Dental Implant FAQs
Dentist Grants Pass, OR
 If you are considering dental implants, you probably have a lot of questions about them. At The Center for Esthetic Dentistry we can answer all of your questions about dental implants and how they work. We have a lot of experience with dental implants and helping our patients decide if they are the right choice for them. Dental implants are a great solution to provide the lost support of missing teeth which makes the face and lips sag inward changing how the patient appears.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are one of the most versatile of all dental appliances. They can easily restore a person's smile and provide an excellent artificial tooth option. Most people are aware of dental implants but not necessarily how they work or even what it takes to have them placed in a patient's mouth. Anyone who is suffering through periodontal disease or who has suffered through devastating tooth loss can definitely benefit from dental implants. They provide a solid foundation for numerous dental appliances including crowns, dental bridges, and even implant supported dentures. Once your gums and jawbone have fully healed, the dental implants and the artificial teeth they provide look and feel as if they are natural teeth. They should be cared for just like real teeth by brushing and flossing.
Dental implants can also be brushed and flossed just like real teeth. They are a permanent part of the oral cavity. Also, no dietary changes are necessary as they are more durable than dentures. Those patients considering artificial tooth solutions should come into our office to find out more at The Center for Esthetic Dentistry.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants serve as a replacement for the root of the tooth. They fuse with the jawbone to create a foundation for dentures or teeth replacements to sit upon. It is also made to look like your natural teeth when the procedure is done.
Getting dental implants can be a complicated procedure. We have the experience and training necessary to ensure that your dental implants are secured with care.
Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Those patients who maintain a high level of oral hygiene and have good medical health are considered a good candidate. However, those patients lacking adequate bone mass are considered poor candidates. Anyone who is interested in getting dental implants and wants to find out more should come by our office to get the answers they need.
There are risk factors which can make potential patients poor candidates. Some factors which preclude patients from having implants placed might be surprising. One of the factors is the age of the patient. Why is that the case? As our bodies age, bone mass is slowly lost by natural occurrence. This includes bone loss in the jawbones too. Another contributor to low bone mass is radiation treatment. This is why if someone has had radiation treatment, they are typically not a good candidate. Low estrogen can also affect bone mass. This occurs during menopause and makes some patients poor candidates. Anyone who abuses alcohol can be a poor candidate as can anyone who uses tobacco products.
If a patient has any of the risk factors it does not mean that someone cannot have dental implants, it simply means our staff will have to be cognizant of these factors as the procedure progresses, and bone grafting may be needed before dental implantation.
What Is the Dental Implant Process Like?
Getting dental implants is considered to be the best alternative to natural teeth. This is because we secure the implant directly on the jawbone. After the implant is secured to the bone, the implant will fuse with the bone as a permanent fixture in your mouth.
Getting dental implants is not a one-time procedure. We will often schedule multiple procedures to get rid of any damaged teeth, get the right bones for grafting, and then secure the dental implant. The whole procedure can take months from start to finish. Our professionals will work with you every step of the way to ensure that you are ready for the next step in the process.
Once your jaw and gums have healed, we will help you choose the right kind of artificial teeth that work for you. Removable dentures are secured with a metal frame and can be removed for cleaning or repairs. With fixed dentures, the artificial teeth are secured with an adhesive. Individual teeth can be replaced if needed.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants are considered a permanent and lasting tooth restoration. Our team will help you manage your dental implants so that they can last a lifetime.
How Do I Treat Dental Implants?
Our team will help you find the right way to treat your dental implants, both right after surgery and for lifetime care. Maintaining proper care of your dental implants will help you throughout the implant process and ensure that your implants last for years.
While undergoing the implant process, we will help you manage any pain and make sure that you are ready for the next step in the process. Many people report having pain and swelling that can be managed with ice packs.
Once the dental implants are secured, caring for them is similar to caring for natural teeth. Regular check-ups with our professionals will ensure that your implants and dentures are strong. Regular brushing and flossing will also keep your implants healthy.
How We Can Help
If you are considering dental implants, you will want to be sure that all of your questions are answered. At The Center for Esthetic Dentistry we can answer all of your questions and make sure that dental implants are right for your situation for your needs. We have the experience and professionals to address all of your concerns about dental implants. Call us at 541-476-8788 and set up a consultation with one of our dental professionals. |
