The Ultimate Guide to Dental Implants
Cherrywood Dental • July 29, 2014
If you’re interested in dental implants, you’re probably also filled with questions. These small, powerful restorations can seem a little too good to be true. But when you learn more about the facts behind the implant procedure, you see that we’re not exaggerating about implant benefits.
After you’ve read up on implants, get in touch with Cherrywood Dental to schedule a consultation. We’re ready to help you regain a full, healthy, beautiful smile – and implants could be a key player in that process. If you’re missing one or more teeth, implants allow you to explore the longest-term, most stable restorative option.
Top Dental Implant Questions
- Who is a candidate for dental implants? We’ll answer the most common question first. When you’re missing a tooth, you’re not just curious about dental implants – you’re curious about whether they’re even a possibility. While not every patient is initially a candidate for implants, there are steps we can take to prepare your mouth for implant success. Because implants attach to the jaw bones, they need adequate bone in the treatment area. The mouth also needs to be free of cavities and gum disease, to ensure there isn’t cross-infection during implant surgery. With the help of a bone graft, periodontal treatment, and fillings, we can get you to that happy implant place.
- Greenbelt implant dentistHow do implants work? Implants are placed in the jaw bone, where the biocompatible titanium material of the implants bonds with natural jaw bone. Once this bond has solidified, an abutment is attached. This abutment acts as a connector between the implants and accompanying restorations. Those restorations fit into place, and are securely anchored by the implants.
- Are there different types of implants? There are a few different types, to fit varying patient needs. Mini implants are smaller and can be placed less-invasively, accommodating ill or anxious patients. Cherrywood Dental offers both standard implants and Teeth Xpress, an immediate load implant system. This system allows patients to receive implants and restorations in a single day, without a healing period in between. It’s ideal for patients with dentures who are interested in deconstructing their dentures, and using them as individual crowns.
- Why are dental implants a strong restorative choice? Of course, choosing a restorative path is a personal process, and one that requires guidance from a restorative dentist. It’s hard to know whether implants are right for you until you have met with a professional. In general, implant patients are seeking a restoration that looks and feels like the real thing. Implants are also a great way to provide better foundations for dentures.
- How long do implants last? When well cared for, implants can last for decades (and even the rest of your life). Because they form a bond with the natural bone, they remain a stable part of your jaw for many years to come.
- What is the implant procedure like? The procedure depends on the type of implant you are receiving. It is a surgical procedure, so you will receive local anesthesia to numb the treatment area and prevent pain. There are typically healing periods between the placement of implants, placement of abutments, and placement of restorations. If you are receiving Teeth Xpress implants, you will undergo all these steps in one appointment, and then heal afterwards.
Ready to Meet an Implant Dentist in Woodbridge?
As we mentioned earlier, you won’t know whether implants are the best bet until your mouth and jaws have been x-rayed and examined. Set up your consultation today to take a big step toward a rebuilt smile.