20 Top Dental Implant Questions And Answers

You are probably well aware of what dental implants are, but do you know all you need to know about them? You very likely have a few questions related to this false teeth option.

In this article, we will list several of the most frequently asked questions about dental implants and their answers.

Common Dental Implant Questions And Answers

What Are Dental Implants Made Of?

This is probably the most common of the dental implants questions asked. A dental implant is a prosthesis that replaces missing teeth. It is not an actual tooth but a small titanium fixture inserted into your jawbone by your dental professional. The fixture permits the attachment of a single crown, fixed bridge, partial denture, or full denture.

How Long Is The Dental Implant Procedure?

The length of time for the actual dental implant procedure is impacted by several different factors. They include your dental health, which teeth are being replaced with implants, the number of teeth being replaced, and whether or not tooth extraction is required before the implant is installed. There are two phases connected to the implant procedure and the full process can take between three and nine months to complete.

What Are The Two Phases Of Dental Implant Surgery?

The first phase is when the titanium post is inserted into the jawbone. This typically takes a few months to heal. The second phase is when the artificial tooth and abutment are attached. Another healing period of a few months will follow.

How Common Are Dental Implants?

This is another of the frequent dental implant questions and answers. Dental implants are as common as tooth loss. They have become a reliable means to replace missing teeth.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants that are well cared for can last the lifetime for the patient. Plus, dental implants usually outlast most other dental restorations.

What Does A Dental Implant Look Like?

The implant itself is a tiny titanium post that is embedded into the jawline. If just a single tooth is attached to that post, it will look much like a natural tooth. If a crown, partial or full denture is attached to that post, they all will appear natural, and most people will not even notice that you have false teeth or implants.

Are Dental Implants Removable?

Dental implants are fixed directly into the jawbone. This means they cannot be removed.

Is There A Need For A Bone Graft For Dental Implant Surgery?

Some individuals require a bone graft before dental implant surgery. This is strictly for patients with either too soft a jawbone or one that is not thick enough to properly hold the implant.

How Long Will You Stay In Hospital Following Dental Implant Surgery?

Dental implant surgery is often an outpatient procedure that is performed in either your dentist’s office or a hospital. You should be back home shortly after the procedure is completed.

Are There Any Side Effects Related To Dental Implant Surgery?

There are a few possible side effects associated with dental implant surgery. They include swelling of the gums or face, pain at the site of the implant, and bleeding. As these side effects are considered minor related to the procedure, antibiotics and a diet of soft food for a few days are common remedies.

How Many Dental Implants Can You Have?

You can have quite a few dental implants to replace missing teeth. Typically, for several missing teeth, partial or full dentures are used instead of individual teeth.

Where Do You Get Dental Implants?

Your dental professional is the source of dental implants. You may have the procedure in your dentist’s office or a hospital.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Dental implants replace missing natural teeth. They permit you to smile, speak well, eat properly, and experience all the benefits of having all of your teeth, even if some of them are false.

Can Everyone Have Dental Implant Surgery?

Several factors determine eligibility for dental implants. They include missing more than a single tooth, that your jawbone is fully grown, that there is enough bone to secure the implant, that you have healthy oral tissue, and that you have difficulty wearing dentures.

What Happens When A Dental Implant Fails?

Dental implant surgery does not always end successfully. For example, if the implant does not fuse properly to the jawbone it has to be removed. The procedure can be repeated but this is not common.

Can A Failed Dental Implant Be Saved?

When an implant fails to fuse properly to the jawbone, it may require a bone graft to increase the volume of bone. Attempting to install an implant a second time is not common but does happen in certain cases.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

Asa a general guide, the cost to place a dental implant can be between $2,000 and $2,500. That cost increases to between $4,500 and $6,000 when all other processes of the procedure are factored in. This includes x-rays, sedation, abutment, placement guide, a temporary restoration, and the installation of a permanent crown.

Why Are Dental Implants So Expensive?

The cost of dental implants is directly related to the level of expertise in training the person performing the surgery must have.

What Can’t You Do After Dental Implant Surgery?

You should not drink with a straw as that increases the pressure in your mouth and could dislodge the blood clot that has closed the wound resulting in more bleeding and a delay in healing. You should also refrain from smoking as this causes gum disease and recession which will impact the implant site. Finally, you should not apply heat to your face as it could increase swelling unless your dentist has instructed you to do so.

Is Dental Implant Surgery Painful?

Pain levels differ from one individual to the next but typically, those who have had dental implant surgery state that the pain was less than they had expected. You will be given an anesthetic by the dentist which will keep pain at a minimum during the procedure, and advised on the best course of action to minimize pain after the procedure.

Conclusion

Dental implants offer many benefits but are not always the best solution. If you are contemplating implants to address your specific dental issues, talk it over with your dentist who may have a better option worth considering.

If you have any further questions to ask about dental implants, be sure to discuss any dental implant questions and answers with your dentist.