The first step along any dental implant treatment journey is the consultation with your dentist. During this appointment, you’ll discuss your oral and overall health, have some X-rays and other images taken, and receive an evaluation of your arches and jaw. Furthermore, since having accurate information is the key to making an informed decision, you’ll also be able to ask any questions or raise any concerns you might have about treatment. Here are four common queries patients often have about dental implants, and what their answers could mean for you.
What Makes Dental Implants Better Than Dentures?
You may have already heard that dental implants are “better” than dentures, but maybe you aren’t quite sure why. The truth is that there are many reasons approximately 500,000 new patients choose these restorations each year, including:
- Because they’re permanently attached to the jaw, they won’t slip, slide, squeak, or need to be removed for cleaning after every meal.
- They provide jawbone stimulation that helps prevent further tooth loss.
- They look and feel just like real teeth, so nobody will know you have restorations.
- They can handle chewing a full diet with no restrictions.
- They won’t need to be replaced every five to seven years like dentures and dental bridges.
What will make your dental implant treatment worthwhile depends on what matters to you, but suffice it to say, with so many incredible benefits, it’s easy to see why they’re so popular!
How Successful Are Dental Implants?
The great news is that dental implants boast an impressive 95 percent success rate, even a decade after placement. However, how long yours last is almost entirely dependent on you. To make sure they have the best odds possible, you’ll need to make sure you maintain excellent oral hygiene practices, including brushing twice a day and flossing daily. You’ll also need to avoid dangerous oral habits like nail biting or using your restorations as tools.
Can I Still Get Dental Implants if I Smoke?
Tobacco products of any kind can dry out the mouth, creating ideal conditions for gum disease. This can in turn increase the risk of your dental implants failing. Thus, if you smoke, vape, dab, or chew tobacco, you should quit not just the safety of your dental implants, but also for your overall health. It is important to note that you’ll likely need to at least temporarily stop smoking about two weeks before your dental implant surgery, and hopefully you’ll be able to quit permanently after that!
What is Recovering from Dental Implant Surgery Like?
Although recovering from dental implant surgery will look a bit different for every patient, your dentist will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible.
When you return home after your placement procedure, be sure to get plenty of rest over the next day or two. You should also plan on eating a soft diet for at least a few days until your mouth feels less sore.
The portion of recovery after your surgery is known as the osseointegration period, where your implants permanently fuse with your jaw. This can take anywhere from three to nine months, but it is extremely important and you cannot move on to the final stage (when you receive your new teeth) until it is complete. Thankfully, it shouldn’t be painful, but you will need to be patient, despite being understandably eager to begin enjoying your new smile!
Remember, dental implant treatment naturally comes with a lot of important questions, but your dentist wants you to make the right choice for your smile. Thus, be sure to ask about anything you’re curious about during your initial consultation, and if anything else comes up after that, don’t hesitate to reach out! You (and your dentist) will be glad you did!
About Dr. Suggala
Dr. Tarangini Suggala earned her first dental degree in India before heading to the United States and earning an impressive second dental degree from The Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine. Since graduating, she has dedicated her time to expanding her dental knowledge in a variety of topics, including cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign, and dental surgery. To schedule a consultation for dental implants at Rosemeade Dental, visit our website or call 972-446-1111.