Frequently Asked Questions
Many people suffer from dental problems across the world. Advances in technologies are helping people restore their smile through artificial means, including dental implants, dentures and other dental appliances. Implants are titanium posts or screws replacing lost teeth in your jaw bone. It may take up to six months for the area to heal and the implants to be ready for tightening. Crowns are placed over the fixed implants and fitted perfectly to regain your lost smile.
1. What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth. The actual implant is a small metallic cylinder, or screw, that substitutes for the natural tooth root. Inserted surgically into the jawbone, it provides a stable base upon which a cap, bridge or denture can be anchored. But unlike dentures, dental implants may be fixed, feeling and acting more like your own natural teeth.
2. What is the advantage of an implant?
People who have lost one, several or all of their teeth may be candidates for an implant procedure, eliminating the need for partial dentures, removable dentures or fixed bridges. Dental implants allow your artificial teeth, dentures or bridge to be firmly attached to them, creating stability and security for you. Many people with dental implants say they feel as if they still have their natural teeth. Implants can also provide improved speaking and chewing ability, elimination of pain and, in some cases, enhanced appearance.
3. Are dental implants for me?
Chances are, you are a candidate for implants. To find out for sure, however, you will need to make a consultation appointment so your teeth and mouth can be examined and your condition evaluated. As part of the evaluation process, different types of x-rays will be require in order to ascertain bone quality and quantity.
4. What is the procedure like?
The implant process is usually a two-step program.
The first step is a surgical procedure to place the implant into your jaw. This process may be carried out in a dental office setting or sometimes at an ambulatory surgical center or hospital. Click here to see a series of photos detailing this step of the process.
The second step of the procedure takes place three to four months after the implant is put into place. By this time, the bone has grown around the implant so as to hold it in place. This procedure involves removing the gum tissue which covers the implant and then placing a post into the implant. The post will be used to attach the cap, bridge or denture to the implant.
Shortly after the second procedure, the artificial teeth are made (caps, fixed bridges or dentures). They are custom designed to your mouth’s exact shape and size, ensuring comfort and effectiveness. While the artificial teeth are being made, you can usually continue to wear an existing bridge or denture.
5. Why should I choose implants instead of regular dentures?
Dentures are fine replacements for lost teeth but you may have to deal with a few disadvantages. They may wear and need replacement after a few years. Embarrassing situations may arise with loose dentures: clicking sounds, falling out, and similar problems. On the other hand, implants are safe and stay for longer periods. They also look more natural.
6. Who can place the implants safely?
The shape of your face will change if you have lost many teeth. Therefore, many people prefer dental implants as a permanent way to restore their teeth and improve appearance. First, you need to get examined by a cosmetic dentist who may recommend placing implants. It may take up to six months for replacing your lost teeth with implants. They may take x-rays before recommending this option.
7. Is the process for replacing lost teeth painful?
Implant dentists typically apply anesthetics before any form of dental surgery, including placement of implants. They may also prescribe painkillers after the surgery to prevent distress.
8. How frequently should I see a dentist for proper maintenance of implants?
You are advised to properly floss and brush your teeth with a soft and sensitive toothbrush without applying too much force. See a dentist every four months for oral cleaning. Properly cleaned teeth and implants may last a lot longer.
9. Who cannot undergo implants treatment?
People undergoing chemotherapy may not be candidates for implants. People suffering from blood disorders, thyroid ailments, bone marrow cancer, or rare bone disorders are not ideal candidates for implants.What are the benefits of implants?
Some benefits of getting implants may include preventing damage to adjacent healthy teeth, no need for glue to fix the implants, fit perfectly, restores original smile through preserving facial structure and bone.
10. Are there any age limitations for dental implants?
No. Any person at any age can have dental implants as long as there is enough bone available in which to place the implants.
11. When can I return to work after implant surgery?
You can go to work the next day, unless some particular surgical circumstance arises. Your implant dentist will discuss all postoperative instructions with you.
12. What are the advantages of dental implants compared to bridges or dentures?
Dental implants are stronger and more dependable than conventional bridges cemented to natural teeth, or traditional partial or full removable dentures. However, dental implants may be used to support a bridge or dentures when multiple teeth are missing to provide better support and stability, help maintain the jaw bone, and reduce gum tissue irritation.
13. How Do I Choose Good Dentists for Implant Procedures?
Visit a dental clinic in your area with highly trained and experienced implant dentists for the procedure. Cosmetic dentists experienced with many similar procedures using state of the art technology in their dental clinics are a good option. Choose a clinic accepting payments from insurers. Do some online research to find a dentist offering your requirements. You can also seek the help of friends who may refer a good cosmetic dentist.
