Dental Implant FAQs
Russellville, AL
With dental implants, even if you're missing one or more teeth, you can still smile with confidence. It is currently one of the most in-demand dental treatments available today.
You can have a single tooth implant or multiple implants with this method of
restorative dentistry.
Dental implants act as replacement teeth and are a way to improve your oral health.
If you're thinking about this type of restorative dentistry, at
Singing River Dentistry in Russellville, AL, we've put together a list of the most frequently asked questions about dental implants to help you decide.
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What Is an Implant?
An implant is a small titanium post that is anchored in the area of your missing or damaged tooth to serve as a substitute for the root of the tooth. This post is embedded into the jaw and left for a few weeks to allow the jawbone to grow around it through a process known as osseointegration, forming a stable foundation for the replacement tooth. The best part about implants is that you can get single tooth implants and multiple teeth implants, depending on how many teeth you're missing.
What Is the Procedure for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that can be placed in the jawbone to improve or restore a person's chewing ability or cosmetic appearance.
This device is attached to the jawbone and surrounding teeth through a minimally invasive surgical technique. When everything is done, a porcelain crown or another
restoration is attached to the implant to complete the natural look.
How Long Does a Dental Implant Procedure Take?
A single implant can take up to an hour in a normal situation. If more than one tooth is affected or complications arise following treatment, the duration of the process may lengthen.
Procedures such as
tooth extraction and bone grafting are additional steps that increase the overall time of the dental implant procedure.
Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
The ideal patient for implants must have good overall health that allows them to undergo the dental implant surgical procedure. The candidate must also have good oral health, and their gums must be free from periodontal disease to increase the chances of dental implant success. Moreover, a patient also requires adequate jawbone mass for implant placement. However, fortunately, you can get bone grafting to increase the mass of your jawbone.
Can You Get Dental Implants After Bone Loss?
Extreme bone loss does not preclude a person from getting dental implants. The dental implant procedure can often be performed without requiring time-consuming bone grafting procedures. Before suggesting dental implants as a treatment option, an experienced oral surgeon considers several variables.
What Is a Bone Graft for Dental Implants?
During a bone grafting operation, healthy bone tissue is transplanted to replace damaged or missing bone and its supporting structures. By replacing lost bone in the jaw, a dental bone graft restores the natural contours of your face. Patients lacking enough jawbone and tissue to support a dental implant may undergo a bone graft procedure.
Can You Get Dental Implants with Gum Disease?
Dental implants can only be placed into healthy gums. Gum disease deteriorates and dissolves the bone and tissue around the remaining teeth. There is a higher chance of implant failure if insufficient gum tissue exists. A lack of bone and gum tissue around the teeth can rule you out as a candidate for dental implants.
What Are Some Benefits of Dental Implants?
Dental implants have many benefits in comparison to other tooth replacement options. Dental implants help restore the appearance of your smile as they are made and color-matched to look like your natural teeth. Implants also improve the functionality of your smile by restoring your bite force and your ability to speak normally. Dental implants also help prevent bone loss.
How Do I Take Care of My Dental Implants?
When well-placed and well-cared-for, dental implants have the potential to last for years. Dental implant care is much like taking care of your natural teeth. You need to brush, floss, and get regular professional cleanings from your dentist.
Are Dental Implants Safe?
Dental implants are extremely safe and effective, but just like any other medical procedure, there is always a risk of potential complications. The best way to minimize complications is to choose a knowledgeable and well-trained prosthodontist that can handle any problems that may arise.
Why Do Most People Prefer Dental Implants Over Other Tooth Replacement Options?
Dental implants are extremely popular because of the implant materials, they look and feel completely natural. Unlike other tooth replacement options, implants don't slip or click when you talk, eat, or laugh. Implants also help keep your jawbone healthy to ensure that your facial structure remains intact. What Is the Success Rate of Implants?
When it comes to dental implants, the failure rate is quite low. The right circumstances and conditions such as the quality of your jawbone, your surgeon's expertise, your dental health, and your oral hygiene, all play an important role in the success of dental implant placement.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
The average lifespan of a dental implant is 20 to 30 years, making them a long-term remedy to tooth loss. However, their durability depends on how well you care for your teeth and gums.
Schedule a Consultation with Your Russellville, AL Dentist!
Dental implants are metallic fixtures in the bone that replace missing teeth. They have a high success rate and can provide long-term benefits. Some people need additional procedures to prepare their mouths for dental implants. These add to the overall cost. Schedule a consultation with us at Singing River Dentistry to find out more about dental implants. Call us at
256-460-4191 to book an appointment to get your
digital x-rays done for implant surgery.
