If your dentist has recommended replacing your missing teeth using dental implants, you may have many questions about the process and if you will need to do anything different once you have your new implants. Our Langley dentists are here to share a list of the most common questions that patients ask about having dental implants.
1. What Are Dental Implants?
Your dental implant's artificial titanium screw and restoration (replacement tooth, denture, or bridge) are intended to replace a missing tooth. It must appear and feel identical to a natural tooth.
2. What Are The Benefits of Dental Implants?
If missing teeth are not replaced, the teeth around them may shift out of place, causing more serious dental issues. Dental implants may be able to do the following:
- Help you eat and speak more easily
- Prevent surrounding teeth from shifting
- Improve or restore tissues in the face
You should be able to improve your functionality, appearance, and comfort with dental implants. In addition, once you have recovered from the procedure, you will have greater confidence in your smile and will no longer be limited in your food options.
3. Are There Any Safety Concerns With Dental Implants?
Dental implant procedures are usually one of the safest surgeries in dentistry. It is also the only restoration treatment that promotes natural bone growth beneath a missing tooth.
4. Is The Process Of Dental Implants Painful?
The dental implant process usually takes a few visits over several months and is performed by a dentist or periodontist.
During your first appointment, impressions (moulds) and X-Rays of the jaw and teeth will be taken to determine how much gum tissue, bone and spacing are available for a dental implant.
While your implant is surgically placed into the bone, the surrounding area will be anesthetized. The area must then heal and integrate with the bone, a process that can take up to six months. Depending on the type of implant, a second surgery may be necessary to insert the "post" that will hold the prosthetic tooth in place.
Artificial teeth will be made to fit your mouth several weeks later. Because several fittings may be required, this step could take up to two months to complete. The dentist will attach the artificial teeth to the implant after another period of healing, providing stability and comfort.
5. What Is The Recovery Time After Dental Implant Surgery?
Depending on your circumstances, such as whether you have any pre-existing conditions or require special procedures prior to the dental implant surgery, it can take anywhere from 2 to 9 months for a dental implant to heal. For the implant to remain in place, the bone surrounding it must recover.
6. What Are The Costs Associated With Dental Implants?
A number of variables affect the price of your dental implant, including whether or not your insurance will cover the surgery and implant in full or in part. There are health plans that cover the total cost of implants. Your dentist can provide you with a treatment plan that includes a cost estimate, a scheduled appointment, and follow-up appointments. Inquire about the implant type used and the reasons why it's the optimal option for you.
7. How Long Can I expect Dental Implants To Last?
Dental implants can last a lifetime if properly cared for. Dental implants of all kinds are improving. At the moment, there is no time limit on the lifespan of cylindrical dental implant systems.
Speak With Your Dentist About Dental Implants Today
There is much to learn about dental implants, and depending on your circumstances, you may have further inquiries. Our Langley dentists can respond to any questions you may have about dental implants.