Dental implants have been around for decades and are a great solution for those who have lost their teeth. They can help you to regain your confidence and improve your quality of life. In fact, they are still one of the most effective ways to replace missing teeth. But there are many questions that may come up when considering dental implants, so we've compiled this list of FAQs to answer the most common ones.
Question: What is a dental implant?
Answer: A dental implant is an artificial tooth that serves as the root replacement for a missing one. A titanium post will be inserted into your jaw bone and it will merge with the surrounding tissue to form to act as an anchor for a new tooth. The dentist will then attach artificial teeth to the implant, allowing you to regain necessary chewing surfaces and the ability to properly speak or smile with confidence. Dental implants provide a safe, long-lasting solution for replacing one or more of these functions in your mouth.
Question: Do you have to be missing a lot of teeth for dental implants?
Answer: No, it is possible to get one or two implants and still replace other lost teeth with traditional dentures. On the other hand, you can also replace an entire row of teeth with a brace of implants and never need the hassle of dentures again.
Question: Who can get dental implants?
Answer: Almost any adult who has lost a tooth or teeth to disease, injury, or extraction can get dental implants. All we need is enough bone density in the mouth so that the implant can properly attach itself to the jaw. However, the things that generally lead to a successful procedure are when the patient:
Has tissues in the mouth that are healthy
Does not suffer from a condition that will prevent their bones from healing
Cannot or does not want to wear dentures
Is willing to commit to the process for several months
Doesn’t use tobacco
Question: How do I know if my dentist does implants?
Answer: Ask them! There are a number of specialists that work in the field of implantology. These include:
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons - doctors who focus on diseases and conditions of the mouth, jaw, and face
Periodontists - dentists who specialize in treating the gums and bones that support the teeth
Prosthodontists - dentists trained in the design and fitting of artificial teeth
Some ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists
Question: How do dental implants work?
Answer: During the initial procedure, a titanium post will be inserted into your jaw. The dentist will then attach an abutment (or connecter) to that post once your mouth has healed. Then, an artificial tooth will be attached to it which you can treat just like a natural tooth.
Question: How long do dental implants last?
Answer: Dental implants are designed to last as long as you do. The titanium post will eventually fuse with your bone and it should never need to be replaced. The artificial teeth, likewise, are long lasting. However, if they do get damaged for some reason, they are simple to exchange with new ones.
Question: What are the risks of getting a dental implant?
Answer: There is always some risk, and we want to make sure you understand what they are. That is why we will describe them to you in detail before we do any sort of surgical procedure. However, in general, the risks include:
Bleeding, bruising, and swelling
Infection
Poor cosmetic results
Damage to other teeth, blood vessels, or nerves causing numbness or pain
Sinus problems
Question: Does getting implants hurt?
Answer: Like with any surgery, you will feel pain if anesthesia is not used. That is why your dentist will offer options such as local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia. Your provider will review the options with you and help you select the right one for your particular case.
Question: What is the procedure for getting dental implants?
Answer: The procedure varies depending on a number of factors. However, in general, it will include these steps:
1. Extraction - your dentist will remove any teeth that are loose or damaged and need to being pulled out.
2. Jawbone preparation - your dentist will prepare your jawbone by removing any diseased, damaged or dead bone. This also include the grafting of bone if necessary.
3. Implant placement - the titanium post is attached to an area of healthy jawbone and allowed to heal in place.
4. Bone growth and healing - the titanium post fuses with the bone around it and becomes a permanent fixture.
5. Abutment placement - an abutment is placed on the top of the implant. This device will connect the implant to the crown.
6. Fitting - your dentist will then create a crown that fits over the abutment and attach it to it. This tooth can now be used like any other natural tooth in your mouth, taking up its normal function for chewing food or speaking.
7. Final appointment - this is where we make sure everything looks good, that there are no problems or complications, and that you are happy with the results.
Question: How long does it take to get dental implants?
Answer: Dental implants take anywhere from a few to many months to be completed. Most of this time is waiting for the implant to heal and become firm in the jawbone.
Question: When bone grafting is required?
Answer: Bone grafting is required if there are not enough healthy bone cells to support the implant. This can happen when someone has had certain types of surgery such as a jaw reconstruction or radiation therapy, or simply when the jawbone is not thick enough or is too soft.
Question: How is bone grafting done?
Answer: The bone grafting procedure involves taking a small amount of the patient's own healthy bone and inserting it into the area where an implant is to be placed. Other options include synthetic bone grafts using a bone substitute.
Question: How much does dental implant surgery cost?
Answer: The cost of replacing teeth will depend on several factors, including the condition of your jawbone and the number of teeth you need replaced. Your dentist will be able to give you a more accurate estimate after examining the condition of your mouth.
