Categories: Dental Implants

What to Ask Your Dentist About Dental Implants

For people with gaps in their mouth due to missing teeth, dental implants can be a great replacement method. Implants provide a wide variety of benefits, and they last a long time. However, the procedure is more invasive than others, and it is not a good option for every patient. When considering them as a replacement option, make sure your dentist can answer all of your questions.

Questions to ask about dental implants

If you are new to the world of implants, you may not even know where to begin. These are some of the common questions people have about dental implants.

What are the benefits of implants over other replacement methods?

Because of how they are attached to the jawbone, implants are extremely stable, which allows the wearer to eat and speak normally. They look like natural teeth and are extremely durable. They also are permanently affixed, so not only do they never have to be taken out, but they will not slip around.

One of the big benefits is that they help preserve the bone and prevent further loss. When teeth are missing for long periods of time, the jawbone does not get the same biting force, and this causes it to lose density. Over time, there is bone loss, and this begins to affect the other teeth, causing them to move or loosen. Decreased bone density also affects the facial structures, which can cause sagging of the skin and a hallowed look. Implants prevent this.  

Can anyone get dental implants?

Not everyone is a good candidate for implants. First, the person needs to have adequate jawbone structure and density so the implants have a foundation to affix to. Second, the person should have good habits, such as not smoking and having good oral hygiene. Third, the individual should not have any medical condition that interferes with blood clotting or healing ability. 

How long does it take to get implants?

The dental implant process is not quick. The average time for completion ranges from six to 12 months. However, if the patient needs a tooth extraction or bone graft, this time will be longer. The total time also depends on how quickly the tissues heal.

What is the dental implants process?

Initially, the implants, which are titanium rods, are inserted into the jawbone. This needs time for the bone and rods to integrate and for the gums to heal. Next, an abutment, or connector, is screwed into the top of each implant, and the area needs to heal. Then a temporary crown is placed on each abutment. Once the permanent crowns have been made, they are attached to form the permanent teeth.

Can someone get implants if they do not have adequate bone density?

Although a good candidate needs to have enough jawbone to be able to hold the titanium rods, a person with inadequate bone density may still be able to get implants. If the patient meets the other requirements, he or she may be eligible for a bone graft. For this procedure, the dentist uses synthetic material or bone from somewhere else in the body. This is then affixed to the bone of the jaw and allowed to grow and strengthen with it. 

What does the healing process require?

After each surgical step, the gums need to heal. They may have some discomfort and tenderness, so the dentist may recommend over-the-counter pain meds. There will also be specific eating instructions for the first week or two, and this often includes soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies, and soups.

There is no healing time required after the final placing of the permanent crowns. However, the dentist may have some cleaning and care instructions as well as tips on how to get used to them if the patient has lived with a mouth void of teeth for a while.

How long do implants last?

Because of their stability and quality of materials, implants can last a long time. With proper care and hygiene, most dental implants can last a lifetime.

Are implants easy to care for?

Implants are cared for just like regular teeth. They can be flossed and brushed like normal. They should also be professionally cleaned and examined twice a year by a dentist.

Conclusion

Getting dental implants can make a big difference in one's appearance and confidence. They are a good option for many people who need to replace missing teeth. However, it is important to know what getting them entails.

Request an appointment here: https://www.diamondheaddentalcare.com or call Diamond Head Dental Care at (808) 450-2101 for an appointment in our Honolulu office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Implants in Honolulu, HI.

Recent Posts

Foods You Should Avoid With Dental Implants

Missing teeth can significantly affect how you speak, eat, and feel about yourself. Fortunately, dental implants can help restore you and your mouth to a more natural look and function. Dentists use implants to replace one or more lost teeth. They also sometimes serve as foundations for bridges and dentures. Implants mainly permit you to…

Eight Things To Ask About Dental Implants

Dental Implants are metal rods or screws (typically titanium) that are inserted into gum tissues as a general dentistry procedure. They are combined with restorations like crowns, dentures, and bridges to replace missing teeth.Implants help ward off the bone tissue loss that people with missing teeth can find themselves dealing with. The implant transfers bite…

Smile Confidently With Dental Implants

Dental implant surgery can bring back your stunning smile. Tooth loss makes eating, speaking, and even smiling difficult. It affects a person’s self-esteem. Getting implants can make you feel good about yourself again. Here are the details on how a dental implant can help you smile confidently again.People who use removable restorations often complain about…

What To Ask Your Dentist About Dental Implants

Dental implants are a popular choice for patients wanting to replace missing teeth. Formerly, partial dentures and dental bridges were the go-to treatments. However, implants have many advantages. They are more stable than removable dentures and typically last longer than bridges. Using this prosthesis, a dentist can replace a single missing tooth without disturbing any…

Dr. David Matto

Share
Published by
Dr. David Matto

Recent Posts

Cosmetic Dentist Can Give You a Smile Makeover

Being unhappy with your smile can impact how you view yourself and socialize. Cosmetic dentists…

3 days ago

Consult a Cosmetic Dentist About Veneers

Dental veneers from a cosmetic dentist help patients achieve a more uniform smile. These wafer-thin…

2 weeks ago

Natural Toothache Remedies

Many people use this method first as a way to treat toothache.

2 weeks ago

Cosmetic Dentist Uses Dental Bonding to Reshape Teeth

Your cosmetic dentist can reshape your teeth to improve your dental health and appearance. This…

3 weeks ago

Foods You Should Avoid With Dental Implants

Missing teeth can significantly affect how you speak, eat, and feel about yourself. Fortunately, dental…

3 weeks ago

Enhancing Your Smile With a Cosmetic Dentist

A cosmetic dentist can help correct tooth imperfections and enhance a smile's appearance. From whiter…

4 weeks ago