If you’ve been wondering whether dental implants would be a good solution for you, we provided answers below to three of the most frequently asked questions about this life-changing treatment.
1. What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a cylindrical or tapered screw-like post, generally made of titanium, that’s surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw bone to permanently substitute as the tooth root. A connector piece called an abutment is built into — or placed on top of — the dental implant, connecting it to the replacement tooth. A crown is custom-made for the replacement tooth, and it matches the appearance of the rest of your natural teeth.
These materials are “biocompatible,” which basically means they’re compatible with the human body. They serve as sturdy anchors for replacement teeth, fusing to the sturdiness of your natural bone through a process called “osseointegration,” in which the bone actually grows around the post, permanently holding it in place.
Dental implants enable the replacement of an individual tooth, an implant-supported bridge or a denture containing several teeth. Implants are a great alternative to dentures or bridgework that doesn’t fit well. They look like natural teeth, and they function like natural teeth, giving you a long-term solution for restoring your smile.
2. Is it painful to get dental implants?
Most patients say there is very little discomfort involved with a dental implant procedure. In fact, many patients have happily reported that implants are less painful than getting a tooth extracted! In truth, any dental surgery is accompanied by some degree of discomfort, but dental implant surgery is performed with anesthesia, so the actual procedure itself isn’t painful. After your dental implant surgery, Dr. Garner may prescribe a pain reliever to help with any discomfort during your recovery process. A little soreness can be expected in the area where the implant is placed. Otherwise, we think you will be pleasantly surprised by the minimal discomfort associated with implant surgery.
3. What is the process for getting dental implants?
First, you will consult with Dr. Garner to help determine whether you’re a candidate for implant surgery. If so, the doctor and his team will write an individualized treatment plan that’s designed to address your specific needs.
The implant post is surgically inserted into the jaw bone. After a period of healing (usually between six to 12 weeks), the bone and the implant post bond together and form a strong foundation. During this healing process, you will wear a temporary restoration.
In the next phase of the surgery, the dental implant is uncovered and your doctor will attach a small connector called an abutment that will serve as an anchor for the artificial treatment. (There are scenarios where this particular phase is unnecessary.)
Then the custom-designed artificial tooth (or crown) is attached to your implant, and your smile can shine once again! Since the dental implant is secured within the jaw bone, your new replacement teeth will look, feel and function just as your natural tooth once did.
Without question, a dental implant is the treatment that comes closest to imitating the function and stability of natural teeth.
For more information about dental implants, contact Dental Group of Ellisville at [phone]. We’re always happy to hear from you.