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Dental Implant FAQs
Why should I consider getting dental implants?
If you are among the millions of Americans who are missing one or more teeth, then you should consider dental implants. Missing teeth can lead to an unattractive smile, embarrassment, difficulty eating and speaking, and even low self esteem. While traditional dentistry can replace missing teeth using bridges or removable dentures, these options are not always ideal. Bridges require shaving down your natural teeth on either side of the space in order to support the replacement tooth. Dentures are often unstable and uncomfortable and can lead to mouth sores and difficulty eating and speaking. Dental implants do not involve shaving down healthy teeth and eliminate the need for unstable dentures.
You should also consider dental implants to avoid bone loss. When teeth are missing from the mouth, the jawbone that once supported the teeth begins to shrink away in a process known as bone atrophy. Bone atrophy causes irreversible facial changes and makes wearing dentures that much more difficult.
Furthermore, once too much bone has atrophied, you will no longer be a candidate for future dental implants. It is important to consider dental implants while you still have enough healthy bone available to stabilize the implants.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
Dental implants are safe and effective and have given countless patients many amazing benefits. These include:
- having replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth
- avoiding bone loss and damage to surrounding healthy teeth
- the ability to smile again with confidence
- an improved appearance
- improved speech
- the ability to eat the foods you love and have better nutrition
- improved self-esteem
- an improved quality of life
Dental implants are also a great value for your investment. You will be getting a product that you will use 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year, probably for many, many years of your life.
How do I know if I am a candidate for dental implants?
Most likely, you are a candidate for dental implants. To find out for sure, however, you will need to have a consultation with an implant dentist.
During this consultation a clinical examination will be performed and xrays will be taken to determine if you have enough bone available to support dental implants. During the consultation the implant dentist will discuss your treatment options and will answer any questions you may have regarding dental implants.
What factors might prevent me from being a candidate for dental implants?
There are some medical conditions that might prevent a person from being a good candidate for dental implants.
These may include uncontrolled diabetes, uncontrolled high blood pressure, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, blood disorders, rare bone disorders, or bone marrow cancer. Some physical factors may include insufficient or poor quality bone, low sinuses, or the location of certain nerve bundles in the jaw.
Is there any age limitation for dental implants?
No. Any person at any age can have dental implants placed as long as they are in good health and have enough bone available to hold the implants.
How do I know how many implants I will need?
Every individual’s case is different, and there are many factors that determine how many implants need to be placed.
Your implant dentist will analyze how much bone is available and will determine how many implants are needed to provide you with stable, lasting implant restorations.
How long can dental implants last?
While dental implants are designed to be permanent, the long-term success of implants depends on multiple factors. First of all, success greatly depends upon the quality and quantity of bone available to support the implants. Adequate bone of excellent quality leads to a greater chance of long-term success.
Secondly, the experience and ability of the implant dentist is a factor. As with any surgical procedure, there is no substitute for the experience and individual talent of the surgeon.
Additionally, the quality of the restoration placed on top of the implants will play a large role in their long-term success. If the implant crowns or overdenture are incorrectly designed or poorly constructed, or if the biting forces are not properly balanced when the final implant restoration is placed, even the most ideal dental implants will have a compromised survival rate.
Finally, factors such as smoking cigarettes and lack of proper daily home care and professional cleanings and check-ups can compromise dental implants. However, if these factors are met, research has shown that dental implants can last for a patient’s lifetime.
How often will I need to have my dental implants checked?
The success of your implants will depend greatly on how well you maintain them.
Proper home care, including daily brushing and flossing, is absolutely necessary for long-term success. Your implants will also need to be professionally cleaned by a hygienist and examined by your implant dentist every three to four months.
Is dental implant surgery painful?
No. An effective local anesthetic is used during the surgery so that you do not have any discomfort during the placement of the implants. The mild discomfort you might experience following the surgery can be controlled with pain medications.
How can I learn more?
To find out more about dental implants, please call us at 201-447-9700 to schedule a complimentary consultation with an implantologist with over 37 years of experience placing and restoring dental implants.
