5 Most Common Questions About Dental Implants

You’ve lost a tooth or maybe several. Now what? You’ve heard about dental implants, but is this surgical tooth replacement procedure right for you?

First and foremost — and we can’t emphasize this enough — you should always replace missing teeth for the greater good of your mouth and your overall health and wellness. To help you better understand the benefits of dental implants for replacing missing teeth, our passionate dental team here at Dental Studios in Summit and Westfield, New Jersey, answers the five most common questions we get asked about dental implants. 

1. What are the advantages of dental implants?

Dental implants are often referred to as the “gold standard” in teeth replacement options. This is because implants are most like your natural teeth. The implant post serves as a tooth root to which we attach a custom prosthetic crown that looks like your natural teeth, feels like your natural teeth, and functions as well (or better) than your natural teeth. 

Permanent tooth replacement

Implants become a permanent part of your mouth, just like your own teeth, complete with a surgically placed root — a titanium post that fuses to your jawbone — and a crown as the visible portion of the implant. 

Aesthetically pleasing

Our skilled dentists create implants that perfectly match the surrounding teeth in shape, size, and color, so nobody can tell the difference between the teeth you replace and your natural ones. 

Improved oral health

Dental implants help keep your jawbone healthy and prevent bone loss. Implants also help your other teeth stay in place instead of shifting into empty spaces. 

Unlike some types of dentures, implants don’t slip out of place when you talk, chew, or laugh. And, you care for implants just as you do your natural teeth — yet implants aren’t subject to cavities. 

2. Am I a good candidate for dental implants?

You’re a great candidate for dental implants as long as your gums are healthy and your jaw is fully grown. Additionally, you need to have a healthy jawbone to provide a secure anchor for your new implant root. If you don’t have a thick enough jawbone or if it’s too soft for the implant, you may still be able to get implants after bone grafting creates a more solid foundation. 

3. How long does it take to replace missing teeth with custom implants?

The answer to this question depends on each person. Your overall health, your oral health, and the complexity of your condition all factor into determining how long it takes to get your new custom implants. 

In general, if you’re healthy, you don’t smoke, and you just need one or two implants, the entire process may take just a few months. For more complex cases, this process could take up to a year.

It takes time for your jawbone to fuse with the implant post in a process called osseointegration. Once your bone fuses with the new, artificial tooth root, you can return to Dental Studios to have your permanent crown put into place. 

4. Is it painful to get dental implants?

At Dental Studios, your comfort and safety are two of our top priorities. We use anesthetic and sedation techniques based on your needs, so you don’t feel any pain during the implant procedure. 

Afterward, you may have some temporary swelling and discomfort, but that only lasts a short time. Most people return to work and their usual daily activities the day after implant surgery. 

5. Can any dentist place my new implants?

Only a dental expert who has gone through extensive education and training in dental implant surgery should place your new implants. You can rest assured that the Dental Studios team is highly qualified in the complexities of dental implants and other aspects of tooth restorations. We execute every step of your procedure efficiently and properly so as to minimize risks and future complications.

Now that we’ve answered these five common implant questions, we have one last question for you: What are you waiting for? If you’re missing a tooth, or a few teeth, call us today to schedule a consultation. Or request an appointment online right now to take the first step in restoring your mouth to optimal health.