You’ve heard of dental implants, but you still have a lot of questions, right? Today, the Campbell Dental Group team tackles eleven of the most common questions people have about dental implants and dental implant surgery. Take a look and then give us a call to schedule your next consultation in Tucson.
man with missing teeth
1) What is Dental Implant Surgery?
Dental implant surgery is a common option for replacing missing teeth. Unlike removable dentures that rest on the gum line, dental implants are a long-term treatment that is surgically implanted into the jaw. These implanted, artificial teeth look like real teeth and have the same functionality as well. They are a more permanent solution to ordinary dentures and bridgework.
2) What are the benefits of Dental Implant Surgery?
Among the many advantages to getting dental implants are:
Improved appearance. Dental implants look and feel more natural than dentures. Because they fuse with your jawbone, they become permanent. Eventually, you won’t even notice them.
Improved speech. Dentures can slip in your mouth, become loose, and make talking clearly very difficult. Dental implants, on the other hand, replace your teeth without requiring any sort of daily adjustments.
Improved comfort. Once you’re used to the feel of your new dental implants, they are naturally a part of you!
Easier eating. No more having to worry about not being able to eat your favorite foods! Since dental implants are fused into your jaw, they work just like regular teeth.
Working teeth are not affected. With a tooth-supported bridge, nearby healthy teeth have to be reduced to support your replacements. However, dental implants do not affect working teeth, improving your overall oral health. Plus, it’s easier to brush between individual implanted teeth.
They will last a long time. With good care, these durable implants can last a lifetime.
3) What happens during the procedure?
Dental implants are implanted into the jawbone where they replace the roots of the teeth that are missing. The implants contain titanium that, when implanted into the jaw, fuses with the jawbone. Once fusion occurs, the dental implants hold firmly in place, they do not slip or make noise. There are different types of dental implants available and the way that dental implant surgery is performed will depend on the type of implant that is chosen as well as the condition of the jaw.
4) Who should get dental implants?
Dental implants are not for everyone, but certain conditions and circumstances may make dental implants the better option:
Having more than one missing tooth
Having a jawbone that has reached full growth
Having ample amounts of bone to secure the implant
Having healthy oral tissues
Being unwilling or unable to wear dentures
Do you fit any of these conditions? Give us a call today to learn more about affordable dental implant options with Campbell Dental Group in Tucson.
5) Are dental implants safe though?
Yes! Unlike traditional dentures and bridgework, dental implants do not cause any damage to the bone. Additionally, all of the material used for dental implants are safe and do not cause any decay. Still, individuals with certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, should check with their health care provider prior to having dental implant surgery. Fortunately, most individuals with these conditions will receive the green light for the procedure, as long as certain precautions are met. Dental implant surgery is not recommended for children as their jaws have not yet reached full growth.
6) What are the risks associated with Dental Implant Surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, there are some health risks associated with dental implant surgery. Complications are relatively rare and when they do occur they are generally mild, requiring minimal treatment. Possible health risks associated with dental implant surgery include:
Infection occurring at the implant site
Damage to surrounding teeth or blood vessels
Nerve damage
Pain
Numbness
Tingling
Sinus problems
7) I’ve heard the procedure can take several months to complete. Is that true?
Dental implant surgery is performed in several stages, with the entire process lasting anywhere from 3 to 9 months. Much of this time includes time off for healing and the growth of new jaw bone.
• The first surgery involves the placement of the dental implant cylinder into the jawbone. A rest period of a few months follows.
• The next surgery involves the placement of the abutment and the new artificial tooth. Another healing period then follows.
• Some individuals will require a bone graft surgery prior to having dental implant surgery. This is common in individuals who have a jawbone that is too soft or is not thick enough to sustain the implant. During a bone graft, a piece of bone is taken from a different part of the jaw or another part of the body and is transplanted to the jawbone.
Still sound like a good option for you? Click here to see why Campbell Dental Group patients are some of the happiest patients in town!
8) That sounds pretty intense. Would I have to stay overnight in the hospital?
You’re in luck! Dental implant surgery is generally performed as an outpatient procedure. It is performed in a dental office or in a hospital, with no overnight stay required.
9) What are the side effects that come along with Dental Implant Surgery?
Minor side effects of dental implant surgery include:
Swelling of the gums
Swelling of the face
Pain at implant site
Bleeding
These side effects are relatively mild and often improve shortly. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or pain medications. You will be instructed to eat only soft foods for up to one week. Self-dissolving stitches are typically used.
10) Does Dental Implant Surgery always work?
Unfortunately, dental implant surgery is not always successful. If the bone does not fuse to the implant, it will have to be removed and the procedure can be repeated. Still, this is incredibly rare. Maintaining good oral hygiene after dental implant surgery can help decrease the risk of complications and problems that may arise with dental implants.
11) I’m interested in dental implant surgery! What’s the next step?
A comprehensive dental exam and evaluation is required before the procedure can take place. This will include dental x-rays and taking a mold of the mouth to make a model of the mouth. A variety of specialists, including oral and maxillofacial surgeons, periodontists and doctors will help to create your personal treatment plan.
Prior to the surgery, you will have the chance to discuss with your doctor the different anesthesia options available. You will have a choice of local, general or sedation anesthesia. Together with your dental specialist and health care team you can determine which option is the best choice for you.
It’s helpful to know that dental implants don’t have to be adjusted and can last a full lifetime if you take care of them. One of my teeth was damaged during an accident recently and I’m worried that it will need to be removed. Maybe I should ask about whether a dental implant could be a viable replacement for my situation.