Since their invention, dental implants have been one of the most popular and effective tooth replacement options. If you lost a tooth to decay, an accident, or illness, you now have a much more stable and longer-lasting restoration option than dentures and bridges. Unlike other replacements, dental implants are long-lasting—fused to the jawbone to support artificial teeth that look and function like natural ones.
Are you tired of having to take your dentures out or worried they’ll fall out? Or perhaps you’re struggling to smile confidently? Your periodontist may have recommended dental implants to rehabilitate your smile for good. But are you worried about undergoing oral surgery, or you’re wondering how long your fully restored smile will last?
Get the answers to all your questions about dental implants. Find out straight from a periodontist and come in for your dental implant procedure fully prepared. Check out the top frequently asked questions about dental implants.
Dental Implants FAQs
Want to know how dental implants work and why they’re considered a long-lasting way to replace missing teeth? Have you ever wondered what dental implants are made of? Do they hurt? Find out here:
1. How do dental implants work?
As their name suggests, they’re implanted into or fused with the jawbone. Dental implants are not the crowns or artificial teeth used to replace missing ones. Instead, they help replace missing teeth by replacing the roots of teeth. Then, the crowns are secured to implants, typically made of titanium. As a result, teeth replaced with dental implants are stable since they’re rooted directly in the jawbone.
2. Do a lot of people have dental implants?
Yes—dental implants are a lot more common than you think. As dental implants grow increasingly popular, many more people have them now, opting for a more stable and longer-lasting tooth replacement method.
Many periodontists in Mississauga are also recommending dental implants since they can support several missing teeth, making them incredibly cost-effective. They can also stabilize dental bridges and last much longer than other restorations. Most of all, dental implants are popular because they help restore your full smile for maximum quality of life.
3. Are dental implants painful?
Dental implants don’t hurt. However, experiencing some discomfort is normal after each stage of the procedure. An anesthetic will be administered to keep you comfortable and pain-free during the procedure. Periodontists are highly trained in oral surgery and implantation and are required to maintain a sterile environment. They will also provide post-op instructions and prescribe antibiotics and pain medication. These measures will help reduce discomfort, if any, and ensure a successful recovery without risk of infection.
4. How long does a dental implant procedure take?
The entire dental implant procedure is performed in stages. The time it takes to move on to the next phase depends on a few factors, including the density or strength of your jawbone and the need for a bone graft, the number of teeth that need to be replaced and their location, and your overall oral health. The entire process can take several months.
The first part of your dental implant procedure involves removing any remaining fragments of lost teeth, then assessing the health of your jawbone. If your jawbone isn’t strong enough to support an implant, you will need a bone graft. Once complete, or if your jawbone has enough bone density, your periodontist will place the implant.
Over the next few months, it will fuse with the jawbone, a process called osseointegration. Then, your periodontist will place the abutment, a device that will secure a replacement tooth for the implant. Once healed, your periodontist will place your new teeth, anchored in place for maximum stability.
5. How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are widely regarded as a long-lasting tooth replacement method since they fuse with the jawbone and anchor new teeth in place. As a result, they are expected to last for a long time, up to decades, if you take good care of your teeth.
The long-term success of dental implants is determined by a number of factors along with good oral hygiene and dental care habits. These include your oral and overall medical health, genetic history, and nutritional habits. Now, keep in mind that while implants tend to remain stable, it is more likely that you will need new dental crowns if your replacement teeth are damaged.
6. How long is the recovery for dental implants?
Since the dental implant procedure is completed in phases, you will require recovery time at every stage. The time it takes to heal after each phase will vary, such as receiving a bone graft and the implantation compared to the placement of replacement dental crowns. As well, the overall success of your dental implants will depend on your oral health, the number and location of missing teeth, and lifestyle habits. In total, recovery can take several months.
7. Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
Dental implants are designed to fully restore anyone’s smile after months or years of trying to eat, talk, and smile with missing teeth. But to ensure that you get these long-term benefits, you need:
- One or several missing teeth
- Enough bone in the jawbone, or receive a bone graft
- Healthy gum tissues
- Good dental and overall medical health.
8. What do I need to do after dental implant surgery?
After your Mississauga periodontist performs the dental implant procedure to the best of their training and ability, it’s up to you to help ensure a smooth and successful recovery. This means following healthy oral hygiene, eating, and lifestyle habits.
To start, follow a soft foods diet after your procedure to avoid disturbing the surgical area. Make sure to follow proper oral hygiene to keep the rest of your teeth healthy. And finally, don’t smoke in order to avoid gum disease, which can cause gums to recede and weaken the dental implant.
Got more questions? Ask our periodontists in Mississauga
Are you considering dental implants to replace your missing teeth permanently? Our periodontists in Mississauga are here to answer all your questions about dental implants. At Periodontal Associates, we specialize in providing dental implants and performing oral surgery to permanently replace missing teeth and restore your complete smile. From your initial consultation to dental implant procedure and post-op care, our periodontists are available to answer all your questions and ensure the success of your tooth replacement and restoration.
Got a question about dental implants? Book a consultation with our periodontists in Mississauga and visit Periodontal Associates today.
