Despite the widespread information about dental care, thousands of people still suffer from tooth loss every year. People lose their teeth for several reasons, such as injury, tooth decay, or periodontal disease.
Luckily, dental implants in Wendell can replace missing teeth and restore your oral function to normal. Dental implants were first discovered in 1952 by Per-Ingvar Brånemark, a Swedish orthopedic surgeon.
The discovery was considered one of the major breakthroughs in the history of dentistry. Implants have become so popular that over three million people in the U.S. are wearing them. Surveys show that half a million people are getting dental implants every year. To know if dental implant surgery is for you, we’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about this procedure.
Common Questions About Dental Implants Answered
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a metal post with a unique screw-shaped design. It is not an actual tooth but a prosthesis that mimics the function of natural tooth roots. This metal fixture is surgically placed into your jawbone. Attached to it is a connector called an abutment. You can choose if you want to cap it off with a fixed dental bridge, a single dental crown, or dentures.
The process can take several months since ample time is needed for your bone tissues to integrate around the implants (osseointegration) permanently. Once the implants fuse with your jawbone, they provide a secure foundation for your artificial teeth. People love dental implants because they do not decay, and the crowns do not stain.
Are Dental Implants Popular?
According to the American College of Prosthodontics, more than 178 million Americans have at least one missing tooth. Meanwhile, 40 million Americans have lost all their teeth. Because of the rising number of people losing their permanent teeth, dental implant surgery has become one of America’s most in-demand tooth replacement solutions. Statistics show that roughly three million dental implants are placed each year.
Is Dental Implant Surgery Safe?
Oral surgeons have been performing dental implant surgery for decades. The procedure boasts of a high success rate of up to 95%. Although it’s generally safe, it is still an invasive procedure and can have possible risks and complications. You can minimize risk by choosing an experienced and trained oral surgeon or dental implant specialist.
Is Getting Dental Implants Painful?
Pain is subjective. Nevertheless, people who underwent dental implant surgery were surprised that their experience wasn’t as uncomfortable as expected. During the procedure, you will be anesthetized to feel relaxed and comfortable. If you ever experience discomfort, it should be minimal.
How Long Will the Procedure Take?
The timeline of the procedure varies from person to person. Many factors can affect the timeline, such as your dental health, how many teeth you need to replace, and if other procedures are required before the implant placement (tooth extraction or bone grafting).
The surgery involves two phases. The overall duration is between three to nine months. However, some patients may take longer than nine months, especially those requiring bone grafting.
What Are the Benefits of Getting Dental Implants?
The idea of going through surgery can be unnerving, yet despite the risks involved, millions of Americans still prefer dental implants because of their durability, stability, security, and permanence.
Did you know that once osseointegration is achieved (the process where your jawbone tissues fully fuse with your implants), the dental implants will stay where they are for decades? In fact, if you take good care of your implants, you can expect them to last a lifetime.
Dental implants look so natural that they’ll blend seamlessly with the rest of your teeth, giving you a beautiful and even smile. When you feel good about your smile, you’ll be able to build up confidence.
What Can You Eat After Dental Implant Surgery?
After dental implant surgery, you’ll be asked to follow a soft diet. Some of the foods you can consume for the next couple of days are the following:
- Yogurt
- Fruit smoothies
- Slushies
- Eggnog
- Cooked cereals
- Milkshakes
- Ice cream
- Cottage cheese
- Mashed potatoes
- Protein shakes
- Pudding
After three days, you can consume foods that don’t require much chewing, such as:
- Soft bread
- Sandwiches
- Boiled eggs
- Scrambled eggs
- Pastas
- Macaroni and cheese
- Cooked noodles
While your gum tissues are still healing, try avoiding hard, chewy, crunchy, and spicy foods. It’s also best to avoid acidic drinks.
Is There a Chance Your Mouth Will Reject an Implant?
Dental implants rarely get rejected because your jawbone is built to accept biocompatible implants. If there’s a chance it gets rejected, then it’s probably due to allergies to titanium. Another possible cause why dental implants fail is poor maintenance. Dental implant failure is a likely outcome if you don’t practice good oral hygiene.
Do You Have More Questions About Dental Implants in Wendell?
If you have more questions about dental implants that aren’t addressed here, feel free to ask us. At Tyron Family Dentistry, we enjoy building long-term relationships with our patients. We provide personalized dental care to ensure you achieve your dental goals and the smile of your dreams. Contact us today for more information.
