Dental implants help people with missing teeth to regain their natural-looking smile. A dentist can help you understand how these cosmetic procedures work and offer guidance to make informed decisions when installing implants. Here are some of the frequently asked questions about dental implants:
What Are Tooth Implants?
A dental implant is a titanium screw that replaces the root of a missing tooth and is a popular and permanent approach to repairing oral function. An abutment connects the artificial tooth to the dental implant. Dentists bond the implants to the patient’s jawbone during surgery, and a crown is fit to your mouth, matching the color of your teeth. This allows you to repair your teeth to look like their natural form and state.
Who is a Candidate for Tooth Implants?
Patients with healthy gums and solid jawbone density can support dental implants. Non-smokers with sufficient bone density provide a strong jaw that can bond with the titanium screw. Medical conditions such as diabetes will require the patient to monitor their blood sugar closely when getting an implant. Your healthcare provider may assess if you are a candidate for dental implants and provide aftercare treatment plans.
Pregnant women might wait until the second or third trimester to obtain a dental implant. This is due to the hormonal changes and pharmaceutical restrictions that come with pregnancy since changes in the immune system can make it more difficult for pregnant women to fend off potential infections.
How Long Does the Implant Process Take?
In some cases, a dental implant procedure allows you to visit a dental clinic with a missing tooth and get a replacement the same day. This could work well with people with busy schedules, such as working professionals or students. A scheduled follow-up appointment lets the dentist fix the permanent crown for patients needing an extraction. This short procedure provides you with a long-term solution for replacing your missing teeth.
Are Tooth Implants Painful?
Dental implant installations occur using local anesthesia, which provides patients with more comfort during the procedure. During the surgery, you might feel some vibration and pressure or a sensation of being poked. This may result in soreness in your teeth, jaw, and gums once the anesthesia wears off. Your doctor will prescribe over-the-counter medication for pain management after the procedure.
Are There Risks Associated with Tooth Implants?
Dental implants are safe and efficient prostheses for restoring a natural-looking smile. A minimally invasive procedure installs them in a single dental appointment. After the cosmetic operation, your dentist may prescribe medicines to help battle any adverse reactions. Ice packs can help reduce inflammation and swelling after dental implant surgery. This naturally occurring discomfort is harmless and should resolve after a few days.
Can Tooth Implants Replace Multiple Teeth?
Beyond removable dentures, implants are another alternative for filling tooth gaps. Multiple implants can support a bridge that replaces two or more teeth in the same gap. They can also be single, individual implants to replace two neighboring teeth that are used to support each other. In rare circumstances, dental implants are used to restore broken teeth to their roots, helping maintain oral and bone health.
Visit a Dentist for Dental Implants
Questions about dental implants allow patients to understand what they are and if they are viable candidates to get them installed. These implants can enhance your teeth’s appearance and help maintain good oral health. Schedule an appointment with a dentist for a consultation today.
