FAQ Dental Implants

• Single Tooth Replacement. When both the tooth and root are damaged, the best permanent replacement is a dental implant in conjunction with a ceramic crown. This solution both looks and functions just like a natural tooth. In this case, a one-piece implant is used. This means that all components are installed as a single unit, resulting in immediately full functioning teeth, shorter treatment time and minimized pain.

• Multiple Tooth Implant Dentistry. When replacing three teeth in the far back of the mouth, a fixed bridge anchored to dental implants is the only fixed alternative. Traditional dentures can’t offer the same stability or function. Having dental implants replace your lost back teeth will give you new strength and stability that allows you to eat what you want. It will also preserve your jawbone and facial appearance.

• Full Arch Replacement. When all teeth are missing or in such condition that they need to be replaced, a fixed bridge anchored to dental implants is the best permanent solution. Today, it is possible to replace a full jaw with dental implants and a fixed bridge for a permanent and attractive solution.

With any surgery, there can be some discomfort. Placing one implant normally causes less discomfort then placing several. Anesthesia and patient sedation are used. Most patients report that they were much more comfortable afterward than they’d expected. It is normal to have some bruising and swelling in the gum and soft tissues. But usually the discomfort, if any, is treated with an ordinary painkiller. Expect to be able to work the next day.

The procedure chosen depends on several factors, such as your dental health, the number of teeth involved and which teeth are replaced. These factors will also determine the total number of visits to the dentist.

State-of-the-art guided surgical techniques allow you to have the dental implant placed in a single session using keyhole surgery. This new method has greatly simplified the procedure for both patients and dentists. The major advantage is the minimal amount of manipulation of the soft tissue needed. This significantly reduces the healing time and the discomfort normally associated with traditional dental implant surgical techniques.

The conventional process can take from three to six months. After placing the dental implant, it is left for three to six months to heal and integrate with the jawbone. You’ll have a temporary prosthesis until the permanent crown is put in place.

When combined with modern restorative dentistry, implants’ appearance, comfort and function are excellent. Often they are hard to tell apart from your natural teeth.

Dental implant-supported replacement teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth. You can eat and drink whatever you choose. Dental implants often improve quality of life dramatically. People who have felt embarrassed or worried about their teeth are often delighted by what new permanent teeth can do for their self-esteem.

Occasionally, patients worry that their age may prevent them from enjoying the benefits of dental implants. But your health is more relevant. If you’re healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you’re probably healthy enough for implants. After evaluating your health history, we can give you a prognosis.

Anyone who is missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease or tooth decay. The determining factor is the amount of available bone.

It depends upon the number of teeth being replaced and the number of dental implants required to support your replacement teeth. 

• Younger appearance: When you lose the entire tooth – crown and root – shrinkage of the jawbone may age your face. Implants, unlike dentures or bridges, can stop this process.
• Preserve natural teeth: With bridges, teeth adjacent to missing teeth are normally ground down to be used as anchors. Dental implants often eliminate the need to modify healthy teeth.
• Permanent solution: There are no loose parts to worry about. The dental implant is stable and comfortable. No adjustment is needed after placement. Normally, it will serve its owner for life.