Dental Implant FAQs
Dentist Marysville, WA
 Losing teeth can significantly affect both your dental function and appearance. Fortunately, innovative treatments like dental implants are available to restore your smile and functionality. Considered a superior solution to traditional tooth replacement methods, dental implants are increasingly popular.
At Grove Street Family Dentistry, we often encounter patients curious about implants. It's common for those considering this procedure to seek further information.
What Are Dental Implants? Dentists began looking for ways to fully replace missing teeth because, over time, people who wear dentures can lose bone in their jaws, which changes the shape of their faces. After years of trial and error, dentists perfected the dental implant, which comes as close to replacing your natural teeth as possible.
Dental implants are an excellent way to reclaim your smile after months or years of experiencing missing teeth. Whether you are missing multiple teeth or only a single tooth, dental implants can restore your teeth and give you back your smile.
All of your teeth consist of two parts. The visible top part of your tooth, called the crown, contains your nerves and blood vessels in the middle of your tooth, which is called the tooth pulp. The pulp is covered by dentin and enamel to protect it. The second part of your tooth is rooted through your gums and into your jawbone to anchor it and is called your tooth root.
While both bridges and dentures fix the surface issues with tooth loss, dental implants fully replace your tooth. Instead of a tooth root, our dentist uses a titanium or zirconium screw placed into your jawbone to connect a prosthetic tooth on the top of your gums to the screw. Because the implant mimics your tooth and tooth root, your gums and jawbone act as if your tooth is still there, which means your gum stays healthier and your jawbone stays strong.
Benefits of Choosing Dental Implants Many patients have one or more missing teeth due to many reasons. They may have suffered dental trauma or injuries that led to loss of teeth. They could also have suffered tooth decay or damage to a tooth from illnesses, requiring a tooth extraction. Thankfully, replacing them with dental implants outweighs every other type of tooth replacement option with so many benefits. Patients who receive dental implants at Grove Street Family Dentistry enjoy all of these benefits.
A Natural Finish
Since dental implants mimic a tooth, it is designed to look like your natural tooth. The shape and size of the crown is considered, down to the color shade of your surrounding teeth. So when it is finished, it sits well with your natural teeth, in a perfect blend to complete your perfect smile. Patients may even forget they have a dental implant, because of its pleasing esthetics.
Requires Minimal Care And Effort
Dental implants are very easy to care for. All they require is for you to keep up good oral hygiene, actively brushing and flossing as required daily. They do not require that you purchase additional items for care. Keeping up regular dental appointments also ensures their longevity.
Retain Your Natural Teeth
Many other prosthetics require that you either remove or alter some of the remaining healthy and natural teeth you have before you place them. Dental implants eliminate that. Since they are a complete standalone tooth, they do not require any modification of surrounding teeth. Moreover, they also help to keep your adjacent teeth aligned. Dental implants restore the support that a missing tooth may have taken away from adjacent teeth.
Are Dental Implants Safe? Dental implants are highly biocompatible, posing minimal risk of allergic reactions and no harm to natural teeth.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last? Dental implants can last over 25 years with proper maintenance. However, they are generally more expensive than other restoration options like crowns and dentures. Additionally, not everyone is a suitable candidate for implants, and there are surgical risks and a significant recovery period to consider.
Dental Implant Procedure: What to Expect
Overview of Implant Placement
The process begins with an initial consultation and assessment, where the dentist evaluates the patient's oral health and discusses treatment options.
During the evaluation, factors such as bone density, gum health, and any existing dental issues are assessed to determine the suitability for dental implants.
Dental Implant Procedure
The surgical placement of dental implants involves several steps. Firstly, the patient undergoes pre-operative preparation, which may include taking X-rays or impressions of the teeth.
During the implant placement process, the dentist surgically inserts the implant into the jawbone, where it will serve as an artificial tooth root.
Following implant placement, the patient enters a healing and osseointegration period, during which the implant fuses with the surrounding bone for stability.
Patients are advised to follow specific post-operative care instructions provided by their dentist, which may include taking prescribed medications and maintaining good oral hygiene.
Osseointegration, the process of bone integration with the implant, typically takes several months. Regular check-ups with the dentist are scheduled to monitor the healing process and ensure optimal recovery.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last? After the successful placement of your dental implants, a crucial post-restoration recovery period begins. During this time, it's normal to experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity as your mouth adjusts to the new addition. Your dentist will provide guidelines to ease any discomfort and promote optimal healing.
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is paramount for the longevity and health of your dental implants. Regular brushing, flossing, and the use of antimicrobial mouthwash help prevent plaque buildup and reduce the risk of complications. Your dentist may recommend specific tools or techniques to clean around the implant-supported restoration.
Scheduled check-ups are essential to monitor the condition of your dental implants and overall oral health. During these appointments, your dentist assesses the stability of the implant, checks the integrity of the restoration, and addresses any concerns you might have. Regular maintenance appointments contribute to the enduring success of your dental implant restoration.
Let Grove Street Family Dentistry Provide You with Dental Implants Dental implants may just be the perfect solution to your missing tooth. Do not hesitate about it. Speak to our professionals at Grove Street Family Dentistry today, by calling our office at (360) 659-3200 to learn if you are a suitable recipient for dental implants. |