Many people suffer from dental problems across the world. Advances in technologies are helping people restore their smile through artificial means, including dental implants, dentures and other dental appliances. Implants are titanium posts or screws replacing lost teeth in your jaw bone. It may take up to six months for the area to heal and the implants to be ready for tightening. Crowns are placed over the fixed implants and fitted perfectly to regain your lost smile.
1. What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth. The actual implant is a small metallic cylinder, or screw, that substitutes for the natural tooth root. Inserted surgically into the jawbone, it provides a stable base upon which a cap, bridge or denture can be anchored. But unlike dentures, dental implants may be fixed, feeling and acting more like your own natural teeth.
2. What is the advantage of an implant?
People who have lost one, several or all of their teeth may be candidates for an implant procedure, eliminating the need for partial dentures, removable dentures or fixed bridges. Dental implants allow your artificial teeth, dentures or bridge to be firmly attached to them, creating stability and security for you. Many people with dental implants say they feel as if they still have their natural teeth. Implants can also provide improved speaking and chewing ability, elimination of pain and, in some cases, enhanced appearance.
3. Are dental implants for me?
Chances are, you are a candidate for implants. To find out for sure, however, you will need to make a consultation appointment so your teeth and mouth can be examined and your condition evaluated. As part of the evaluation process, different types of x-rays will be require in order to ascertain bone quality and quantity.
4. What is the procedure like?
The implant process is usually a two-step program.
The first step is a surgical procedure to place the implant into your jaw. This process may be carried out in a dental office setting or sometimes at an ambulatory surgical center or hospital. Click here to see a series of photos detailing this step of the process.
The second step of the procedure takes place three to four months after the implant is put into place. By this time, the bone has grown around the implant so as to hold it in place. This procedure involves removing the gum tissue which covers the implant and then placing a post into the implant. The post will be used to attach the cap, bridge or denture to the implant.
Shortly after the second procedure, the artificial teeth are made (caps, fixed bridges or dentures). They are custom designed to your mouth’s exact shape and size, ensuring comfort and effectiveness. While the artificial teeth are being made, you can usually continue to wear an existing bridge or denture.
5. Why should I choose implants instead of regular dentures?
Dentures are fine replacements for lost teeth but you may have to deal with a few disadvantages. They may wear and need replacement after a few years. Embarrassing situations may arise with loose dentures: clicking sounds, falling out, and similar problems. On the other hand, implants are safe and stay for longer periods. They also look more natural.
6. Who can place the implants safely?
The shape of your face will change if you have lost many teeth. Therefore, many people prefer dental implants as a permanent way to restore their teeth and improve appearance. First, you need to get examined by a cosmetic dentist who may recommend placing implants. It may take up to six months for replacing your lost teeth with implants. They may take x-rays before recommending this option.
7. Is the process for replacing lost teeth painful?
Implant dentists typically apply anesthetics before any form of dental surgery, including placement of implants. They may also prescribe painkillers after the surgery to prevent distress.
8. How frequently should I see a dentist for proper maintenance of implants?
You are advised to properly floss and brush your teeth with a soft and sensitive toothbrush without applying too much force. See a dentist every four months for oral cleaning. Properly cleaned teeth and implants may last a lot longer.
9. Who cannot undergo implants treatment?
People undergoing chemotherapy may not be candidates for implants. People suffering from blood disorders, thyroid ailments, bone marrow cancer, or rare bone disorders are not ideal candidates for implants.What are the benefits of implants?
Some benefits of getting implants may include preventing damage to adjacent healthy teeth, no need for glue to fix the implants, fit perfectly, restores original smile through preserving facial structure and bone.
10. Are there any age limitations for dental implants?
No. Any person at any age can have dental implants as long as there is enough bone available in which to place the implants.
11. When can I return to work after implant surgery?
You can go to work the next day, unless some particular surgical circumstance arises. Your implant dentist will discuss all postoperative instructions with you.
12. What are the advantages of dental implants compared to bridges or dentures?
Dental implants are stronger and more dependable than conventional bridges cemented to natural teeth, or traditional partial or full removable dentures. However, dental implants may be used to support a bridge or dentures when multiple teeth are missing to provide better support and stability, help maintain the jaw bone, and reduce gum tissue irritation.
13. How Do I Choose Good Dentists for Implant Procedures?
Visit a dental clinic in your area with highly trained and experienced implant dentists for the procedure. Cosmetic dentists experienced with many similar procedures using state of the art technology in their dental clinics are a good option. Choose a clinic accepting payments from insurers. Do some online research to find a dentist offering your requirements. You can also seek the help of friends who may refer a good cosmetic dentist.