A dental implant is a popular restoration option among patients due to its natural feel, function, and appearance. Continue reading to learn more about dental implants. These are some questions to ask your dentist about dental implants in order to better understand how this treatment option can benefit you.
No one should have to live with missing teeth that cause oral health, functional, or cosmetic concerns. Fortunately, patients now have more options to restore their smile after tooth loss. Here are some questions to ask a dentist about dental implants and the treatment process.
It helps to start with a basic understanding of what dental implants are and what purpose they serve. This information helps patients make a better choice as to whether it is the most appropriate solution for them. Dental implants are a form of tooth replacement involving a titanium post (known as the implant) that is surgically placed into the jawbone to support a prosthesis, such as:
After the implant grafts to the bone, the dentist connects a structure — an abutment — to the implant and then attaches the chosen prosthesis. The benefit of the implant is that the materials do not decay in the mouth as regular dental bridges could. In addition, unlike dentures or fixed bridges, implants do not slip, make noise, or damage bone.
The dental implant process involves several steps and can take more than six months to complete fully. First, patients that have experienced bone loss in the jaw typically require a bone graft procedure. This procedure grafts natural bone (or synthetic material) to the area where the bone loss occurred, which allows for added support for each implant. The implant placement is next. This procedure requires minor surgery. Once the mouth heals and the implants go through osseointegration (fusion with the jawbone), a follow-up procedure is scheduled to place the abutment and the replacement teeth.
Dental implants are ideal for anyone with a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth who want a permanent and non-removable solution that looks, feels, and functions similarly to natural teeth. However, patients that choose dental implants over alternative solutions can expect a longer treatment process that involves a more invasive placement procedure. While serious complications are relatively rare, the patient must be willing and able to undergo a more extensive treatment process. Other prime candidates for dental implants include those who:
Due to the long implant process, recovery occurs in several steps that may require more than one healing stage. It often depends on the patient's overall health, how many implants the patient needs, and other factors. However, the general implant healing process can take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks.
Immediately following dental implant surgery, an individual should only consume soft foods and liquids, such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, smooth soups, and milkshakes. After three days, the patient can move to soft foods that require little to no chewing, such as macaroni and cheese, soft sandwiches, and scrambled eggs. Avoid crunchy or hard-to-chew foods like pizza, popcorn, burgers, and acidic or spicy foods for up to a week after dental implant surgery. Most patients can resume their regular diet after seven days.
Dental implants can last a lifetime, and most patients find that their implants last for more than 15 years. However, this refers to the titanium post. The replacement teeth (crown, bridge, or complete denture) may need a replacement every 10 to 15 years, depending on how well the patient takes care of them. To ensure both the implants and the prosthesis last for as long as possible, patients should brush and floss several times a day, limit foods and drinks that could contribute to gum disease, and visit the dentist for regular cleanings.
Our team helps patients through the dental implant process, from the consultation visit to providing aftercare services once treatment is complete. Contact our team today to schedule your first visit if you still have questions or would like to begin your dental implant journey.
Request an appointment here:https://www.soflodentistinplantation.comor call Gorfinkel Dentistry at (954) 231-5007 for an appointment in our Plantation office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Implants in Plantation, FL.
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…
Dental implants are not susceptible to the decay that afflicts natural teeth, but still require adequate cleaning to remove plaque that can stick to them and infect the surrounding tissue. Periodontal disease can destabilize the jawbone, and consequently the implant. Although a dental hygienist can clean the implant's abutment and the crown, the patient must…
Deciding between dental implants and other tooth restoration options can be difficult when you consider cost, functionality, and aesthetics. While implants often win over the alternatives in both performance, durability, and looks, a higher price point may steer people in the other direction. When considering what is available to restore lost teeth, it helps to…
Patients may feel overwhelmed when a dentist suggests dental implants. The process can sound intimidating, but fortunately the practice of providing patients with a brand-new smile has been studied, modernized, and improved over the past several decades. Not only can patients feel confident smiling frequently in public again, but their oral health and daily function…
Worried about tooth extractions? Read on to learn more about this procedure and its aftermath.…
Gum disease treatment is necessary for patients whose tooth decay has progressed enough to cause…
Tooth extraction, whether by professional intervention or through trauma, needs to be replaced as soon…
Aligners can effectively treat misalignments, crowded teeth, gaps in the mouth, and minor bite issues.
If you recently found out that you need to undergo a root canal treatment, you…
You may need a dental crown, but it all depends on your root canal treatment.…
