Dental Implants Frequently Asked Questions
Most Common Questions about Dental Implants
At Park Dental Specialists, our experienced dental implant team is ready to serve you! Read answers to common dental implant questions below, then request an appointment to learn how our team can restore your mouth to full functionality.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium screw that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. Dental implants can be placed in either the upper or lower jaws. Due to the biocompatible properties of titanium, a dental implant fuses with the bone and becomes a good anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental implants can be used as solutions for replacing single or multiple missing teeth.
Why dental implants?
There are several reasons why you should consider a dental implant. Without the root structure of a natural tooth present, the jawbone can shrink. This shrinkage will make your face look older than it is. Restored implants can reduce the appearance of wrinkles by establishing lost lip support. Dental implants are stable, comfortable and will normally provide a lifetime of benefits.
Are dental implants successful?
With more than three decades of clinical experience and over a million patients treated, statistics confirm a success rate of nearly 95 percent for individual Nobel BioCare dental implants, and even higher for the bridges they support.
Results based on dental implants and dental bridges remaining and in function over a five-year period.
Will dental implants work for me?
Anyone who is missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease or tooth decay may be a candidate for dental implants. The determining factor is the amount of available bone. Your periodontist or oral surgeon is the best person to evaluate whether dental implants are a viable solution for you.
Will my new teeth look natural?
When dental implants are used in combination with modern restorative dentistry, their appearance, comfort and function are very likely to exceed your expectations. Often, they are hard to tell apart from your natural teeth.
Will I be able to chew with the same force and pressure I use with my natural teeth?
Implant-supported teeth act and feel like real teeth because they are supported by a similar root structure allowing you to chew normally.
How much time is required for a dental implant placement?
Today, state-of-the-art guided surgical techniques are convenient alternatives to place dental implants and allow you to have the dental implant placed along with the implant-supported teeth in a single session. This new technology has significantly simplified the procedure, for both patients and dentists. The major advantage of the guided surgical technique is the minimal amount of manipulation of the soft tissue due to guided surgery. This can significantly reduce the healing time and the discomfort normally associated with traditional dental implant surgical techniques.
The conventional process can take from ten weeks to six months. First, the specialist places the dental implant which can heal and integrate with the jawbone. During the healing period, temporary teeth can be made until the permanent teeth are put in place.
The procedure method chosen depends on several factors, such as your dental health, the number of teeth involved, and which teeth are replaced. These factors will also determine the total number of visits to the specialist throughout the treatment period.
Is the treatment painful?
With any surgery, there can be some discomfort. Implant surgery is like any oral surgery and typically heals within a few days. Most patients report that they were much more comfortable following the procedure than they had anticipated. Your doctor will prescribe medications to ease any discomfort that may occur. Ask your specialist to recommend another patient who has already had tooth replacement therapy to assess their personal experience.
How will I feel after the treatment?
It is normal to have some bruising and swelling in the gum and soft tissues. But usually the discomfort, if any, is treated with an ordinary painkiller. You should expect to be able to work within a day or two.
How will I care for my dental implants?
Your new teeth must be cared for and checked regularly, just like your natural teeth. Brush and floss as recommended by your dentist or dental hygienist. See your specialist and dentist every three to six months.
How will dental implants affect my life?
Dental implant-supported replacement teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth. This means that you can eat and drink whatever you choose. But most importantly, dental implants often improve quality of life in a very concrete way. People who have felt embarrassed and worried because of their tooth problems are often overwhelmed by what new permanent teeth can do for their self-esteem.
Does one’s age matter?
Occasionally, older patients express concern that their age may prevent them from enjoying the benefits of dental implants. However, health is more of a determining factor than age. If you’re healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you’re probably healthy enough to receive dental implants. Certain chronic diseases may contraindicate dental implant treatment. Your specialist will determine if you are a candidate for dental implants after a careful evaluation of your dental and health history.
What are the advantages of dental implants over dentures or a dental bridge?
An improved appearance: When you lose the entire tooth, crown and root, shrinkage of the jawbone may cause your face to look older. Dental implants can stop this process. A traditional denture or dental bridge doesn’t.
Preservation of natural teeth: With traditional dental bridges, teeth adjacent to missing teeth are normally ground down to be used as anchors for a dental bridge. Dental implants eliminate the need to modify healthy teeth.
A permanent solution: There are no loose parts to worry about losing. The dental implant is stable and comfortable. Teeth are cemented or screwed into the implants permanently. Normally, it will last a lifetime.
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