Considering Dental Implants? Get All Your FAQ’s Answered!
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The minute you lost your permanent adult teeth, your confidence plummeted. Dentists see patients experience that same feeling all the time. On the upside, your dentist has also seen many patients smile with more confidence than ever after replacing their teeth with natural looking and feeling dental implants. If you’re considering replacing your teeth, this may be the best option for you. Is this the first time you’ve heard of this modern restorative dentistry? You likely have a lot of questions. Keep reading to get the 411 on dental implants.
What are dental implants?
When thinking about replacing your teeth, many patients assume that you should only replace the crown of your tooth. For the longest lasting, effective tooth replacement, you will need to focus on both the tooth root below the gum line and the crown, or visible portion of your tooth.
Luckily, when you choose to use dental implants to replace teeth, you’re doing just that. Dental implants are essentially three parts: the titanium implant post (replacement tooth root), an abutment, and dental prosthetic (replacement crown).
Why are the implant posts made of titanium?
Titanium is a unique metal in that it is capable of “osseointegration,” which in simpler terms means it’s capable naturally fusing to your jawbone. Titanium is more resistant to corrosion from bodily fluids than any other metal and is highly durable throughout the years that you’ll be using your dental implant.
How do you get dental implants?
Getting dental implants does require oral surgery. Basically, an oral surgeon will make a small incision in your jawbone and carefully place your dental implant beneath the gum line. Then the implant, which resembles a very small screw with a hole on the top, is permanently screwed into the jaw. Don’t worry, you’ll be taken care of by your dentist with local anesthesia, sedatives, and have plenty of helpful pain medications to assist you through the healing process.
How long does the entire process take?
Traditional implant procedures require a period of healing after each placement. This time is used to ensure the implant is fully fused to the jaw bone.
However, there are a variety of factors that could affect the length of time osseointegration requires, such as:
- A patient’s health
- A patient’s jawbone density
- Whether a patient uses tobacco or other substances.
Are you a suitable candidate for dental implants?
Jawbone deterioration plays a big part in our dental health and play a part in being eligible for dental implants. Your dentist will have to examine your jawbone’s density to determine whether dental implants are right for you at the time. If not, there are procedures that your dentist can go over with you to prepare you for implant placement.
In the meantime, you should ask yourself these questions before moving forward with a dental implant procedure:
- Do I have pink, healthy gums?
- Do I honestly practice good oral hygiene?
- Am I a non-smoker? Or am I willing to stop smoking to get my dental implants?
- Am I committed to the time it takes to heal during the implant process?
- Do I have any auto-immune disorders or existing medical conditions?
Do you still have more questions about dental implants? Feel free to contact us about replacing your teeth and schedule a consultation with your dentist.
Meet Dr. Michalski
Dr. Michalski combines exceptional education and extensive clinical experience to revive patient’s smiles. He has been practicing since 2001 and spends countless hours in continuing his education to stay at the forefront of modern dentistry, increasing our patient’s chances of experiencing successful dental implant placement significantly! Do you need to reach Dr. Michalski? Give our office a call by dialing (860) 357-5163.