If you have missing teeth, dental implants are by far the best way of replacing them. These oral appliances look and function like natural teeth, helping restore your smile and mouth functionality. Our experts at Summit Dental Group are experienced in dental implant placement and ready to restore your smile. If you want to know more about dental implants, here are answers to some of the frequently asked questions we get.Am I a Candidate for Dental implants?
If you are wondering, if you are a candidate for dental implants, there are various factors to consider before clearing a patient for dental implants. Some of them include the following:
| • | Sufficient Bone Mass - Before we approve you for dental implants, you must have sufficient bone mass. This is crucial because implants need sufficient base structure to remain in position. If you don't have sufficient bone mass, we will perform a bone graft procedure before proceeding. |
| • | Good Oral Health - Good oral health is mandatory when looking to get dental implants. If you have any underlying conditions like gum disease, we will treat them first before we consider placing the implants. We will also check whether you are vulnerable to oral ailments like tooth decay or gingivitis. |
| • | Non-smokers - You must be a non-smoker to get dental implants. Smoking is one of the biggest setbacks when it comes to oral health. This is because smoking affects the bone's healing ability and makes it hard to place implants. If you want to be considered for dental implants, you must stop smoking several weeks before the procedure. This gives them sufficient time to heal. |
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants can last up to 25 years. If you take good care of them, these oral appliances may last even longer. Good care is crucial for the durability of dental implants. Dental implants are one of the most effective and reliable oral appliances. They are a tooth replacement option that looks and feels like a real tooth. Our team recommends dental implants if you need to replace multiple teeth or a single tooth in different parts of your mouth.
How Long Do Dental Implants Take?
The dental implant placement process takes anywhere between two to six months. It is basically a three-month process that takes a different approach depending on the individual's needs. It might take longer in people with underlying oral conditions as they will need time to recover. It will take longer than a single implant placement if you need several missing teeth replacements. These factors affect how long it takes to place dental implants in a patient.
Can You Get Dental Implants with Low Bone Density?
You cannot get dental implants after bone loss. We will use a CT scan to examine your bone mass. Significantly low bone mass increases the risk of implant failure and could make you ineligible. While dental implants can work with low bone mass, too little to no bone mass is risky. The incoming dental implants will need support from the bone to make them reliable. Our team will evaluate your bone mass and decide whether a bone graft procedure is required. Contact us for a comprehensive evaluation that will help answer all of your questions.
Are Bone Grafts Necessary for Dental Implants?
A bone graft procedure is essential for implant candidates with bone loss. This procedure adds density and volume to your jaw areas and creates a solid base for implant placement. The material used in the bone graft procedure might be taken from your own body (autogenous) or could be taken from another person (allograft).
If necessary, the tissue can be purchased from an animal tissue bank (xenograft). Once we have placed the bone graft material, it will provide more bone mass to support dental implants. Without sufficient bone mass, the implants will have a weaker support base and could easily fall out. Therefore, it is essential for people with low bone mass to undergo this procedure.
Sufficient bone mass helps with the dental implant's upkeep and repair. We perform a bone grafting procedure on patients without sufficient bone mass for dental implants. There are many factors that influence the type of grafting procedure you undergo. For instance, it could be your personal preferences, the amount of grafting procedure required in your mouth, and where it should be performed. When we are inserting a dental implant into your jawbone, a minor grafting procedure is ideal.
Can I Get Dental Implants if I Grind My Teeth?
People that grind their teeth might have a problem with dental implants. Teeth clenching, also known as bruxism, poses a great risk to osseointegration. When grinding your teeth, you apply excessive pressure on the implants, which could prevent them from fusing with the jawbone. Teeth grinding is one of the major causes of implant failure.
What is Guided Implant Surgery?
Minimally invasive guided implant surgery is a kind of surgery that involves the use of imaging technology in the placement of dental implants. We use highly advanced technology to accurately and precisely place dental implants into your jawbone. This type of surgery is quicker and gives more accurate results.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
There are many benefits of dental implants. For instance, they help restore your bite. With dental implants, you can bite with the same force as natural teeth. This is because implants are anchored deep into the jawbone and can withstand high-pressure levels. Other teeth replacement options can fail when too much pressure is exerted.
Dental implants help improve your smile. They look just like your natural teeth. They are made of an acrylic material that looks just like natural teeth. Apart from enhancing your smile, they will also function like your natural teeth.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
Consider dental implants if you have lost your teeth and want to restore your smile. They are by far the most reliable and efficient method of replacing missing teeth. Our experts at Summit Dental Group are ready to help you restore your smile by performing a dental implant procedure. Call 260-297-7081 today to schedule your appointment with us.
