What You Need To Know Before Getting Dental Implants

April 28, 2023 by Dental Home Family Dentistry Phoenix
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If you are dealing with missing teeth, one of the best ways to restore your smile is through dental implants.

This prosthetic tooth can effectively support oral health and give you back a beautiful smile. Dental implants function just like natural teeth, and unlike other tooth replacements, they don’t require any getting used to.

However, getting implants is a commitment, and it’s very important to know exactly what you’re signing up for. Keep on reading to learn everything you need to know about dental implants!

What Questions Should I Ask My Dentist About Dental Implants?

When getting dental implants, your surgeon will take you through the entire procedure and tell you about everything you should expect.

Still, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared and ask a few questions. Here are 4 most common ones answered that you can further discuss with your dentist:

1. What Are the Pros & Cons of Getting Dental Implants?

Dental implant pros:

  • Natural feel and function
  • Support jaw bone and overall oral health
  • Is a permanent tooth replacement
  • Requires easy maintenance consisting of regular oral health

Cons 

  • Not everyone is a good candidate for dental implants
  • They can be expensive, especially if you need multiple implants
  • The healing period is around 6 months or longer

2. How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants are permanent tooth replacements, so they are designed to last a lifetime. However, implants are made from 3 components:

  • Metal post
  • Abutment
  • Dental crown

The metal post and abutment usually last for life, but the dental crown can suffer damage. Crowns are sturdy, but they are not indestructible. Regular wear and tear or biting on hard objects can wear down the crown and damage it.

Still, even if you need a new crown, you won’t have to change the metal post or abutment.

3. What Is the Process of Getting Dental Implants?

The surgeon will make an incision in your gums and insert the metal post to replace your tooth. The surgery itself is fairly simple and doesn’t take a lot of time.

After it, the body enters a healing period called “osseointegration”, where the bone and tissues heal around the implant. Once that’s finished, the abutment and custom crowns are added on top.

4. Will It Hurt?

Implant surgery is done under a local anesthetic or even sedation, so you will not feel any pain or discomfort during your surgery.

After it, you may experience some mild symptoms such as:

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Bleeding

These are temporary, however, and most people will feel perfectly fine around 1 week after their surgery.

Find Out If Dental Implants Are Right for You

If you want to restore the look and function of your smile through dental implants, we can help.

Book a consultation at Dental Home Family Dentistry and find out if implants are right for you.