- What is a dental implant?
- Why should I consider dental implants?
- What is the success rate?
- How much do dental implants cost?
- Am I a candidate for dental implants?
- What are the advantages of dental implants over dentures or a dental bridge?
- How will dental implants affect my life?
- Will my new teeth look natural?
- Will I be able to chew normally?
- How long does it take to get dental implants?
- Is it painful?
- How will I feel after the treatment?
- How do I care for my dental implants?
A. A dental implant is a small titanium screw that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. Dental implants can be placed in either the upper or lower jaws. Due to the biocompatible properties of titanium, a dental implant fuses with the bone and becomes a good anchor for a replacement tooth, or even a full set of replacement teeth.
Q. Why should I consider dental implants?
A. There are a number of reasons to consider dental implants, but here’s two key ones:
- Without the root structure of a natural tooth present, the jawbone can shrink. Shrinkage of the jawbone can make your face prematurely age. Dental implants can counter jawbone shrinkage.
- There are no loose parts to worry about. Dental implants are fixed in place and can last a lifetime.
A. With more than three decades of clinical experience and more than a million patients treated, statistics confirm a success rate of nearly 95% for individual Immediate Function dental implants.
Q. How much do dental implants cost?
A. The cost depends on several factors, including the number of teeth being replaced and the number of dental implants required to support your replacement teeth. We can only give you an estimate after you have been evaluated.
Q. Am I a candidate for dental implants?
A. Anyone who is missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease or tooth decay may be a candidate for dental implants. The determining factor is often the amount of available bone. East Coast Dental Centre offers a consultation to evaluate whether dental implants are a viable solution for you.
Q. What are the advantages of dental implants over dentures or a dental bridge?
A. Here is a list of the benefits of dental implants:
- Improved appearance: When you lose the entire tooth - crown and root - shrinkage of the jawbone may cause your face to look older. Dental implants can stop this process. A traditional denture or dental bridge doesn’t.
- Preserved natural teeth: With traditional dental bridges, teeth adjacent to missing teeth are normally ground down and used as anchors for a dental bridge. Dental implants often eliminate the need to modify healthy teeth.
- Permanent solution: There are no loose parts. Dental implants are stable, comfortable and can last a lifetime.
Q. How will dental implants affect my life?
A. Dental implants look, feel and function like natural teeth. You can eat and drink whatever you choose. People who have felt embarrassed and worried because of their tooth problems are often overwhelmed by what new permanent teeth can do for their confidence.
Q. Will my new teeth look natural?
A. When dental implants are used in combination with modern restorative dentistry, their appearance, comfort and function are hard to tell apart from your teeth.
Q. Will I be able to chew normally?
A. Yes. Following a brief adaptation period, chewing is comparable to that of natural teeth.
Q. How long does it take to get dental implants?
A. Today, you can often have dental implants placed in a single session. The procedure chosen depends on several factors, such as your dental health, the number of teeth involved and which teeth are being replaced. These factors also determine the total number of required visits to the dentist throughout the treatment period.
A. With any surgery, there can be some discomfort. Placing one implant normally causes less discomfort then placing several. Anesthesia and patient sedation are commonly administered to help reduce any discomfort during the process. Most patients report they were much more comfortable following the procedure than they had anticipated. You will be prescribed medications to ease any discomfort that may occur.
Q. How will I feel after the treatment?
A. 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.
Q. How do I care for my dental implants?
A. Your new teeth must be cared for and checked regularly, just like natural teeth. Brush and floss as recommended. Following your treatment, you should see your dentist in six months, or more frequently if advised.
