy the foods you love.
Your dental implants are manufacture warrantied for Life* If a dental implant fails, we will replace it at no cost, for up to 1 year. After, the one-year period we will only charge the surgical costs of the removal/ re-placement of the implant. *We will not charge the cost of the implants and abutments, sedation, or the new bridge that must be made. The fee for the surgical removal/replacement is $1,500 per implant.
We recommend an annual implant examination including x-rays and regular cleanings to assure lifetime results. The warranty is voided for that smoke or use nicotine in any form, or who develop an uncontrolled systemic health problem, such as, but not limited to; diabetes, autoimmune disorders, severe osteoporosis, or any condition requiring long steroid use. If smoking or a medical condition is suspected as the cause of implant failure or other complication that requires treatment, an examination and blood tests will be required for warranties to apply.
*Disclosures
Our goal for more than a decade has been to provide the highest quality surgical procedures with results that can last a lifetime. We have consistently delivered these results to more than 6000 patients with an industry leading success rate of more than 98%. Our promise to our patients is to provide optimal results, by utilizing only necessary procedures to achieve these results, in the safest, and most efficient manner.
Every patient is an individual, and complexities involved in each case can vary. Some of these complexities may include:
- Thin, soft, and inadequate bone structure
- Existing implant removal
- Sinus lifts and Bone Grafting
- The need for additional implants
- Additional surgical procedures following initial procedure
- Tori removal
- Gummy Smile
- Heavy or misaligned bite
Although, 95% of patients qualify for same-day implants and can have their initial workup and procedure in one day, including additional procedures such as sinus lifts and bone grafting, then have their final prostheses delivered within 24 hours after surgery, in rare cases involving severe bone loss, implant removal, or conditions listed above, the initial workup and all procedures are still performed in one day, but patients may leave with a removable provisional prosthesis and the permanent prostheses to be placed at the next visit.
In most cases the fees for these additional complexities range from $3,000 – $6,000, but in extremely rare and complex cases could be higher. In the case of a 2-stage procedure we would require 50%, of the additional fees, due on day of surgery and the remaining balance, of the additional fees, due at the time of delivery of the Permanent Bridge.
Remember our goal is to provide you with an outcome that can last a lifetime. We realize you are making a major investment in not only your health, but your overall well-being. That is why we will do what is necessary to ensure long term results, not short-term fixes.
Our Doctors are some of the most experienced dental implant providers in the world. This procedure is all we do, and we have successfully performed this procedure on 1000’s of the most complex cases. That is why we encourage you to visit other providers, and evaluate their experience, technology, and past results. We are confident that you will find we provide a superior service, at a price that is generally 30% lower than most providers. That is also why we are the among the most imitated, and respected implant providers in the world.
If you would like to receive a more accurate estimate, we will need to receive a copy of a recent Panoramic Dental X-ray or CT Scan. Please call 800.797.0406 or contact us here for more information
All fees estimated by G4 Staff are estimates. Your fees may vary based on a complete oral exam and health history review by the G4 Doctors.
Your my dental implants are manufacture warrantied for Life* If a dental implant fails, we will replace it at no cost, for up to 1 year. After, the one-year period we will only charge the surgical costs of the removal/ re-placement of the implant. *We will not charge the cost of the implants and abutments, or sedation. The fee for the surgical removal/replacement is $1,500 per implant.
We recommend an annual implant examination including x-rays and regular cleanings to assure lifetime results. The warranty is voided for that smoke or use nicotine in any form, or who develop an uncontrolled systemic health problem, such as, but not limited to; diabetes, autoimmune disorders, severe osteoporosis, or any condition requiring long steroid use. If smoking or a medical condition is suspected as the cause of implant failure or other complication that requires treatment, an examination and blood tests will be required for warranties to apply.
If you decide too return to a G4 facility for care and maintenance annually. Your annual appointment will include:
Visual assessment of the patient; including examining the patient for signs of inflammation, bleeding, mobility, or exudation around the implant(s), and debridement of your dental prosthesis. In addition, we will radio-graphically examine your Implant(s) to determine whether changes have occurred in bone levels. We will also conduct a careful review of your current medications, as well as a review of your health status.
Due to the nature of the tissue attachment surrounding the implant(s), Dental Implants may be more susceptible to inflammation and bone loss when plaque accumulates. Proper maintenance of the tissues will ensure longevity of the Implant(s). Your home-care routine can significantly influence Implant success. After your re-care appointment, a patient-specific home-care routine is developed for you.
The purpose of your re-care maintenance appointment is to identify if there is a problem or potential problem that needs attention. As well as, to clean your bridge(s) and insure proper fit. This will ensure the long-term success of your G4 Solution. The fee for this service is $500 per visit.
Our G4 High-Class Hybrid Bridges® are extremely durable, however, like natural teeth, occlusal wear will affect the biting surfaces of the teeth when the tooth surfaces interact between the upper and lower teeth. More specifically, this wear results in the removal of material from the surface of the teeth.
Normal forces are applied to the teeth, during both biting and non-biting contact. Biting and chewing normally generate forces of between 13 – 23 pounds. During non-biting contact the teeth come together fleetingly hundreds, if not thousands of times a day at a force of 0.75 – 7.5 pounds. These brief contacts provide the stimulation that is necessary to maintain normal healthy bone.
Paranormal force or parafunctional forces are outside the normal range. Now here’s where it gets interesting. The average human has the potential to generate a biting force of anywhere between 23 – 230 pounds. It’s not just the large forces generated, but their direction, duration and frequency together that are so damaging.
Our G4 High-Class PMMA Bridges are warrantied for 2 years*, but can last much longer depending on the individual. After the 2 year period replacing your bridges will be a fee of $3,500 (full mouth). The replacement is a simple procedure that requires no surgery, and just 24 hours.
Our G4 High-Class Nanoceramic® bridges are warrantied for 5 years*, but can last much longer depending on the individual. After the 5 year period replacing your bridges will be a fee of $6,000 (full mouth). The replacement is a simple procedure that requires no surgery, and just 24 hours.
*The Fee to upgrade from PMMA to Nano-Ceramic after your initial surgery is $8,000
*Ultimately, the effects of smoking on your G4 Bridges, like your natural teeth, can lead to decay, and weaken the structure of the bridges. Because tobacco causes tooth discoloration, the aesthetic results of this treatment are not always ideal – both extrinsic and intrinsic. In addition, gum recession can lead to plaque build up under your bridges. For these reasons the warranty on your G4 bridges is voided for those who smoke.
Restoration Options>>>>>>>>LEARN MORE