Implants are an excellent dental innovation. For years, people with missing teeth or tooth problems had few alternatives for treatment, which mostly consisted of bridges and dentures. Implants can be a great way to replace a tooth since they are more durable, natural-functioning, and attractive than other options.
Below you will find some answers to some common questions about dental implants. If you have any questions about implants or any dental procedures, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at Dr. Lance Savoie Family Dental in Abbeville. We’d be happy to answer them for you.
What Is a Dental Implant?
An implant is a tooth root replacement structure. It includes a titanium rod with an artificial tooth attached to it. The rod serves as the prosthetic tooth’s solid base or new root when it replaces a lost or extracted tooth. A detachable replacement tooth, such as dentures, or a fixed, permanent tooth, such as a crown, can be used.
Are Dental Implants Worth It?
Depending on your dental concern, implants may be worth it for you. They can help you maintain a healthy bite, a beautiful, healthy smile, and good teeth alignment, as well as enhance jaw bone health. Implants may be more expensive and invasive than other treatment types, such as traditional dentures or bridges. However, implants are an investment in your dental health and beauty. They cost more because they add value. Unlike other dental solutions, they provide long-term functionality, including a look and feel similar to that of your natural teeth.
How do Dental Implants Look?
Dental implants look great and can replace unhealthy teeth, missing teeth, and teeth that you may not like for aesthetic reasons. We’ll make sure the implant crowns match your natural tooth color, shape, and size. This often restores or enhances a patient’s smile. Also, if you’re missing teeth, your jaw muscles may deteriorate. This can make your face appear “saggy.” Implants aid in the strengthening of jaw muscles and can improve your overall look.
How do Dental Implants Feel?
Patients frequently describe the crowns over dental implants as feeling like natural teeth in the same area.
What Health Benefits Do Implants Provide?
Implants can stop, reduce, or reverse bone and muscle loss. If you’re missing teeth, your jawbone in the area will degenerate over time. Implants prevent this in the same way that a natural tooth prevents this. Also, the teeth around that gap can loosen over time. Bacteria can collect in the gap created by a missing tooth and spread to your other teeth, gums, and possibly your jawbone. Implants fill the space where germs and other diseases can breed.
Do Dental Implants Function Like Natural Teeth?
Implants are more comfortable and functional than certain dental options since they are a part of you and attached to your jawbone. Because we embed the in your gums and jawbone like a real tooth root, you’ll have a natural feeling while biting and a strong, functioning bite. They function like your own teeth. You can eat the foods you love with confidence and comfort.
How Do You Clean Dental Implants?
Implants can be easier to care for than natural teeth. You brush them as you normally brush your natural teeth. But because they’re made of titanium, they’ll never stain or suffer from tooth decay, as will your natural teeth. This doesn’t mean you no longer have to brush or clean around implants, as the surrounding gum tissue still needs to remain clean and healthy.
Are Dental Implants Removable?
Some dental solutions, such as dentures, are removable. We affix implants into your jawbone, so they are not removable. We install them as a permanent, durable dental health solution.
Can Implants Be Used for Dentures?
Implants can sometimes be used to support a bridge or denture, making them more stable and comfortable.
How Long Does Dental Implant Placement Take?
Implant placement may take less time than you think. The operation normally takes a few hours, although the overall process will probably require multiple appointments. The procedure is gradual, enabling your teeth, mouth, and jaw to adjust from beginning to end.
What Are The Dental Implant Placement Steps?
The implant process may require several visits over several months and some basic steps:
- We take X-rays and impressions (molds) of the jaw and teeth to determine bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for an implant.
- Following anesthesia, we perform tooth extraction or jawbone preparation if necessary.
- We install the implant
- We allow the implant to integrate with the bone for up to six months.
- We fit a post and abutment into the implant, tying the implant’s “root system” into your final crown.
- We sculpt a crown to match your natural teeth and smile and fit onto the anchor’s abutment or post portion.
- We’ll provide helpful care instructions and go over any of your questions.
- We’ll schedule any necessary follow-up appointments to see how things are going.
What to Expect After Dental Implant Placement
After treatment, patients often report only mild soreness, which we can treat with over-the-counter drugs. Please notify us right once if you experience any prolonged discomfort or bleeding. You should be able to eat normally, talk normally, brush, floss, and rinse your teeth. Keep us informed about how the implant feels in your mouth and if anything seems off.
Are Dental Implants a Permanent Solution?
Dental implants are an excellent, long-term option. Dental implants, like everything else, might develop issues over time. For example, implants and the crowns that cover them can loosen and break. Though issues can be rare, Dr. Lance Savoie and his team are experienced enough to provide proper implant restoration when necessary.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
If you are missing a tooth, more than one tooth, or all of your teeth, you might be a good dental implant candidate. Dental implants could be a good option for almost anybody, at almost any age. Call us to set an appointment for an evaluation and consultation. We’ll help you determine if implants are right for you.
What Is the Dental Implant Success Rate?
Although success rates for dental implants vary, they are often a highly successful and good option for patients. The success percentage varies depending on the implant jaw placement location, but implants generally have a success rate of up to 98 percent.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
Each patient is different, with unique needs and different treatment options. For this reason, costs may vary for you no matter the procedure you choose. Talk to us at Dr. Lance Savoie Family Dental in Abbeville, and we’ll make sure we pay attention to any of your questions, including questions about costs. When possible, we’ll work with your insurance carrier to ensure that your experience is beneficial to your smile and your wallet.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
With proper maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime. Maintain good dental hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly. Maintain your dental appointments regularly.
Contact our office today to learn more and schedule an appointment.
