4 Realities of the Dental Implant Procedure
When something is unknown, it can seem a little scary. This type of reaction is not foreign to our Washington, MI, dental implant dentists. Sure, dental implants are gaining popularity nowadays, but there are still many people out there who are unfamiliar with them and have questions. That’s where we come in.
Here are 4 truths to keep in mind about the .
Defining Dental Implants
Best explained as an made of titanium, an implant is permanently embedded into the jawbone for stability and topped with a dental crown. Unlike traditional dentures, dental implants are not removable which means there is no risk of them shifting when you’d rather they stay in place.
Many patients who have undergone the implant procedure are pleased with their restored ability to chew, speak, and smile confidently. The natural appearance of dental implants is also a major selling point. They blend so seamlessly with your smile that it’s often hard to tell when someone has had an implant placed.
If interested, our dentists can perform an oral examination and determine your candidacy for the procedure. If implants are determined to be a good fit for you, we will then speak with you and give you an idea of what to expect at every stage.
Before Getting a Dental Implant, Know That:
1. You’ll Need Sufficient Bone in Your Jaw
Though the issue can be remedied with a , starting out with adequate bone to secure the implants does cut down on the time required for the entire procedure. This is because transplanted bone can sometimes take several months to grow enough new bone for a more solid implant base.
Our dentists will recommend a bone graft if your jawbone is found to be too soft or too thin in the area where the implant is needed. Placing a dental implant where the jawbone is weaker can result in a failed surgery which we do not want for our patients.
Whether there from the start or produced after a graft, it’s best to approach the implant procedure with a fully grown, healthy jawbone.
2. They’re a Long-Lasting and Reliable Solution
Other tooth replacement options like full or partial dentures can become worn over time and in need of adjustment. Dental implants, on the other hand, are built to last a lifetime if cared for properly along with your other teeth.
There’s no need to worry about them falling out and no dental adhesives are required. The implant’s permanent placement in your jaw keeps them stable while you laugh with friends or enjoy a nice meal. It’s this reliability that also allows you to eat the foods you like without fear the implants will be affected.
3. It May Take Months From Start to Finish to Be Complete
No, this does not mean you are sitting in our Washington, MI, dental office for months on end. It does, however, refer to the time dedicated to healing after the implant is placed but before the other components, like the dental crown, are put on.
Once inserted into your jawbone by our dentists, the implant will need to fully heal and fuse to the surrounding bone before additional steps are taken. This process of generating new bone in your jaw takes the most time as the actual implantation and crown placement are relatively straightforward.
Depending on how speedy your healing is, you could be waiting several months before your restoration is complete. While some may view this as inconvenient, many patients feel the outweigh the delay.
4. The Process Is Less Painful Than Many Think
You might think that because the dental implant procedure involves some form of oral surgery that it’s intensive and painful. The truth is, the experience of having the implant placed is not much different than getting a cavity filled thanks to the administration of local anesthetic.
Our dentists and our staff here at Romeo Family Dentistry want you to be comfortable during treatment. This is why in addition to numbing anesthetic, we can also provide you with sedation to put you further at ease. Discomfort during placement should be minimal, if present at all.
Leave Gaps In Your Smile Behind
Dentures are great and get the job done but they’re not for everyone. Our dentists in Washington, MI, understand that every patient has different preferences when it comes to tooth replacement which is why we also offer dental implants. Call Romeo Family Dentistry today at (586) 752-3589 to request an appointment and start the discussion.