Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants

Dental implants are metal posts that replace your tooth's root. They are inserted into your jawbone during minor surgery. Dental implants are a popular alternative to dentures because they look and function like real teeth. Listed below are frequently asked questions about dental implants.

Question: What are dental implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically anchored into the jawbone to replace one or more missing teeth. They are very strong and stable and look, feel and function like natural teeth. In fact, many people can't tell the difference between their natural teeth and their implants!

Question: What are the benefits of dental implants when compared to dentures?

Traditional dentures rest on the gums or rely on suction to stay in place. This means they are very unstable and can slip out of place when eating or speaking. In addition, they require messy adhesives to keep them in place - especially on the lower arch where there is less bone structure to help keep them stable. They can cause bone loss over time due to constant pressure on the gums, leading to sunken cheeks and premature aging. They also require regular visits to the dentist for relining, as the shape of the mouth changes with age.

Dental implants, on the other hand, are permanently placed in the mouth. They don't move or shift around when you eat and speak, making everyday activities much easier. This prevents muscle strain and headaches that can be caused by ill-fitting dentures. Additionally, because the implant is fused to your jawbone, it stimulates the bone and prevents bone loss that can occur with tooth loss. This means you can have a natural-looking smile for the rest of your life!

Implants also don't require any messy adhesive to stay in place. Once the implants fuse to your jawbone, they are so strong that they just stay put! And because they look so natural, most people can't even tell they're there!

Question: Are dental implants right for me?

Dental implants offer a permanent solution to missing teeth, but not everyone is a good candidate for implants. Good candidates will have healthy gums and enough bone density to support an implant fixture. They also need to be committed to good oral hygiene to keep gum tissue healthy and free of infection. Some patients may need additional procedures before they're able to undergo dental implant placement. For example, patients with gum disease will need to receive periodontal treatment before they can receive implants. Others may have jawbone degeneration or loss that might prevent them from being able to support implants. A consultation with the implant dentist can help patients determine whether they're a good fit for implants.

Patients with certain medical conditions may not be good candidates for dental implants. This includes patients who have certain autoimmune diseases or are at risk of developing infections if dental implants are placed. Patients who suffer from bruxism or other kinds of tooth grinding may also require special accommodations for treatment.

Question: What are the advantages of dental implants?

The main advantage of dental implants is that they look and feel just like your natural teeth. Since they are permanent, you won't have to worry about taking them in and out or soaking them overnight. You also won't have to worry about cavities and other oral health problems since implants are a permanent solution to tooth loss.

Another perk of dental implants is the fact that they are virtually indistinguishable from the smile you were born with. They are custom-crafted to match your existing teeth in terms of size, shape, and color. As a result, you'll have a beautiful new tooth that both looks and feels like a real one. The implant crown will also be placed in such a way that it blends in with your other teeth as well. This helps to give you a seamless and natural-looking smile that you can be proud to show off.

Lastly, dental implants are also incredibly durable and can last for decades if taken care of properly. With the right care and regular brushing and flossing, your new artificial tooth could last for the rest of your life! This makes dental implants a great way to restore your smile after suffering from tooth loss.

Question: What happens during an implant procedure?

First, the implant post is implanted into the bone socket of the missing tooth. As the jawbone heals and grows around this post, it fuses with the post. Abutment posts are then attached to the implant posts to create a foundation for the new replacement teeth. This healing process can take anywhere from three to six months. During this time, a temporary restoration is used to replace the missing tooth or teeth.

After the healing process is complete, the abutment is attached to the implant post with a screw, and it is ready to receive the dental crown. The crown is created from an impression taken of your mouth and sent to a lab to be made. It typically takes one to two weeks before the permanent crown is ready to be placed. Once the crown is placed, you will have a beautiful new smile!

The process of getting dental implants is not painful. In fact, most patients report that there is very little discomfort associated with this procedure. There may be some slight swelling and bruising for a day or two following your surgery. To manage any discomfort, you may feel, take pain medication as prescribed and use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Within a few days, you will be completely healed and ready to show off that beautiful smile!

Question: Are there different types of implants?

Yes, there are two main types of dental implants: endosteal and subperiosteal implants. The difference between the two is their location in the jaw. Endosteal implants are placed within the jawbone, while subperiosteal implants are placed under the gums on top of the jawbone. Both types can be used to support fixed bridgework or dentures. 

To learn more about our dental services, schedule an appointment with iSmile Dental Group Ohio. We are located at 1151 Bethel Road Suite #301, Columbus, OH 43220. Contact us at (614) 459-3229 or visit our website for more information.