Dental Implants Questions – Your Questions Answered by our Specialists
What are dental implants?
Dental Implants are a highly sought after, permanent solution for tooth loss. They are constructed of biocompatible material that is designed to adapt to your body’s chemistry. A dental implant is essentially a small titanium screw implanted into your jaw bone used to support crowns, bridges and dentures. Dental implants have become extremely popular for many reasons including:
- Completely restores the oral functionality lost with missing teeth including restored speech, eating and self esteem.
- Dental Implants look great, like natural teeth, as they are designed to fit your face perfectly.
- No need for denture adhesives.
- Stimulates facial bone growth- this is important as typically facial bone loss occurs when teeth go missing
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
Dental implants are ideal for almost anyone with missing teeth. It is the most reliable way to completely restore oral functionality lost through missing teeth. This procedure can be performed on pre-teens up to mature adults. The two biggest factors that influence dental implant candidacy are good health and ample bone volume in the jaw.
Is old age a factor for dental implants?
If you are a mature adult in good health, then your age should not be a significant factor. Certain chronic diseases require extra planning and attention before and after the procedure, however mature patients are typically wonderful candidates for dental implants.
Can a dentist perform dental implant surgery?
It depends on the dentist. Dental implant surgery is a specialty that requires specific education and training. Not just any dentist can perform dental implant surgery. If you are interested in dental implant surgery, it is in your best interest to contact a professional that specializes in dental implants. Choosing a professional with adequate experience in dental implant surgery will help ensure you have a streamlined process from consultation to post surgery follow up.
What is involved in the dental implant procedure process?
First, you should have a complete and thorough consultation with a dental implant specialist. This consultation should include a review your medical history, an oral exam and x-rays. Once your consultation is complete your dental professional will take a mold of your mouth to design your implants to fit you perfectly. During the surgery a small titanium screw will be implanted into your jaw bone. After the screw is implanted, a crown, bridge or denture will be placed on top. After the surgery you will follow up with the dental implant specialist to ensure proper recovery. Typically, within two weeks you can resume eating solid foods and enjoy completely restores oral functionality.
What is the success rate for dental implants?
Dental implants are extremely successful. They are common place in the dental field and have an aggregate success rate industry wide of around 80%, however here at Swiss Denture & Implant Center we see success rates much higher than this. Often times, poor health and smoking are the greatest factors in unsuccessful dental implant surgeries.
How long will the dental implant process take?
This depends greatly on your overall health and facial bone condition. Those who do not have ample jaw bone volume may need to undergo bone graphing before the implantation of the titanium screw. For those in need of bone graphing, you can expect the process to take anywhere between 3-7 months.
What will the dental implants feel like?
The amazing thing about dental implants is that they act exactly like your natural teeth, and that is how they will feel too! You won’t even be able to tell the difference between your dental implants and your natural teeth.
What does dental implant care entail?
You would care for your dental implants in the same way you do your natural teeth. Frequent brushing and flossing is necessary to maintain the quality and integrity of your implants. You will need to schedule regular visits for cleaning and check-ups as well. Never delay cleanings or follow up appointments to ensure your dental implants are the best they can be.
Is the procedure painful?
With all surgery, there is a bit of discomfort. However, with the state-of-the-art dental implant technology available, pain and recovery times are shorter than they ever have been. Your dental implant specialist will ensure that you endure the least amount of discomfort possible.
Can I get general anesthesia?
General anesthesia is available for dental implant patients. Typically, dental implant surgery is performed using a local anesthetic but every situation is different. Consult your dental implant specialist about your individual case options.
Are dental implants better than dentures and bridges?
Dental Implants can make a big difference in the quality of your life.
Yes, dental implants are now the standard of care for missing teeth. Traditional dentures and bridges are no longer the gold standard of tooth replacement. For a permanent and reliable solution for missing teeth, dental implants are the best option.
Are you looking at available options when it comes to Dental Implants in Portland Oregon? We here at Swiss Dentures & Implants understand that there is a lot of information out there today when it comes to the dental technology. Being informed when making this big decision can have impact the success of your dental implant surgery and your healing afterwards. Since 1984, Swiss Denture & Implant Center has helped our patients get the best quality dental implants available, with a much higher success rate than national averages.
Call us today to schedule a free no obligation assessment to see if you’re a good candidate for dental implants.
