8 Most Common Questions About Dental Implants

Although dental care has improved, millions of Americans still suffer tooth loss due to periodontal disease, tooth decay, and injury. In the past, there were once only two options for treating missing teeth: dentures or bridges. Today, however, you can also have the option of dental implants. In the United States alone, 3 million people have dental implants, which is growing by 500,000 yearly.

If you’re considering getting dental implants, you probably have many questions you’d like to ask.

In this article, we will answer all your questions to help you make an informed decision about your dental health. 

1. What is a dental implant?

It is perhaps the most obvious and common question before getting dental implants.

A dental implant is a small titanium post/fixture inserted into the jaw bone to support a replacement tooth, bridge, or denture. Once the implant integrates into your bone, the dentist connects a structure called an abutment to your implant, and then the artificial tooth/teeth are attached. Therefore, the process consists of three parts – the implant, the abutment, and the artificial tooth. 

2. Are Dental Implants Safe?

It has been many years since dentists began using dental implants, and implant technology has advanced.

Today, dental implants are among the safest procedures in dentistry and are the only restoration method that stimulates the natural bone beneath the missing tooth. They’re one of the most reliable ways to replace missing teeth.

In conclusion, dental implants are very safe, especially when placed by expert implant dentists like those at Rely Dental. 

3. How Painful Is Getting a Dental Implant?

Even though discomfort varies from person to person, many people report that getting their dental implants was much less painful than they had imagined. 

The dentist will give you an anesthetic during the surgery, so you should feel little to no pain. And the discomfort should be minimal if you follow the dentist’s post-operative instructions and take the prescribed antibiotics.

4. How Much Does Implant Cost?

Since your situation will determine the answer, this is a complicated question.

Dental implants cost varies based on various individual factors, such as:

• Bone quantity, quality, and location
• How many dental implants you will need to support your teeth
• The number of the missing teeth
• The artificial tooth’s type
• The dental implants types

You can get a more accurate estimate of the costs of your case during your initial consultation with your dentist.

In most cases, the cost of dental implants is similar to that of three-tooth bridges. However, a bridge will most likely require replacement at some point, so the long-term cost of an implant is lower. 

5. How Long Does Tooth Implant Last?

Although your dentist cannot guarantee the success of your implant for life, they can provide you with suggestions and guidelines on maintaining good oral health and having a long-lasting implant. 

They’ll base these tips on your genetic history, your nutritional habits, and proper hygiene procedures.

It is important to brush, floss, and follow your dentist’s instructions regularly so your implant can last as long as possible.

6. How Long Does It Take for Dental Implants to Heal?

The average implant process occurs in multiple steps. Several steps are involved in the implant process; you may require more than one healing stage. The healing period varies depending on your health, how many teeth you need to replace, and other factors. In general, the healing process takes between six and twelve weeks.

7. Who Are Good Candidates for Dental Implants?

Your oral and general health condition must be good before receiving tooth implants. Additionally, receiving a dental implant would help if you had healthy gum tissue, adequate jaw bone, and no periodontal disease. 

In general, you may be a good candidate for dental implants if you:

1. Have one or more missing teeth 
2. Have enough bone to secure the dental implant or can have a bone graft
3. Have fully developed jawbones
4. Have healthy oral tissues
5. Have no medical conditions that would interfere with bone healing
6. Willing to commit a few months to the process
7. How Long Does a Tooth Implant Process Take?

8. How long Is The Entire Process?

The Dental Implant process is a three-phase process, which can differ for each person. Typically the entire process takes from 5 to 8 months.

The timeline for dental implants is determined by a few factors, such as:

If you need a tooth extraction before implant placement, your dental health, which teeth you are replacing, and how many are involved.

At Rely Dental & Orthodontics Office in Irving, Texas, we do our best to provide you with the best tooth implant in Texas. Advanced surgical techniques, comprehensive recovery instructions, and regular post-implant follow-ups will guide every step of your implant process. 

So if you are in Texas and need a dental implant, don’t wait. Schedule your appointment online or call today to learn more about dental implants.  

We’re Here Because We Love to Help.