A lot of people interested in replacing teeth have questions about dental implant surgery. While it can certainly sound intimidating, our Grand Rapids, MI, dental implant dentists assure you that the process is straightforward, safe, and stress-free thanks to laughing gas or pill sedation.
To help you in your decision process, here’s a list of frequently asked questions from dental implant candidacy to advantages surrounding this popular tooth replacement option.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth root (typically made of titanium) used to anchor a crown. Since the single-tooth implant is embedded deep in your jawbone, it provides more stability than other traditional restorative solutions. Our local dental implant dentists may recommend this option to fill in a gap in your smile and prevent jawbone deterioration.
What Happens During the Dental Implant Process?
Before any procedure is scheduled, one of our dentists will meet with you for a dental implant consultation to determine if you’re a proper candidate. We’ll start by evaluating the current condition of your smile using dental X-rays and visual examinations. If you require the removal of a damaged tooth, extraction will occur prior to the placement of dental implants.
Tooth removal aside, we’ll make a small surgical incision and place the metal post into the jawbone at your first official visit. The area will be closed up and allowed to heal before continuing with the rest of the procedure. Over the course of a few months, the implant will naturally fuse with the bone and become secure.
In the subsequent appointment, our dentists will place an abutment (connector piece) over the post. A porcelain crown is then mounted on top after the gums have healed. We can prescribe pain medication as needed and regular checkup visits are mandatory to monitor your recovery.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Both single-tooth dental implants and All-on-4® implants provide more stability than other tooth replacement options because the posts are embedded deep in your jawbone. For this reason, many of our patients report having better confidence while they eat, talk, and smile.
Unlike dentures, dental implants from Precision Family Dental exert enough pressure on your jaw to keep bone tissue healthy. Your body is able to sense missing teeth. When this happens, your body starts to absorb minerals in your jawbone to use elsewhere. Tooth implants prevent jawbone deterioration, as well as facial collapse, so you can maintain good oral health and look years younger.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
To be a candidate for a , you’ll need healthy gum and jawbone tissue. However, our dentists may recommend a bone graft if you don’t have sufficient jawbone tissue to support implants.
During your consultation inside our Grand Rapids, MI, dental office, we can help you understand your options for replacing missing teeth and smiling with confidence again.
Aren’t sure if you want dental implants? Ask our dentists about other tooth replacement options that we offer, such as dentures.
Can I Get More Than One Dental Implant?
Yes! In fact, many patients benefit greatly from replacing several teeth with dental implants. Unlike conventional dentures, dental implants don’t slip when you talk, eat, and smile. Many of our patients also appreciate that dental implants (and implant-supported dentures) look and feel like natural teeth.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants can last a lifetime if given proper care. This means that you must brush your teeth twice a day and floss once daily. We also recommend you see our dentists at least every 6 months for your teeth cleaning and oral examination. Dental implants last longer when the rest of the mouth is healthy.
How Do I Get Started?
The first step is to make an appointment with one of our dentists to allow for further discussion. During your one-on-one visit, we can help you understand what to expect from the so you can feel prepared. We’re always happy to answer any questions you might have.
Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation
Our , are on a mission to educate eligible patients about the perks of this permanent smile restoration option. To learn more and request an appointment, call Precision Family Dental at (616) 207-1280.
This blog post has been updated.