FAQs about Dental Implants

What is dental implant?

Dental implants are metal frames that are surgically placed into the jawbone beneath the gums. Once in position, they allow a dentist to mount replacement teeth or a bridge onto them. Dental implants interface with the jawbone to support other dental prostheses. Osteointegration forms the basis for modern dental implants.

How do dental implants work?

Dental implants provide a stable support for artificial teeth. They are firmly positioned in the jaw bone. If a denture or a bridge is mounted on an implant it’s not going to slip or shift in your oral cavity. This means you can speak and eat without worrying. There are two main types of dental implants. Endosteal implants are directly fitted into the jaw bone. Once the gum has healed a second surgery is performed to connect a post to the original implant. Finally, a dental prosthesis is attached to the post. On the hand, a subperiosteal implant consists of a metal frame that is fitted onto the jawbone just below the gum tissue. As the tissue heals, the frame becomes fixed. The posts from the frame protrude through the gums and form the mount for artificial teeth.

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

Most people are ideal candidates for dental implants despite their age. Only a few people fall into the category of immunocompromised individuals who can’t undergo an elective surgery. In such unique cases, the fear is the development of complications during surgery. Moreover, patients with gum disease, inadequate bone in the jaw, bite complications or on blood thinners are not qualified for dental implants. Patients who smoke regularly have a higher chance of failure of their implants due to impaired healing and bone fusion. However, most people will benefit from dental implants. They have few contraindications and the success rates are almost 100%. If you have lost teeth, you might benefit from dental implants. None the less, a clinical assessment has to be performed to establish your suitability for these implants.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

The biggest benefit of dental implants lies in its looks. Dental implants look like natural teeth. No one can suspect you have artificial teeth even on close examination. The performance of dental implants matches up to its looks. You can hardly feel any difference chewing with an implant. Dental implants are a perfect fit and they don’t require any adhesives. Moreover, dental implants maintain your natural smile and preserve all your facial features. Most oral instrumentations have septic complications that affect other healthy teeth. Implants do not affect your other teeth, they actually prevent loss of bone in the area of a missing tooth and preserve your jaw structure. Implant treatment can last you a lifetime.

Are dental implants expensive?

For most people, only the price stands between them having a dental implant procedure or avoiding it completely. Shockingly, dental implants are inexpensive. If you have a dental cover, it will cost you even less. The procedure is not long and only requires one or two attendants. This tells you the labour that goes into getting an implant is not costly. Despite its affordability, only a specialist should handle the surgical procedure. Moreover, dental implants have a high success rate and they offer a lifetime worth of service. On the long run, you save money by avoiding numerous visits to the dentist and replacement of failed dental prostheses.

How painful is the dental implant procedure?

I’m certain by now you have already heard scary stories about dental implant procedures. If you check online, there are scary accounts about the surgical procedures of putting in place a dental implant. These stories are false. Although a few surgical procedures are involved in the process, they are mostly painless. Bone grafting is the only process that might sting a bit. What is true is that the whole process is slightly uncomfortable and an implant takes a bit of time to get used to. Pain long after the procedure is a cause for alarm and one should see a dentist immediately in such a case. Other warning signs to look out for are swelling of the gums or face, bruising and bleeding at the implant site.

How do I care for my dental implants?

Just like natural teeth, implant-supported teeth need care. Oral hygiene is still important for dental implants. Brush your teeth regularly and after every meal. Use a mouthwash to maintain good oral hygiene. Flossing might be slightly different when you have an implant but everything else is the same. You still have to routinely see the dentist as previously did. Review and maintenance might be added to your routine dental visits.