Dental Implant FAQ in Beaverton, ORDental implants have emerged as an excellent solution for missing teeth in the last few years. Their viability can be determined from just the fact that about 3 million people in the US have restored their lost teeth with dental implants, and around 500,000 implant procedures are performed every year. If you’re one of the 120 million people in the US who are missing at least one tooth and are looking to restore it with an implant, it’s important to educate yourself about this restorative dentistry procedure and prosthesis to ensure it is the right choice for you and to avoid any mistakes or complications due to your lack of knowledge. What is a Dental Implant?Contrary to the common perception, a dental implant is not an artificial tooth. It is, in fact, a small metallic (titanium) post inserted into the jawbone to mimic the tooth root. It is then fitted with an abutment and topped with a crown to make a replacement for your missing tooth. What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?Dental implants offer several benefits, the biggest of which is that they act as a replacement for lost teeth, helping to restore the compromised appearance and functioning of your jaw and your confidence. Dental implants are also resistant to decay, unlike real teeth roots. Hence, they can last a lifetime. Another benefit of dental implants is that they can be used to replace a single missing tooth, a few teeth, or the entire jaw. When performed by trained professionals, like Dr. Eshraghi at Periodontal Associates, dental implants also offer the same functionality as your natural teeth, allowing you to eat whatever foods you like. Who is a Candidate for Dental Implants?Anyone who has one or more missing teeth with good oral hygiene can get dental implants. However, certain factors may require you to undergo some other procedures before getting an implant. Talk to our prosthodontists to determine the eligibility and dental implant procedure for yourself. Who is a Not a Candidate for Dental Implants?People with poor oral hygiene, tooth decay, gum disease, and insufficient jawbone aren’t fit for dental implants. However, these do not always permanently disqualify you from getting an implant. Advances in dentistry have made it possible to treat these problems and reverse your candidacy for implants. Certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking and health conditions that may interfere with post-implant healing, can also make you ineligible for dental implants. While lifestyle factors can be controlled, health problems aren’t always treatable in the context of dental implants. However, only a dental implant expert can confirm your eligibility or ineligibility. Call us today at (971) 317-8414 to schedule an appointment with one of our leading prosthodontists. Are There Any Side Effects of Dental Implants?Dental implants are virtually safe with no significant risk of side effects. However, like any minor surgical procedure, there is a small risk of inflammation and infection. You may also experience some pain while your jawbone heals. However, you will be given guidelines to manage these conditions should they occur and medications for pain relief. Can a Dental Implant Fail?Dental implants have a high success rate - up to 98%. So, they rarely fail. However, dental implant failure is not unheard of. Some possible causes of dental implant failure include:
What are the Signs of Dental Implant Failure?A dental implant failure can be characterized by the following symptoms:
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?Since implants are dental prostheses, they aren’t susceptible to decay. However, the risk of gum disease is still present, and avoiding it is vital to making your implants last a long time. With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, dental implants can last a lifetime. However, failure to meet these conditions can reduce their lifespan and require replacement much sooner than later. How Painful is the Dental Implant Procedure?Since everyone’s threshold for pain is different, what one finds painful may only be slightly discomforting for others. The dental implant procedure is discomforting and might cause some pain as well. However, most people report it to be less painful than they expected. Moreover, the dental implant procedure is performed under local anesthetic, so patients only experience minimal discomfort. Post-procedure pain can be managed with pain relief medications. How Soon After a Tooth Extraction Can You Have an Implant?The traditional approach requires a complete healing of the tooth socket after extraction before placing an implant. However, we now also have same-day implants, which means you can have an implant placed the same day you get your tooth extracted. Call us today at (971) 317-8414 to schedule an appointment with our implant expert to determine which of these implant procedures you qualify for. How Long Does it Take for the Implant to Heal?The implant healing period can vary, depending on your oral and overall health and the number of implants you require. However, on average, dental implants can take six to 12 weeks to heal. Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation with Us for More DetailsAre you interested in replacing your loose, damaged, or missing teeth with an implant? Contact us at (971) 317-8414 to schedule a detailed consultation session with one of our implant experts to learn more about the procedure, determine your eligibility, and lay out a personalized treatment plan. |