Ever have questions about dental implants? You’re not alone. Patients with recent tooth loss are often interested in the . It has always been our goal to give patients the information they need to maintain good oral health. Our list of frequently asked questions below will help prepare you for a consultation with our Troy, MI, dental implant dentist.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a titanium rod or post inserted into the jawbone that functions much like a natural tooth root would to later support an abutment (connector piece) and dental crown.
You may choose a or several tooth implants, depending on how many missing teeth you wish to replace. Of course, the exact needs of your smile can be discussed during a dental implant consultation.
Does It Hurt to Get Dental Implants?
One prevalent myth surrounding single-tooth dental implants is the belief that the procedure is exceedingly painful. Contrary to this misconception, advancements in anesthesia and pain management techniques have significantly minimized the discomfort felt when replacing teeth with dental implants.
Patients often report feeling only mild pressure during the dental implant procedure, with post-operative pain easily managed with prescribed medications. You can think of it as similar to what you might experience getting a filling.
What Happens During the Dental Implant Procedure?
During the dental implant procedure, a titanium rod is inserted into your jawbone by an oral surgeon. You will then need to wait several months for the implant to successfully fuse to your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. Several months later, you will arrive at our Troy, MI, dental office to have an abutment screwed into the implant. The abutment acts like a post to help support the crown.
Who Is Eligible for Dental Implants?
To be a candidate for dental implants, you will need healthy jawbone tissue and a strong immune system. If you don’t have sufficient jawbone tissue for the procedure, our dentist may recommend you receive a bone graft. While certain conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes or significant bone loss may affect eligibility, many people can benefit from dental implants regardless of age or medical history.
Our local dental implant dentist assesses candidates based on factors like bone density, gum health, and overall oral hygiene. Moreover, advancements in implant technology and techniques have expanded the scope of individuals who can successfully receive dental implants, debunking the myth of limited suitability.
Why Should I Get Dental Implants?
Unlike dentures, dental implants look and feel like natural teeth. Dental implants also stimulate jawbone tissue so you can avoid further tooth loss. Many of our patients appreciate that they can continue eating their favorite foods after the tooth implant procedure. Having dental implants also helps improve self-esteem so you can smile with confidence after tooth loss.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Dental Implants?
The cost of dental implants is affected by the number of teeth you wish to replace and the condition of your jawbone tissue. A dental implant won’t be able to fuse to jawbone tissue that is too weak or soft, which is why our dentist may recommend a bone graft. Keep in mind that a bone graft will lengthen your overall treatment time and affect cost.
How Do I Care for Dental Implants?
Take care of your dental implants like you would natural teeth. This means brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once daily. You should also make sure to continue seeing our dentist for routine teeth cleanings at least every six months. Just like with natural teeth, plaque and tartar can build up on your dental implants and affect your oral health. The best way to maintain a healthy smile is to keep up with your oral hygiene routine.
Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation
Our , is dedicated to helping patients restore their smiles after tooth loss. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment to discuss getting dental implants, call Mosaic Dental today at (248) 528-2270.
This blog post has been updated.
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