4 Things to Know Before Getting Dental Implants
Despite looking a little intimidating, dental implants are nothing to fear. Quite the contrary actually. These small restorative devices surgically placed by our Portage dental implant dentist are designed to not only improve a patient’s oral health, but their confidence as well.
We encourage patients who have missing teeth to consider dental implant surgery as a dependable tooth replacement option for their smile. However, we also want them to understand every aspect of the process so that there are no surprises along the way.
Here’s what you should keep in mind before going through with the .
What Are Dental Implants?
Best explained as an made of titanium, an implant is permanently embedded into the jawbone for stability and topped with a dental crown. Unlike traditional dentures, dental implants are not removable which means they do not slip or shift when you’d rather they stay in place.
Many patients who have undergone the implant procedure are pleased with their restored ability to chew, speak, and smile confidently. The natural appearance of dental implants is also a major selling point. They blend so seamlessly with your smile that it’s often hard to tell when someone has had an implant placed.
If interested, Dr. Paul can perform an oral examination and determine your candidacy for the procedure. If implants are determined to be a good fit for you, he will then speak with you and give you an idea of what to expect at every stage.
Prior to Your Procedure, Remember That:
1. Sufficient Bone in the Jaw Is Ideal
Though the issue can be remedied with a bone graft, starting out with adequate bone to secure the implants does cut down on the time required for the entire procedure. This is because transplanted bone can sometimes take several months to grow enough new bone for a more solid implant base.
Dr. Paul will recommend a bone graft if your jawbone is found to be too soft or too thin in the area where the implant is needed. Placing a dental implant where the jawbone is weaker can result in a failed surgery which we do not want for our patients.
Whether there from the start or produced after a graft, it’s best to approach the implant procedure with a fully grown, healthy jawbone.
2. Dental Implants Are Long-Lasting and Reliable
Other options like full or partial dentures can become worn over time and in need of adjustment. Dental implants, on the other hand, are built to last a lifetime if cared for properly along with your other teeth.
There’s no need to worry about them falling out and no dental adhesives are required. The implant’s permanent placement in your jaw keeps them stable while you laugh with friends or enjoy a nice meal. It’s this reliability that also allows you to eat the foods you like without fear the implants will be affected.
3. The Procedure May Take Months From Start to Finish
No, this does not mean you are sitting in our Portage dental office for months on end. It does, however, refer to the time dedicated to healing after the implant is placed but before the other components, like the crown, are put on.
Once inserted into your jawbone by Dr. Paul, the implant will need to fully heal and fuse to the surrounding bone before additional steps are taken. This process of generating new bone in your jaw takes the most time as the actual implantation and crown placement are relatively straightforward.
Depending on how speedy your healing is, you could be waiting several months before your restoration is complete. While some may view this as inconvenient, many patients feel the benefits of dental implants outweigh the delay.
4. It’s a Less Painful Process Than Many Think
You might think that because the dental implant procedure involves some form of oral surgery that it’s intensive and painful. The truth is, the experience of having the implant placed is not much different than getting a cavity filled thanks to the administration of local anesthetic.
Dr. Paul and our staff here at Courtside Dental want you to be comfortable during treatment. This is why in addition to numbing anesthetic, we can also provide you with sedation to put you further at ease. Discomfort during placement should be minimal, if present at all.
Ready to Say Goodbye to Gaps In Your Smile?
If you’re embarrassed by missing teeth and not a fan of dentures, our dentist in Portage, MI, can introduce you to dental implants. Dr. Paul can examine your mouth and let you know if you would benefit from this restorative procedure. Call Courtside Dental today at (269) 327-1011 or contact us online to request an appointment.
This blog post has been updated.