Dental Implant FAQ Check out our dental implant FAQs if you are considering the treatment and get in touch with us at Oral Surgery Specialists of Buda if you would like to find out more. We have years of expertise in this area and can recommend the best option to suit your circumstances.What Are Dental Implants?A dental implant is a small, titanium blade that is placed into the jawbone, replacing a tooth root. The implant supports a crown (false tooth) or bridge (two or more false teeth) to fill in any gaps created by missing teeth. Dental implants may also be used to support a full arch of teeth in an All-on-4® procedure, where four implants are placed or used to support an implant-supported denture. Am I Too Old for Dental Implants?There is no upper age limit for having dental implants, as long as you are in reasonably good health. They are not recommended for those under 18 years of age because they are still growing, and the jaw tissues may not be fully developed. Are There Any Reasons I Cannot Have Dental Implants?You will be assessed thoroughly to ensure you are a suitable candidate for dental implants. There are some medical circumstances where implants are not recommended. For example, if you have a blood clotting disorder or diabetes that is not well-controlled. Bone loss in the jaw is another reason where dental implants cannot be placed. Bone loss is caused by periodontal disease, where gum disease has progressed to an advanced stage and compromises healthy bone tissue. Bone loss also occurs when a tooth has been lost because the bone surrounding the tooth socket starts to resorb. In these circumstances, it is possible to augment the bone with a bone grafting procedure so that after a few months there is enough viable healthy bone tissue that can hold an implant. Generally, those who smoke are not considered to be good candidates for dental implants. Essential nutrients required for healing tissues are depleted by smoking. This is crucial, particularly when the implant has first been placed, but also to ensure the subsequent health of the tissues surrounding the implant in the future, to prevent peri-implantitis, a disease similar to gum disease. How Long Does the Process Take?For traditional, single implants, the treatment is a two-stage process. During the first stage, the implant is placed into the jawbone and left to integrate with the bone for a period of between three months and a year. Once this process of osseointegration is complete, the crown (false tooth) is affixed to complete the treatment. Other implant procedures, such as the All-on-4, place the implants and the arch of teeth in one session. How Painful is it to Have Dental Implants?Dental implant surgery is typically carried out with a local anesthetic which numbs the area, so you will not feel anything. If you are anxious about the procedure, we have a range of sedation options to help you feel more comfortable. After surgery, it is normal to have some discomfort that is easily controlled with pain medication. Swelling and bruising are normal for around a week. If you apply ice packs to the area, particularly in the first 48 hours, you will reduce the swelling significantly to speed up your recovery. If you are considering dental implants, we can help. Find out more about dental implants at Oral Surgery Specialists of Buda by scheduling an appointment with us. Call (737) 335-0017 . |
