5 FAQs About Dental Implants

Getting dental implants is a major decision. It is an invasive procedure that places titanium rods in your jawbone. The healing time will take months, but the result will be worth the wait. Understanding the process will allow you to prepare well for your procedure. Here are some FAQs about dental implants that you can ask your dentist on your next visit.

1. What are the benefits of dental implants?

Research reveals that dental implants are the gold standard in dental replacements. The procedure provides restorations that appear, function, and feel like natural teeth. The titanium rods fuse with the jawbone and gum tissue. Each one becomes a permanent component of the mouth.

The dentist can match the color and shape of the artificial crowns to the natural teeth. This allows dental implants to blend well in the mouth. It will be difficult to tell which teeth are implants and which ones are natural. These restorations can prevent dental shifting as well. They stabilize the neighboring teeth and strengthen one’s bite.

The titanium rods help the jawbone become healthier. These rods stimulate the jawbone. This sends nutrients to the jawbone for cellular regeneration and tissue repair. At the same time, dental implants can complete one’s smile. This increases a person’s self-esteem.

2. Who is a good candidate for these dental replacements?

Studies show that people 18 to 90 years old can get dental implants. People who have healthy jawbones can get them right away. Those who have weak, shrunken jawbones will need bone grafting before implant surgery. This treatment can strengthen and thicken the jawbone. The dental implants can then have a secure foundation after complete healing.

3. Will people notice if one has a dental implant?

These dental replacements are the most natural-looking of all restorations. They stand alone. The gum tissue conceals its attachment to the jawbone. That is why these implants are indistinguishable from neighboring natural teeth. The dentist will match the color and shape of the artificial crown with those of neighboring natural teeth. It will be challenging for people to see which teeth are dental implants.

4. Can one get implants for many missing consecutive teeth?

One implant can replace one missing tooth. Many teeth that are close together can use dental implants to support a dental bridge, as well as partial and full dentures. These restorations can provide more lasting support for dental bridges than natural abutment teeth. They can also provide a good foundation for implant-supported dentures. The dentist will assess if the patient is a good candidate for any of these restorations.

5. What will happen during the evaluation visit?

The surgeon will check one’s medical and dental histories. A physical dental exam can tell the dentist about the current health of the jawbone, gums, and teeth. The dentist can also order a 3-D, CBCT (cone-beam computed tomography) scan of the oral structures. This scan is important for:

• Showing areas of low jawbone density
• Revealing one’s bone structure
• Identifying oral problems
• Helping in the creation of a treatment and care plan
• Determining the ideal locations for dental implants