Dental Procedure Pain: Get the Facts

3 Faqs About Dental Implants

If you have missing teeth, there are a variety of options to consider if you want to restore your smile. If all or most of your teeth are missing, you might want to go with a complete set of dentures. However, if only a few of your teeth are missing, one option is a partial denture. If you would prefer to stay away from dentures altogether, dental implants might be your best choice.

To help you learn more about dental implants, here are the answers to three frequently asked questions.

1. How Do Dental Implants Work?

One of the easiest ways to describe dental implants is that they are like an artificial root for your tooth. This implant gets placed into your jawbone and becomes fused with the natural bone of your tooth. The implant then becomes a base for a crown, or an artificial tooth.

When it comes to replacing teeth, dental implants are considered one of the best choices available. This is primarily due to the fact that dental implants are very strong and have been known to last up to 20 years.

2. Who Can Place Dental Implants?

Any dentist who offers dental implant services will be able to place an implant. Along with dentists, oral surgeons and periodontist can also place a dental implant. Getting a dental implant involves many steps including an initial consultation to ensure you are a good candidate for an implant, the removal of any damaged teeth, and the dental implant placement procedure.

Once the bone has healed, an abutment gets placed on the implant, and then finally, the artificial tooth gets placed. This entire process can easily take between 6 and 8 months.

3. What are the Risks of Getting Dental Implants?

Because getting dental implants is considered a surgical procedure, there are certain risks you should be aware of. Some of these risks include:

  • Infection
  • Damage to the surrounding teeth
  • Nerve damage
  • Sinus problems

After the procedure, you can expect to have some swelling and bruising of your face and gums. You may also experience pain and minor bleeding at the site of the dental implant. In most cases, over the counter pain relievers can help to reduce the pain and swelling.

Once the implant site is fully healed, you will want to do your best to take good care of it. This means brushing and flossing on a regular basis and avoiding ice and hard candy, as these can cause potential damage. For more information, contact a local clinic that offers dental implant services


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