Dental Implants FAQ
Tempe, AZ
 Millions of people in our country experience tooth loss mainly due to gum disease, injuries, and tooth decay. For several years, dentures and bridges were the only two choices of treatment for tooth loss.
However, today, you can opt for dental implants. These are small titanium posts that Dr. Mike at A Great Smile Arizona can install inside your jawbone. The implant materials act as a tooth root, and then we attach a crown on top to restore oral function and your smile.
Let's look at some frequently asked questions about dental implants:
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Almost anyone missing a tooth or multiple teeth can qualify for dental implants, irrespective of age. However, you need to have a strong jawbone that can support the implant. In addition, if you smoke or chew tobacco, you need to quit these habits to avoid infections. Also, you need to maintain good oral hygiene at all times to be a part of other implant candidates.
What Are Some Benefits of Implants?
We all are blessed with two sets of teeth: baby teeth and permanent adult teeth. When we lose an adult tooth or multiple adult teeth, dental implants can replace them as the third set of fixed teeth! One of the biggest benefits of implants is that they can last a lifetime and improve your facial structure significantly. They also raise your confidence and allow you to eat the foods you enjoy the most. In addition, after you get dental implants, you can engage in an active lifestyle without feeling bothered by your teeth.
Do Implants Last Long?
Dental implants are not prone to diseases such as tooth decay, unlike our natural teeth. However, you need to maintain the health of your gums and proper implant care if you want lasting implant success. It would be best if you also went for regular professional cleanings and check-ups so your implant sustains. Every patient that comes to us is different, and the success of their implant will rely upon their diagnosis, medical history, plans, and a variety of other factors.
How Painful Is the Dental Implant Procedure?
Pain varies between people, but most individuals agree that their dental implant procedure was much less painful and uncomfortable than expected.
During your surgery, our oral surgeons will give you anesthesia so you will feel only minimal discomfort. Then, we will use gentle techniques and ensure that we remove all risks of infection. If you follow our post-operative instructions and take the antibiotics we prescribe, you will be able to manage your pain successfully.
What Can You Not Do After Getting a Dental Implant?
You cannot smoke or chew tobacco after we install your implant. Smoking can increase the risk of infections. It can also cause gum disease and recession, which can weaken your implant structure over time.
We also recommend that you avoid applying heat to your face unless instructed specifically, as this can increase swelling. We suggest you avoid using straws as well, as they can place pressure on your mouth and can dislodge the blood clot that’s keeping your wound
closed.
If you are around Tempe and have any more questions about dental implants, we suggest you direct them to A Great Smile Arizona by calling at (480) 672-0007 right away! |
