Tooth implants were first introduced back in 1952 by Per-Ingvar Branemark, a renowned Swedish orthopedic surgeon. Nowadays, tooth implants are considered the standard of card when replacing missing teeth. However, while tooth implants chadds ford pa have become very popular, not many are familiar with the ins and outs of the procedure.
If you are considering getting dental implants or you are considered a good candidate for the procedure, below are some of the answers to frequently asked questions about dental implants:
Your Frequently Asked Tooth Implant Questions Answered
What are tooth implants?
In essence, tooth implants are designed to support one (or more) replacement teeth. A tooth implant is a titanium screw that replaces the tooth’s root. Just like the tooth root, it is surgically placed in the jawbone.
Will a tooth implant hurt?
Most patients who have undergone a tooth implant procedure report experiencing little to zero discomfort during and after the procedure. For patients who are severely fearful and anxious of the procedure, sedation dentistry is an option they can look into. Check with your dentist if it’s right for your case.
Are tooth implants safe?
Tooth implants have been used for many decades now and are deemed very safe. Amazingly, given that they are looked after properly, dental implants can last for many years.
How dental implants are taken care of can have a massive impact on their longevity. That said, aside from regular flossing or brushing, it is important that you visit your dentist regularly for regular check-ups.
If the implants are not looked after accordingly, they can develop a coating similar to the one found on neglected teeth. When not addressed promptly, it can lead to soreness, bleeding, gum infection, and general discomfort.
On the other hand, if the tooth implants are looked after properly, they can last a lifetime.
Can I get tooth implants even if I still have some natural teeth left?
Yes. With dental implants, you can have only one tooth or a complete set replaced.
Is the tooth implant procedure painful?
Since anesthetic will be used in the tooth implant procedure, patients will experience very minimal to no pain at all. However, just like tooth extraction, you might experience some discomfort during the recovery process.
Fortunately, the discomfort and pain is very minimal and will respond well to over-the-counter pain medications. If you are anxious or nervous about the tooth implant procedure, you can ask your dentist if sedation dentistry would be right for you.
General anesthesia is very rarely used when performing tooth implant surgery. It is only resorted to in very complex cases.
How long will the tooth implant procedure take?
Understandably, the length of the procedure can vary from one patient to another since patients have different circumstances. Your dentist can provide a good estimate of your tooth implant surgery timeline.
In some cases, the replacement teeth can be fitted at the same time as the implants (this is called immediate implants). Check with your dentist if this is an option for you.
What can I expect after the tooth implants have been placed?
After the tooth implants are placed, the jaw bone will fuse with the implant (the process is called osseointegration). The process can last for a few months. Once the implant has fused successfully with the bone, the replacement teeth can be fitted sooner.
If you have more than one tooth that needs replacement, a temporary denture may be provided. If you already have a full denture, you can continue to wear them until the implant has fused with the bone successfully.
The denture will need to be altered so it will still fit properly after the procedure. A healing cap might also be placed on the implant site to protect it.
