1) What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is made up of 3 parts: the crown, the abutment, and the implant. The abutment supports the crown which is connected to the implant and the implant is placed into the jaw bone.
The implant will actually fuse to the jaw bone through a process called osseointegration, giving you a complete tooth root replacement. This will allow your dental implants look and act just like real teeth!
2) What does the procedure involve?
You’ll have a planning appointment with your implant specialist where you’ll discuss what you want your teeth to look like and have some scans and photos taken. From there, your surgical team will create custom tools to use and map out your whole surgery.
Anesthesia and sedation methods are offered on the day of your surgery.
On the day of surgery, anesthesia and sedation methods are offered and your implants are placed. Depending on your situation, you’ll either walk out with temporary teeth and come back for your final restoration a few months later OR you’ll walk out with your final restoration the very same day.
3) How long will it take to heal?
“Healing” from surgery is a bit of a complex question.
It takes around 4-6 months for “full healing” to occur which means your implants are fully osseointegrated to your bone and your final restoration is done.
But as far as work you’ll have to miss or pain you’ll be in? That time frame is much shorter.
Most patients go to work the next or even the same day as their surgery and over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen is usually all that’s needed in the week or two right after surgery.
4) What is the success rate of dental implants?
Dental implants are hugely successful.
As long as you choose a skilled surgeon and take proper care of your dental implants, you can look forward to being part of the 98% success rate dental implants have.
5) Will people be able to tell I have dental implants?
Nope! Your gums cover the abutment which is attached to the implant, so the only way anyone will know you have dental implants is if you tell them!
6) What kind of functionality can I expect?
Unlike dentures or bridges, there are no foods that are off-limits for someone with dental implants.
Because you’re actually replacing your tooth root, your dental implants will act just like your real teeth so you can eat apples, corn on the cob, steak… everything you’ve been missing!
7) How long will a dental implant last?
This again, can vary by situation and depends a lot on the skill of the surgeon you choose, but dental implants are made to be a permanent tooth replacement… so they should last you a lifetime!
We can’t wait to get you smiling again!
Article originally published at yournewteethnow.com.