FAQ

Dental implants focus on restoring your self-confidence and improving your quality of life. They eliminate the embarrassment of missing teeth and poor oral health, helping you achieve a beautiful, healthy, and natural smile.

Dental implants are a transformative solution, providing the healthy smile you’ve always wanted and the confidence boost that comes with it. If you’re embarrassed by your teeth, afraid to bite into your favorite foods, or worried a beautiful smile will always be out of reach, now is the time to take action.

During your consultation, a 3D dental CT scan is performed to evaluate the density of your bone and check for any signs of infection in the jaw. This assessment determines if you are a candidate for dental implants. Based on your preferences and desired smile, a custom treatment plan is created using state-of-the-art digital software.

The procedure involves removing any remaining teeth and placing the implants on the same day. You’ll be comfortably sedated throughout the process. Afterward, you can go home to rest while your initial set of new teeth is digitally designed and created overnight. The next day, your new teeth are attached to the implants, and you leave with a restored smile.

Over the next 2-6 months, adjustments are made to refine your smile after you’ve had a chance to “test drive” it. This careful process ensures the final result meets your expectations. Once you’re completely happy with the look and feel of your smile, your permanent bridge is crafted. The final implant bridge is incredibly durable, stain-resistant, and allows you to bite, chew, and talk with ease and confidence.

You may be wondering if full-arch dental implants are right for you. Full-arch implants, also known as whole-arch dental implants, consist of an entire row of artificial teeth that look and feel like natural teeth. Unlike dentures, dental implants become part of the jaw, ensuring they stay secure while you eat or talk. They offer numerous advantages and can significantly improve oral health and quality of life.

Here are four key factors to consider when determining if full-arch dental implants are the right solution for you:

1. You’ve already had extensive dental work done.
   If you’ve tried treatments such as crowns or bridges to improve your smile and oral health but aren’t satisfied with the results, full-arch dental implants can provide a more effective and long-lasting solution.

2. You have dental problems throughout your mouth.
   Full-arch dental implants address multiple oral health issues simultaneously. They are ideal for people with missing or broken teeth, failing dentitions, severe jawbone loss, total tooth loss, decaying gums, or other dental problems. They offer a more permanent solution, reducing the need for repeated dental appointments and procedures.

3. You need to replace multiple teeth.
   If you have several missing or damaged teeth, full-arch dental implants can restore your upper, lower, or all teeth, giving you a full, healthy smile.

4. You are tired of dealing with dentures.
   If dentures cause discomfort, slippage, or difficulty eating and speaking, full-arch dental implants may be the ideal alternative. Unlike dentures, implants are securely anchored into the jawbone, allowing for more natural biting and chewing and eliminating concerns about loose dentures.

The stability and comfort of full-arch dental implants can enhance your confidence and make everyday activities, such as dining and interacting with others, more enjoyable and stress-free.

Are you wondering if the process is painful and whether the results are worth it? Many patients report that the level of discomfort is similar to a tooth extraction or a comparable procedure. Steps are always taken to minimize pain or discomfort throughout the process.

The dental implant procedure typically involves three main phases:

• Placement of the implant:
  During the first phase, a screw-shaped post is surgically placed into the jawbone. This post acts as a root, and over time, it fuses with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration.
• Placement of the abutment:
  Once the implant has integrated with the jawbone, an abutment is attached to the implant to serve as a connector.
• Placement of the crown:
  Finally, a custom crown is placed on the abutment, completing the restoration.

In some cases, additional procedures, such as bone grafting or sinus lifting, may be required to ensure the implant’s success. The exact timeline and steps vary depending on the patient’s unique needs.

What can you expect during the procedure?
The idea of placing a metal post may sound intimidating since it requires incisions in the gums and drilling into the jawbone. However, the procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia, ensuring the area is completely numb before any work begins. Painkillers are also administered beforehand to minimize discomfort once the anesthesia wears off. While the thought of drilling may seem daunting, there are no nerves in the jawbone, and patients typically only feel some pressure during the procedure.

The placement of the abutment and crown usually does not require surgery. Most patients find the final results well worth any temporary discomfort, often describing it as less painful than a tooth extraction.

How long does discomfort last?
Although most patients can resume normal activities the day after the procedure, some swelling and bleeding are common during the first few days. Discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications and typically subsides within 10 days. Swelling and bleeding generally resolve within 3 to 7 days. In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection.

If discomfort lasts longer than two weeks, it is important to consult your dentist, as it could indicate an infection that may compromise the implant’s success.

Undergoing a dental implant procedure and want to know how to reduce discomfort and risks? The healing process is crucial because it’s when osseointegration—the fusion of the implant with the jawbone—takes place. To ensure a smooth recovery, follow these tips to care for your mouth and minimize discomfort:

• Follow your dentist’s instructions specific to your case.
• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water a few times a day to kill germs and promote healing.
• Apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling and discomfort.
• Stick to a liquid diet for the first day to avoid putting pressure on the treated area.
• Maintain good oral hygiene, being gentle around the surgical site.
• Avoid sticky, spicy, grainy, tough, or crunchy foods that could irritate the area.
• Refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol during the initial healing period, as these can interfere with recovery.
• Avoid extremely hot or cold foods and drinks to prevent discomfort or irritation.

By taking these precautions, you can support your healing process and reduce the risk of complications. If you experience persistent discomfort or signs of infection, contact your dentist promptly.

You may be asking, “Where can I find dental implants near me?” Look no further! Our practice is dedicated to providing expert dental implant services tailored to meet your needs. We take pride in delivering exceptional care and personalized solutions to help restore your smile and confidence.

With a commitment to quality and patient satisfaction, our team uses state-of-the-art technology and techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes. We are humbled by the positive feedback from our patients, and we strive to make every visit a comfortable and positive experience.

If you’re ready to explore your options and take the first step toward a healthier smile, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.