Understanding Implants Photo

What is a dental implant?
Am I a candidate for a dental implant?
Can an implant be used as an alternative to root canal treatment?
Is the implant ever rejected by the body?
What if I smoke?
How much pain will I experience?
What will the appearance of my mouth look like during my treatment?
How much time is required to have an implant procedure?
How much will it cost and does insurance cover implant treatment?
How do I properly maintain the implant once treatment is completed?
How long does an implant last?

What is a dental implant?

The dental implant serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. It is machined from surgical-grade titanium alloy to exacting specifications. A dentist places the implant into either the upper or lower jawbone. After a period of time, the implant integrates with the bone and becomes a secure anchor for a replacement tooth, a fixed bridge, a removable partial, or a complete denture.

Am I a candidate for a dental implant?

If you are missing one or more teeth, then you may be a candidate for a dental implant. Your dentist will be able to discuss your individual clinical situation. Dental implants will allow you to smile, speak, and eat with confidence and comfort.

Can an implant be used as an alternative to root canal treatment?

YES! Not all teeth are good candidates for root canal treatment. Root canal treated teeth are susceptible to decay and fracture, while implants are not susceptible to decay and almost never break. Implants are an excellent and prudent alternative to the root canal, post and core, crown lengthening, and crowning procedures. Often, the cost of saving a tooth with a variety of treatments can exceed that of the placement and restoration of an implant.

Is the implant ever rejected by the body?

The implant is machined from surgical-grade titanium alloy which is a biocompatible material. However, there is a slight possibility that it will not integrate with bone. If this were to occur, the implant would be replaced with another one. It is highly unlikely that the second implant would not integrate.

Smoking can inhibit proper healing of an implant. However, this does not prevent smokers from having implants successfully placed and restored. You should speak with your dentist for more specific information relating to your dental needs and the effects of smoking.

How much pain will I experience?

Usually minimal to none. While undergoing treatment, you will receive local anesthesia. (Some clinicians may choose to use other forms of anesthesia.) You may have mild post-surgical soreness for up to 72 hours. An over-the-counter pain reliever will alleviate the discomfort for most patients.

During treatment, your dentist may be able to provide you with a transitional prosthesis that will have the look and feel that you need during this period of healing. With an implant, it is often possible to have a fixed transitional tooth immediately after the placement of the implant.

How much time is required to have an implant procedure?

A single dental implant placement is usually completed in less than an hour as an office procedure with local anesthesia. The implant is then allowed to heal with the bone for a minimum of eight weeks. If you have poor quality bone and bone-grafting procedures are necessary, the overall process can take up to 12 months or more. Your dentist will determine which surgical procedure is best for you.