Dental Implant FAQ
 If you're considering dental implants, to replace one or more missing teeth, chances are you have questions. You're not alone, as millions of people have experienced tooth loss. It's crucial to gather all of the necessary information and explore your options for tooth replacement before undergoing dental implant surgery. Getting dental implants is a process, one that takes patience, but provides teeth restorations that can last a lifetime. Dental implants have a high success rate, of up to 98 percent, and can last up to 25 years. Discussions about dental implants are common, especially among individuals dealing with tooth loss. With advancements in dental technology, there are now various methods available to restore lost teeth. Here are the most frequently asked questions by patients visiting our clinic here at Masci, Hale & Wilson Advanced Aesthetic and Restorative Dentistry. What Are Dental Implants?Dental implants furnish our patients with a dependable, secure, and enduring solution to missing teeth. These restorations are renowned for their ability to not only replicate the aesthetics but also the functionality of a beautiful natural smile. Whether it's eating or speaking, dental implants, whether singular or multiple, offer an experience akin to natural teeth. Dental implants are prosthetic devices designed to replace missing teeth. They stand as the singular dental restoration to replicate natural tooth roots, offering patients the utmost secure restoration and staving off jawbone deterioration. Dental implants consist of a titanium fixture that is surgically placed into the jawbone. This fixture serves as the foundation for attaching a crown (cap), a partial denture, or a fixed bridge. After the implant fuses with the jawbone, an abutment is attached, which serves as a connector, onto which the artificial tooth or teeth are secured. Thus, an implant tooth comprises three essential components: the dental implant itself, the abutment, and the artificial tooth. Are There Different Types of Dental Implants?Various types of dental implants are available, to cater to individual patient needs. These include:
What is Involved in a Dental Implant Procedure?An extensive evaluation of the patient's oral health and medical history will precede dental implant placement. Dental impressions, X-rays, and CT scans will be performed to assess bone density and structure. Once deemed suitable for dental implantation, your surgery will be scheduled. During your implant surgery, under anesthetic, the titanium implants will be surgically placed into the jawbone, where they will fuse with the bone tissue during a process called osseointegration. This fusion can take several months. Following this, once your gums and jawbone have healed, an abutment will be attached to connect the implant to the customized restoration. This could be a dental crown, bridge, or denture. It is important to note that dental implantation is not completed in one appointment. It is a process that can take several months, up to a year. The time in between steps is necessary for proper healing of your jaw and oral tissues. What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?Dental implants boast numerous advantages over other dental restorations, including their natural appearance, stability for chewing and speaking, and prevention of bone loss and facial sagging. Dental implants provide a set of fixed teeth in cases of tooth loss, offering options for single and multiple-tooth replacements with precision. They boast impressive durability, often lasting a lifetime, and can enhance physical appearance, self-assurance, and dietary choices. Crafted from titanium, they are impervious to dental decay, contributing to enduring oral health. What is Needed for Dental Implant Maintenance?Regular brushing and flossing, along with routine dental exams and dental cleanings, are crucial for preventing plaque buildup, infection, and gum disease around the implant site. Patients should also refrain from smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, teeth clenching, and chewing on hard objects to reduce the risk of complications and potential damage to their implants. Immediate attention is necessary for any damage or loosening of the restoration to prevent further issues. Can Dentures Transition Into Implants?Dentures cannot be transformed into implants but dental implants can be located under existing dentures to enhance their stability and support. Can Dental Implants Assist if I Have Full or Partial Dentures?Dental implants can provide retention and support for removable implant overdentures or fixed dentures, offering stability and reducing the need for adhesives. What Are the Potential Causes of a Dental Implant Failing?Implant failures may result from a lack of integration between the implant and jawbone due to allergic reactions, tissue damage, infections, or smoking habits. Because titanium is a biocompatible material, allergic reactions do not occur very often. What Are the Indicators of Unsuccessful Dental Implants?Signs of a failed implant include shifting, gum recession, swelling, pain, and chewing difficulties, warranting prompt dental attention. If you have any problems with your dental implants, be sure to contact us right away to get an appointment scheduled so we can determine what is going on and get you treated right away. Dental Implants at Masci & Hale Advanced Aesthetic and Restorative DentistryDental implants offer a natural method of replacing missing teeth, whether you are missing only one tooth, many, or all of your teeth. If you've experienced tooth loss, you do not need to suffer in embarrassment and discomfort any longer. We welcome you to reach out to us at Masci, Hale & Wilson Advanced Aesthetic and Restorative Dentistry for guidance and advice. To explore your options, call 845-769-0160 to schedule a consultation. We will perform a dental exam and from there determine what the best approach is for returning your smile to a full set of teeth once again! |
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