Dental Implant FAQ Dental implants have become one of the most effective solutions for dealing with tooth loss and mitigating the effects associated with missing teeth. Despite the numerous advantages that the procedure provides, there are many questions about dental implants which require one to consult a dentist. Depending on the state of an individual’s dental structure, Raptou Family Dental’s professional team ensures that you have all of the pertinent information before having the procedure done. Different patients have specific concerns regarding dental implants, and our dental practitioners are ready to offer patients the relevant information they need.What Are Dental Implants?Dental implants are a form of restoration done for people with missing teeth by replacing them with a titanium post or implant. Dental implants can help improve the function and aesthetics of your smile. Once your implant is in place, your new restoration will look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth. The implants and titanium used as replacements offer the same support as natural teeth since they are carefully drilled into the bone for seamless infusion with the jaw. Aside from preventing loss of bone mass, implants form the basis for dentures and bridges. In addition, abutments are used to secure crowns on the implant screw for an enhanced oral function and ensure you have an appealing smile. What Are the Components of an Implant-Supported Restoration?Implant-supported restorations generally consist of three parts:
How Long Does the Dental Implant Procedure Take?The duration of the procedure varies from one patient to the other since there are factors that we assess to determine the period of the entire process. These factors include oral health and jawbone mass which are vital for a successful dental implant installment and recovery. In addition, the duration of a patient to heal determines how soon the crown will be placed since premature crown placement can result in infections and other related complications. However, patients who usually take more than a few weeks or months to recover from an implant placement procedure are likely to suffer from conditions such as tooth loss from trauma, infections, or need a bone graft. How Painful is the Dental Implant Procedure?Sedation is an effective solution that dentists use to ensure that the patient is relaxed throughout the procedure and to relieve any pain that results from the process. With the availability of different forms of sedation, the dentist can recommend the most appropriate form depending on how extensive the reconstruction is. Once you undergo the implant installation under sedation, you are guaranteed a smooth and painless procedure. In addition, the dentist can prescribe sedatives to help you manage the slight discomfort and pain that you may experience after the procedure. What Does the Healing Process Look Like?After your implant surgery, be sure to follow our detailed set of post-operative instructions. Taking the proper precautions can minimize your risk of developing complications, ensure the success of your implant, and reduce the length of your healing process. For the first 48-72 hours, a minor amount of bleeding, swelling, and discomfort is completely normal. Over the next week or so, these issues should slowly dissipate. If they seem to worsen instead, please call us as soon as possible. While the healing process is relatively brief, we cannot place your final restoration until osseointegration is complete. Proper integration can take anywhere from four months to over a year, depending on the number of implants you receive. In the meantime, we may give you a temporary appliance to protect the surgical site and restore your ability to chew and speak properly. Once we determine that your implant is secure, we can install your final restoration. Dental implants have an extremely high success rate, roughly 95%. This success largely stems from a process known as osseointegration. During osseointegration, the implant post, and the supportive bone fuse together to form a bond capable of supporting a restoration against the strongest forces of your bite. How Do I Care for My Dental Implant?One of the biggest benefits of dental implants is the convenience of their care and maintenance. Most implant-supported restorations can be treated just like natural teeth, with regular brushing and flossing. Routine exams and professional cleanings are also an important part of maintenance. Your restoration will likely be made from porcelain or zirconia. These durable, aesthetically-pleasing ceramic compounds can be shaped and textured to look and feel just like natural teeth. They even possess the same light-reflective properties as natural enamel. To maximize the longevity and durability of your restoration, be sure to implement a strong oral hygiene regimen. With the proper care, your implant-supported restoration could even last a lifetime! Why Are Dental Implants Better Than Other Tooth Replacement Options?After losing teeth, the dentist will usually provide you with a range of replacement solutions, including permanent and temporary solutions. However, there are several reasons why dental implants are preferred over other tooth replacement options. Implants are identical to natural teeth in terms of shade, size, and shape, making them perfect as a cosmetic solution that enhances a person’s aesthetics. Unlike dentures that can be removed, implants are permanent and allow you to perform regular tasks with the mouth, such as eating, talking, smiling, and drinking with ease. Dental implants also enhance a patient’s oral health by providing more reach during brushing and flossing, ensuring that the remaining teeth are not affected. It is vital to consult the professionals at Raptou Family Dental before having the installment process done to ensure that you satisfy all of the requirements for a successful dental implant procedure. If you have any questions regarding dental implants, contact our professionals at (614) 427-0449 to schedule a consultation appointment. |
