What are dental implants?

Dental implants are the most advanced, long-term solution for tooth replacement. A dental implant is a small titanium screw that fuses with the jawbone and becomes a sturdy base for a replacement tooth.

Implant dentistry is an excellent option for replacing missing teeth, improving your bite and facial profile, and preventing further damage to your jawbone and surrounding tissue.

How do I know if I’m a candidate?

Dental implants are an ideal choice for replacing one or more missing teeth — but they aren’t right for everyone. To determine if you’re a candidate for dental implants, we’ll need to evaluate the health of your mouth and gums as well as the structure of your jawbone. We’ll also need to make sure there’s enough room in your mouth for us to place the implant(s).

If you’re considering dental implants, ask us about our comprehensive examination process and how it will benefit you by helping us determine if dental implants are right for you!

Who might need dental implants?

Dental implants are usually recommended when all other restorative options have been exhausted. Most patients who are candidates for dental implants have tried other methods of replacing missing teeth, such as bridges and dentures, but have been unable to achieve the results they hoped for.

Dental implants are most commonly used in the following situations:

• To replace a single tooth that has been lost due to injury or decay
• To replace multiple missing teeth in the lower jaw (lower partial denture) or upper jaw (upper partial denture)
• To support dentures that don’t fit properly or don’t feel secure in the mouth

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Strength & Stability — Dental implants offer superior strength over traditional restorations like dentures. They provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth that won’t slip out of place or break off over time. Thanks to their stability, dental implants offer an improved chewing experience compared with other restorations like dental bridges or partials.

Natural Look & Feel — Dental implants mimic the look and feel of natural teeth so you can enjoy eating all your favorite foods again with confidence! Your new implant-supported crowns will feel just like real ones when biting down on food, so there’s no need to worry about chewing sensitivity issues like many denture wearers do.

Long-Lasting Results — The benefits of dental implants last a lifetime! Once your implant-supported crowns are placed in your mouth, they will last as long you take care of it.

How should I prepare for a dental implant?

Preparing for your dental implant will vary depending on who is doing the procedure. For example, if you are having a single implant placed in a tooth that has been extracted, there may be no preparation required. If you are planning to have multiple implants placed, however, it is important to follow your dentist’s instructions closely and make sure you are healthy enough for the procedure.

Dental Implant Preparation Tips

There are several things you can do to prepare for dental implants:

If your dentist has prescribed antibiotics prior to surgery, take them as directed. Antibiotics help prevent infection at the surgical site. They also help prevent postoperative pain by reducing inflammation of tissue surrounding the area where the implant is placed into bone.

Eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water before surgery. This will reduce any swelling that may occur after surgery. Swelling makes it harder for your dentist or oral surgeon to work with precision during surgery, so it’s important that you do everything possible to prevent it from happening.

What should I do after getting a dental implant?

Do not eat or drink anything for at least 8 hours after surgery.

A temporary cap will be placed over the area during surgery to protect the gums and soft tissue. You may have a sore spot on your gums where the implant was placed. The soreness should go away in a few days, but if it persists, call us immediately.

You may feel some discomfort with eating or drinking, so take it easy for at least a week (and avoid hot or cold food or beverages).

After getting home from your appointment, wash your hands well before touching your mouth or face with your hands. You can brush your teeth using your regular toothbrush and toothpaste as needed until Dr. Brodhead says it’s okay to use an electric toothbrush again (usually after about three months).

You can gently rinse with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt per cup) every two to three hours for the first 24 hours after surgery if there is any excess blood or drainage from the socket where the implant was placed. After that first 24-hour period, rinse with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt per cup).

What are potential risks or complications of dental implants?

Inflammation and swelling in the soft tissues near the implant. This is usually mild and temporary, but it can be very serious in some cases. If you have severe swelling, it may be necessary to remove the implant.

Infection. There’s a small risk that an infection could develop around the implant, but this is rare. If you have an infection, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics and other medications to get rid of it.

Fractured tooth roots. This can occur if you grind your teeth while you sleep (bruxism), which happens more often than most people realize. An injury can also cause a cracked tooth root or root fracture when an object lands on an exposed tooth root during an accident.

How effective are dental implants?

Dental implants can be very effective. The success rate for dental implants is around 98 percent, which means that 98 out of 100 patients are satisfied with their new teeth.

Dental implants are made from titanium, which is a very strong metal that does not corrode or decay. They are placed inside the jawbone to support a crown or bridge. The implant replaces the root of your missing tooth or teeth, allowing you to chew with ease and comfort. Dental implants also help prevent bone loss — another common problem after tooth loss.

When you lose a tooth, it affects your eating habits, speech and appearance. You may even lose confidence in yourself and avoid social situations where your smile may be noticed.

Dental implants can restore your smile and allow you to eat foods that require biting forces up to 90 pounds per square inch (psi).

With dental implants, you’ll have a fixed replacement that looks natural, feels comfortable and won’t slip or move when you chew — just like real teeth.

How do I care for dental implants?

The best way to care for your dental implants depends on your individual situation. You may need to take special care if you have diabetes or other medical conditions or if you smoke tobacco products. Here are some general guidelines:

Brush and floss regularly. Your dentist or dental hygienist will tell you how often to brush and floss around the dental implant.

Visit the dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings. The dentist may also recommend other treatments, such as fluoride treatments or sealants, which help protect against decay around your implants.

Take good care of your overall health by following instructions from your doctor about diet, exercise and medications as prescribed by him/her.