A Few Common Questions About Dental Implants Answered

Are you considering dental implants? Get the answers to some common questions about this oral surgery before you head to the surgeon.

Dental implants give those who have lost their teeth the chance to enjoy a normal bite and use of their mouth. However, those who are considering having an implant often have a lot of questions. While your dentist is the best person to address these questions, there are a few that you can learn ahead of time to put your mind at ease about this process.

What Are They?

An implant is a metal replacement for a tooth's root. It is surgically implanted in the jawbone by a dentist or oral surgeon. The body creates new bone around the implant that fuses it in place, a process known as osseointegration. Crowns, dentures, or bridges can be attached to the implant once it is fully fused to the bone.

Can They Fail to Fuse?

Every once in a while, dental implants will fail to fuse to the bone properly. This is not usually a problem. It simply requires the dentist to add a new implant that has a larger diameter.

Is an Implant As Strong As a Natural Tooth?

When properly placed, dental implants are as strong as your natural teeth, perhaps even a bit stronger if you were dealing with weakened teeth before you had your loss. Your dentist will give you any special instructions that you need to follow after your surgery to ensure that everything heals as it should, but most individuals find they can eat, chew gum, and talk as they normally would have prior to having an implant.

How Many Will I Need?

The answer to this question depends on the amount of loss you have experienced. Your dentist will set forth a treatment plan that will include the number of dental implants you need. In most cases, the more you can have placed, the better your long-term success will be, but the actual number will depend on the amount of teeth you are replacing.

Will It Hurt?

The actual procedure does not hurt, because you will be under local anesthesia. Just as with a cavity, you do not feel much other than pressure during the procedure. However, once the shot wears off, you can expect to experience pain for a few days afterwards. Pain medication can make a big difference. Most patients state that the first day is the worst day for pain, and that it gets better quickly afterwards. Also, the skill of the surgeon makes a huge difference in the amount of pain you feel. For this reason, consider opting for an oral surgeon if you can.

Will They Set Off Metal Detectors?

Because your implant will be made form titanium, it will not cause problems when you head to the airport and have to go through a metal detector. The exception would be, of course, if you opted to have metal teeth attached to the implant. You should have no changes to your normal activities, even those that require a trip through the metal detector, after you have received dental implants.

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