Dental Implant FAQAt OHIOSmiles, we’ve placed dental implants for our patients, with exceptionally high success rates. Our high degree of success has mostly been due to the choices we make concerning the best-suited tools and techniques for each patient. We usually make these choices with the consent of the patients. But before they give their consent, patients need to have a firm understanding of various aspects of a dental implant procedure. Here’s a rundown of some of the questions we’re often asked when deliberating dental implant options with our patients. Who are Good Candidates for Dental Implants?Dental implants can be of benefit to just about anyone who has lost a tooth, many teeth, or even all of their teeth. For people who’ve sustained extensive damages to their teeth, gums, and jawbone, we may combine dental implants with other restorations such as bone grafting, dentures, fillings, and crowns. Am I Too Old for Dental Implants?Dental implants aren’t ideal for young people whose jaws are still developing. But if you’re 19 – 21 years old or older, you can have dental implants at just about any stage of your life going forward. Even older patients whose jawbones are no longer adequately supportive can still get implants with a bone grafting procedure. Is it Necessary to Replace a Missing Tooth?The space left behind by a missing tooth can significantly affect your speaking and chewing abilities over time. These problems may occur due to several factors ranging from adjacent teeth shifting into the vacant space to bone loss due to prolonged inactivity around the site of the missing teeth. The longer this occurs, the more these problems grow more complex and become more expensive to treat. How Do Dental Implants Work?A dental implant is a replica of a tooth. It’s usually made of titanium, a biocompatible material. It’s designed to mimic the functions and support capabilities of a natural tooth root, providing a base for replacement teeth like crowns and dentures, while also acting as a growth-stimulant for the supporting bone. As it continues to stimulate bone growth, new bone tissue forms around it, fusing it permanently into existing bone structures. How Safe are Dental Implants?Dental implants are made from biocompatible materials, meaning they will pair well with the body cells and tissues. Besides, our dental implants are toxin-free, meaning they can stay in place throughout your lifetime without causing any harm to the body. Besides being safe, dental implants are the only dental restoration that safeguards the integrity of the bone around the site of the missing teeth. How Many Dental Appointments are Involved?How many appointments you will need depends on the unique personal needs of each patient. Sometimes, the entire procedure can be executed in a single session. But on average, it takes three months to complete a dental implant procedure for the lower jaw and six months for the upper jaw. During that period, regular dental appointments are necessary. Is the Procedure Painful?The thought of having something planted deep down inside your bones is no doubt unnerving. But with sedation options and excellent pain management solutions, we’ll ensure that your dental implant procedure ensues smoothly and you begin reaping the benefits of your dental implants sooner rather than later. Our state-of-the-art tools and techniques enable us to perform dental implant placement painlessly and successfully. Visit OHIOSmiles today, learn more about how a dental implant compares to a real tooth, and call us at (740) 781-0540 to arrange for dental implants that you’ll have nothing to regret about. |