Are you one of the millions of people worldwide with missing teeth? Missing teeth not only change the way you eat and smile but also affect the health of your bone tissue, jaw joints, and overall health. That’s where dental implants come in.
There are many options available in Mesa, AZ to replace missing teeth such as bridges, removable partials, and complete dentures. While each of these options is helpful, they aren’t as beneficial as an option like dental implants.
Dental Implants have become the most common and reliable way to replace missing teeth. Whether you are missing a single tooth, several teeth, or struggle with ill-fitting dentures, implants can be a life-changing decision that will drastically improve your diet, confidence, and overall health.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jaw bone. These posts act as the root of your new tooth, providing stability and preserving the bone tissue in that space. After a brief integration period, a custom-made ceramic crown is then placed onto the implant, providing you with a natural-looking and feeling tooth that will withstand heavy bite forces.
How Many Teeth Can I Replace With Implants?
Implants can be used to replace as many teeth as needed. Implants can support multiple teeth by supporting bridges or even an entire arch of teeth. With the All-on-4 implant system, a single arch denture is fixed to four surgically placed implants. The All-on-4 system eliminates the use of messy adhesives giving you the ability to enjoy all the foods you love.
Can You Get an Implant the Same Day as a Tooth Extraction?
In some cases, when adequate bone tissue is available, single-tooth implants can be placed immediately after tooth extraction. In most cases, however, a brief healing period of 3-4 months is expected to allow bone tissue to fully heal before the implant is placed. When additional procedures are needed prior to implant placement such as bone grafts or sinus lifts, this healing period can be a bit longer.
Are Dental Implants Painful?
Surprisingly, dental implant surgery is pretty painless. Because of the advances in dental technology and improvement in implant materials, you can expect post surgery pain to be very minimal. With the teamwork of your surgeon and an anesthesia provider, you will most likely be given general anesthesia allowing you to sleep peacefully while your procedure is done.
How Long Does your Recovery Take?
As with any surgery, you should expect to rest and limit activity for a few days. Slight swelling and bruising can be expected for the first week but you should be feeling back to normal within 10-14 days after your implant placement surgery.
How Long Do Implants Last?
Dental Implants can last a lifetime! With good home care and frequent preventative care appointments with the professionals of Eastport Dental, you can expect your implants to last forever. Crowns, bridges, or dentures that are fixed to your implants can be replaced if needed depending on general wear and tear and typically last at least 10-15 years.
What Can Cause An Implant To Fail?
Good home care is key to preventing implant failure. Just like natural teeth, implants need healthy bone support. Periodontal disease causes the bone tissue surrounding implants to resorb or shrink, resulting in implant failure.
Additionally, smoking can prevent bone tissue from fully fusing to the implant, causing failure. Heavy bite forces due to clinching, nail-biting or teeth grinding can also result in complications.
How Do You Keep Implants Clean?
Similar to natural teeth, brushing two times per day and daily flossing is recommended. The use of an electric toothbrush is often preferred because of its enhanced cleaning abilities. If bridges or fixed dentures are utilized, the addition of a water flosser is a great way to clean bacteria and debris from collecting around your implants and underneath the fixed prosthesis. Plan routine checkups at Eastport Dental in Mesa, AZ to have your implants monitored and cleaned every six months.
Am I a Good Implant Candidate?
A consultation with a dental implant provider will be essential if you want to determine if you’re a candidate for dental implants. First, a full-mouth X-ray or CT scan will be taken to determine if there is adequate bone tissue to support dental implants. Then a thorough medical review is needed to evaluate any risks for surgery. Good candidates are generally in good health, non-smokers, and have good dental health.
Dental Implants in Mesa, AZ
Are you thinking about getting dental implants? We’re happy to answer any of your questions! The highly trained dental professionals of Eastport Dental in Mesa, AZ will provide you with the quality care you deserve to help you achieve the smile of your dreams.
