Innovative Implants

Additional Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants

Are dental implants safe?

Generally speaking, dental implants are considered a safe tooth replacement solution when treatment is properly performed by a skilled and experienced dentist. Of course, as with any surgery, there is some degree of risk involved, making it imperative that you select a dentist who has received extensive implant dentistry training, utilizes state-of-the-art technology for precision planning and surgical placement, and has a proven track record of successful treatment—such as the doctors on our team. By choosing the right dentist, you can minimize potential risks and complications while maximizing safety and long-term success.

Do dental implants hurt?

Typically, local anesthesia is all that is necessary to limit any potential discomfort during dental implant surgery. In fact, most of our patients say they experienced little to no pain at all—only slight sensations of pressure. Following treatment, our doctors often recommend over-the-counter medication should any postoperative discomfort manifest, though the majority of individuals have no issues with pain after the placement of their dental implants.

How do I clean and care for my dental implants?

Just like natural teeth, dental implants require regular brushing and flossing, as well as professional cleanings at least twice annually. While the implant post and tooth restoration attached to the top will not decay, ensuring the surrounding gum tissue and other oral structures remain healthy is essential to achieving long-lasting results.

How successful are dental implants?

The success rate of implant dentistry is very high when treatment is performed by a qualified provider. That said, success is not solely in the hands of the dentist—patients themselves also play a role. Factors such as how closely recovery instructions are followed, how well optimal oral hygiene is maintained over time, and whether or not detrimental habits like smoking and/or tobacco use are avoided can all influence the long-term success or failure of dental implants. Therefore, choosing the right dentist and doing your part to ensure the best outcome is critical to success.

Is it ever too late to get dental implants?

When it comes to candidacy for dental implants, age is not generally as important as having adequate jawbone density and sufficient oral wellness. In fact, our doctors have treated numerous patients who chose to receive dental implants or implant-supported dentures later in life. During your consultation, your dentist can determine if dental implants would be right for you at this time based on your unique situation.

How do I choose an implant dentist?

Selecting the right dentist for dental implants is an incredibly important decision, as it relates directly to your safety, results, and overall quality of care. To help ensure you choose the right provider, it can be beneficial to heed the following advice:

• Make sure your dentist has the proper training and experience to perform implant surgery. To do so, you can usually visit the bio page on their website and/or various online directories, as well as simply ask them about their educational and professional background directly.
• Inquire about the number of dental implant cases your dentist has performed, including an estimate of the overall success rate they have attained. Also, despite how unlikely implant failure may be in the right hands, it’s always a good idea to ask what steps would be taken in the event treatment is not initially successful.
• Ask about the technologies your dentist will utilize to perform all aspects of treatment. In today’s age of dentistry, advanced technology isn’t simply a flashy way to attract patients—state-of-the-art planning software, surgical guides, milling systems, and more can truly improve the efficacy, efficiency, and long-term success of implant dentistry.
• Check out online ratings, reviews, and testimonials for your dentist—preferably those pertaining to implant dentistry. What former patients have to say about their experience can give you a great indication of the quality of care (and potentially even results) you can expect.
• Take a look at before-and-after photos of dental implant patients on your dentist’s website. Actually visualizing the outcomes your dentist has achieved for other patients can help to ensure your aesthetic goals align with theirs. You may even find patient cases similar to your own.
• Listen to your gut. Even if your prospective dentist checks all other boxes, if you don’t get a good feeling or something seems off, trust your instincts and continue your search for the right provider. You want to feel completely comfortable and confident in whomever you choose—you deserve nothing short of top-quality care.

Does smoking affect dental implants?

Smoking is associated with slower healing, an increased risk of infection and gum disease, as well as a loss in jawbone density, all of which can negatively impact both your dental implants and your overall oral health. Smoking is also believed to increase the likelihood of implant failure, as nicotine restricts the flow of blood and oxygen to your oral cavity, potentially impairing the osseointegration process. Your dentist will likely recommend that you stop smoking as far in advance of your procedure as possible. Ideally, patients would never resume smoking, but it is imperative that the activity be avoided for at least the first two to three months after implant placement.

How do dental implants feel?

Once your implant has successfully fused with the jawbone, it is considered a permanent part of the mouth and should look, feel, and function almost exactly like a normal tooth. The only major difference is that the implant does not have nerve endings, so any sensation will be generated by the surrounding teeth and gum tissue.

How many dental implants will I need?

The precise number of dental implants you need will depend on a few different factors, such as how many missing teeth you have and whether you are interested in single-tooth implants or multi-tooth restorations. For patients missing only one or a few single teeth, individual implants can be used to replace the entire structure of each tooth. For those missing several consecutive teeth or even an entire arch of teeth, an implant bridge or implant-retained denture prosthesis can often be supported using just a few strategically placed implants.

Are there any dietary restrictions with dental implants?

Unlike traditional dentures, implants and implant-supported restorations typically do not involve long-term dietary restrictions. That said, patients may be asked to go on a soft food diet for a few weeks or months following their initial implant surgery, as this can help promote healing. Hard or chewy foods can disturb the newly implanted post(s) and the surrounding gum tissues, potentially causing pain or slowing down the healing process. Once the implant post has properly fused with the jawbone and the final crown restoration has been placed, patients can resume eating as they normally would.

How long do dental implants take to heal?

For most patients, it takes between three and six months to fully heal after dental implant surgery. That said, different patients heal at different rates, and it is important to follow all of your dentist’s aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth, efficient healing process. The good news is that the healing process itself is typically fairly straightforward. There may be some minor discomfort in the days following surgery, but this is usually quite manageable with over-the-counter medication. The remainder of the healing time is dedicated to allowing the implant to fully fuse with the jawbone for optimal stability.