Dental Implant FAQ Here at Florida Smiles Dental we get asked so many questions about dental implants that we decided to put all our answers in one place to make it easy for you. What Exactly Is a Dental Implant?A dental implant is our favorite way to replace a tooth that has been lost, such as from gum disease. Technically, an implant only refers to a threaded rod made of titanium that is placed in the jaw, while the part that attaches to the implant and looks like a tooth is a custom-designed crown. Thanks to being located in the jaw where there used to be a natural tooth root, implants help keep the bone strong and healthy. What Are the Advantages? The Disadvantages?There are far too many advantages to implants to discuss here in any detail, so we will stick with our favorites. They are incredibly resilient, they feel like the rest of your teeth, they can upgrade older solutions like dentures, they will not hinder your speech or restrict your diet, and so many others. There are two main disadvantages of dental implants. The first is that they require a healthy mouth. No gum disease or other infections, no weakened bones, and no smokers. The second is that the initial cost can be high, though over the year’s implants will pay for themselves. Can an Implant Make a Difference in Your Smile?If you have lost one or more teeth, or if you have unhealthy teeth that cannot be saved and are waiting to be extracted, then an implant can likely make a big difference in your smile. This is especially true for patients with gum disease, as gum disease can advance enough to cause tooth loss and will also cause bone resorption, which continues even after the gum disease is gone. While a bone graft will first be necessary, once the implants are in place, they will prevent further resorption, permanently. Only implants can do this. How Easy Is Getting an Implant?Admittedly, getting an implant may not be quite as easy as getting dentures, but it is still pretty easy. Implants usually can be gotten in a single appointment. Healing takes longer because the implant needs to bond with the jaw, sometimes over several months. Until healing is complete and your custom crown is finished, you will receive a temporary crown. What if You Are Not a Viable Candidate for Implants?There are two possibilities here. The first is that you have been told before that you are not a viable candidate, but in actuality you are. With dental technology progressing so rapidly an earlier diagnosis may not be entirely accurate, so we think it is worth getting a second opinion. The other possibility is that you are truly not a candidate. Even in this case you can still return some form and function to your smile with a dental bridge or dentures. We'll tell you if dental implant are safe for you when you come in. Do You Have an Infrequently Asked Question?Unfortunately we cannot answer every question here, so if there is more that you would like to ask Florida Smiles Dental, then we want to hear from you! To get all of your questions answered, just call 754-354-0363! |
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