A dental implant is a fake tooth that is secured to your jawbone.
First, a hole is drilled and then a screw (the implant) is set. An abutment sits on top and then a crown sits on top of that, making it look and function like a real tooth.
As you can probably guess, dental implants aren’t the perfect idea for everyone! Luckily, the procedure isn’t quite as intensive as it may sound.
Have you been thinking that dental implants may be a good idea, but you’re not totally sure about whether or not they will work?
If you’re considering getting dental implants and want to make sure you’re making the right decision, keep reading to find out 7 questions you need to ask your dentist.
1. Are Dental Implants Safe?
When you imagine dental implants, you may be thinking of something much more frightening than what they actually are.
Dental implants are extremely safe and they can be very effective for people that need them. They have an average success rate of about 97%!
To get the results you’re looking for, it is a good idea to speak with your dentist about any gum or jaw issues you may have, such as periodontal disease, to make sure dental implants are a viable option.
Before any type of procedure, an experienced dentist will look at your teeth and gums to make sure your oral health can sustain dental implants. You will need to answer some questions about your overall health and medical history to be sure there is not a high risk of complication as well.
2. How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
As long as you practice good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly, your dental implants should be able to last for the rest of your life.
Proper oral hygiene includes brushing and flossing your teeth just as you would with natural teeth.
If your lifestyle or medical history indicates the need for additional measures, your dentist will discuss this with you to ensure the dental implants are successful.
3. What Does a Dental Implant Cost?
The cost of dental implants is higher at the beginning but will save you money in the long run. There are some great long-term benefits that your dental implants are going to give you that may actually save money depending on your situation.
Talking with your dentist about the cost of implants upfront is important to make sure that you know what your dental insurance will cover and what you will need to pay out-of-pocket.
We will work with you to ensure you get the care that you need.
4. How Long Does the Process Take?
If you’re only getting a single dental implant, it will take about 30 minutes to place the implant. Getting more implants done at once will take more time, but it depends on the current state of your oral health.
With that being said, it will take at least three to six months before the implant will fuse with your jaw bone. That means that your implant will be “done” when your appointment is over, but the healing process has only just begun.
Once a dentist has decided that the implant has healed after a period of time, an abutment and crown will be fitted on your implant.
5. How Much Experience Do You Have?
Don’t be afraid to talk to your dentist about their past experience with dental implants. This is especially important if you feel nervous about the procedure.
A doctor should be willing to share his or her credentials with you and the qualifications they have should make you feel more at ease.
Certain oral procedures require more experience than others to get the job done well, so a dentist should understand your reasoning for wanting more information about their background.
6. Are Dental Implants the Best Choice?
Dental implants are a safe and effective procedure for many people, but you may be wondering how you can know if they are the best choice for you.
Ask your dentist about whether or not your gums and jaw are healthy enough to support an implant. If you want the appearance and feel of natural teeth, dental implants may be the best option.
Dental implants can be a great help to many people, but they are not right for everyone. Discussing your concerns with your doctor is the best way to figure out if dental implants will work for you.
7. What Are My Alternative Options?
If you are leaning toward the idea that you would rather try another option, there are alternatives to dental implants that you can discuss with your dentist.
Some of these options include:
- Full or partial dentures
- Tooth-supported bridges
- Resin-bonded bridges
These alternatives do not give you new tooth roots like dental implants do and they may not be as stable or durable as implants either.
As always, talk with your dentist to see what he or she has to say about the state of your current oral health and how it can be improved with implants or another procedure.
Is Getting Dental Implants Right for You?
When you’re thinking about getting dental implants, you likely have a lot of questions—we understand.
If you’re looking for a dentist that cares about more than just your money, you’ve come to the right place. Our dentists want to put you at ease and help you understand the ins and outs of your dental implants before the procedure.
At Katy Gentle Dentists, we put your dental care first! Please contact us today to talk about how we can help.