Dental Implant FAQs
Louisville, KY
 If you have lost some teeth, they can affect both your dental function and appearance. Luckily, there are treatment options available to help you restore your smile and function. One popular option is dental implants. Dental implant technology is a groundbreaking way to replace teeth lost due to extraction, damage, or decay. Implants are considered more advanced than older methods of tooth replacement, and more people are choosing them.
At United Smile Centres, we encounter many patients who wish to undergo dental implantation. One common factor about all our patients is that they ask questions. It is a fact that those who need to undergo implants may need further clarification. Below, we look at the dental implant FAQs in detail and provide accurate answers.
Common Questions About Dental Implants
Some dental implant questions occur more regularly than other questions. For instance, almost all clients will ask whether the procedure is painful. Other common questions we get are:
What Are the Limitations of Dental Implants?
Dental implants normally last 25 years or more when maintained properly. However, opting for tooth implants has its drawbacks, mainly due to their considerable expense. Implants are more costly than other restoration options, such as crowns and dentures. Further, suitability concerns may arise for some patients. Lastly, you must consider the surgery risks and extensive recovery period.
How Long Will a Dental Implant Bleed?
It is normal to experience some mild to moderate bleeding at the implant site for 48 to 72 hours. However, excessive bleeding or bleeding that persists beyond 3 days is not normal. In such instances, it is advisable to contact your dentist to rule out inflammation or infection promptly.
How Painful Are Dental Implants?
Most patients do not feel discomfort during their treatment because it is administered under anesthesia. However, after the dental implant procedure is completed and the anesthesia wears off, it is common for patients to experience some level of discomfort. Common side effects of dental implant treatment may include soreness in the teeth, gums, and jaw around the treated area.
Understanding Dental Implants: FAQs
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a prosthetic device used to fill in gaps left by lost teeth. Essentially, it is a small titanium screw inserted directly into the jawbone. At the top, a dummy cap, partial denture, or full denture is attached, mimicking the look of a natural tooth. After the implant integrates with the bone, an abutment is attached to it. Finally, the artificial tooth or teeth are secured in place. An implant tooth is made up of three parts: the dental implant, the abutment, and the artificial tooth.
Are Dental Implants Removable?
No, dental implants cannot be removed like dentures. They are permanently fixed in the bone, similar to natural teeth, and do not hinder tooth replacement.
What Are the Different Types of Implants?
The three main types of dental implants are zygomatic, subperiosteal, and endosteal. Endosteal implants are the most common dental implants. They are less invasive and require a shorter recovery time. However, they need a healthy jawbone for proper fusion. These implants are placed directly into the jawbone.
Subperiosteal implants are not anchored into the jawbone. Instead, they sit on top of the bone, with their position on the gum. A metal frame is placed under the gum, with a post attached to it for support. Subperiosteal implants are normally used when there is insufficient jawbone.
Due to their complex procedure, zygomatic implants are less common. They are reserved for patients with inadequate jawbones for endosteal implants. Instead of being fixed to the jawbone, Zygomatic implants are inserted into the cheekbone.
FAQs About the Dental Implant Procedure
The implant procedure itself is of concern to many patients. Most wish to know how long it takes and how soon they can return to their activities. Some questions about the implant procedure are:
How Is the Dental Implant Procedure Done?
The dental implant surgery process varies depending on individual needs and the condition of the jawbone. Normally, it is performed as an outpatient procedure, and it occurs over multiple appointments spread out over several months.
Initially, local anesthesia or IV sedation is administered to numb the mouth. An incision is made in the gums, making it possible to insert the implant into the jawbone. Once the implant is securely in place, the gums are stitched back over it for complete coverage.
After the first phase, there is a waiting period of several months to allow the bone to integrate with the implant. Following successful integration, an abutment is attached to the implant, which will eventually support the new tooth.
What Happens if You Do Not Have Sufficient Jawbone]
If there is not enough bone for successful implants, the deficiency may need to be addressed through bone replacement surgery. Depending on the extent of the deficiency, procedures such as bone grafting and bonding will be helpful.
Your Top Dental Implant Questions Answered
The top implant questions regard the procedure and the cost. Given that cost is a major concern, it is necessary to address this top implant question.
What Is the Cost of Dental Implants?
The cost of dental implants typically ranges from $1000 to as much as $10,000. It all depends on factors like patient needs, required bone volume, and the complexity of the surgery. Interestingly, there is no big cost difference between replacing a single tooth with an implant versus a traditional fixed method.
Does Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Basic dental plans usually do not cover implants. However, you can opt for cosmetic dental procedure coverage to cover some of the costs. In some cases, dental implant insurance coverage may cover up to half of the procedure expenses.
Dental Implants: Frequently Asked Questions
Who Qualifies for Dental Implants?
Adults with healthy gums and strong bones are ideal candidates for dental implants. They may already have missing teeth or require extractions.
Are Dental Implants Safe?
Dental implant surgery and recovery are highly safe and biocompatible. In other words, they are less allergic. They are the only tooth replacement option that does not harm your natural teeth.
How Many Implants Do I Need?
The number of implants needed depends on the extent of tooth loss and the type of restoration. For multi-tooth restorations like bridges or All-on-4s, the number of implants corresponds to the missing teeth.
Exploring Answers to Your Dental Implant Queries
If you are thinking about getting a dental implant, you need to get all the answers before you go for it. The questions outlined above answer some of them, but you will obviously have more. To get answers to your questions, you need to see a professional.
At United Smile Centres, we are more than happy to answer all your questions about dental implants. Our in-house dentists will carefully listen to you when you visit or call and answer as many questions as possible. To get answers to your questions, call us now at (502) 899-3000. |
