Dental Implants FAQ
Modern dental implants are a strong, natural-looking, dental restoration that work just like natural teeth. At Philadelphia Dentistry, we identify the best candidates for this procedure and rebuild smiles from scratch. Before things get underway, it’s good for patients to know exactly what this procedure involves, so take a few minutes to brush up on your knowledge with our dental implants FAQ.
Will I Feel the Dental Implant?
You will not feel dental implants and the procedure does not hurt. The area where the implant is placed is numbed with a local anesthetic. Some mild soreness is normal after the numbness wears off, and usually resolves after a few days. Once the implant is in place, it takes several months for the area to completely heal and the implant to attach to the bone. You will not feel the implant in the bone. After the implant is healed and a tooth is placed on it, it is sturdy, secure, permanent, and looks and feels just like natural teeth.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants are intended to last a lifetime and have about a 99% life time success rate. During the healing time, your Philadelphia dentist will carefully monitor your oral health to ensure that everything is going properly. Once the healing is complete, as long as you brush and floss daily and see your dentist every six months for a checkup, your dental implants can last for a lifetime.
Do I Need an Dental Implant for Every Missing Tooth?
If you are missing several teeth, you may not need an implant for each one. If you have two or three missing teeth in one area, one or two implants may be enough to hold multiple replacement teeth. If you are missing an entire arch of teeth, you may be able to have all of the teeth replaced with just a few implants. Your dentist will make this determination before any work gets underway and discuss all the options with you.
How Long Will it Take to Get the Dental Implants?
Dental implants only require a few visits to your Philadelphia dentist’s office and are typically completed between 4-6 months:
- Evaluation: Exams and digital images are taken to help your dentist determine if you are a good candidate for implants.
- Surgery: The implant is placed under the gum in the bone. Depending on where the missing tooth is, a temporary tooth can be made to fill the space while the implant is healing.
- Healing: The bone must adapt to the implant to it is secure in its place, and this healing time is typically between 12-16 weeks.
- Restoration: The permanent dental crown, bridge, or dentures are made by a dental lab and connected to the dental implant.
Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
If you have a missing tooth, you can be considered for dental implants. You can be young or a senior, and the procedure will be carried out in the same way, starting with a thorough assessment of your oral health and complete medical history. X-rays, impressions, and a 3D scan all inform your Philadelphia dentist of your viability as a dental implant candidate. After the evaluation, you and your dentist will discuss all the findings and different options to decide which is the best for you. Expect to be presented with all possible options for tooth replacement besides implant – there are many solutions that could work for you!
Get Answers to All Your Dental Implant FAQs from Philadelphia Dentistry
It’s natural to be curious about any dental restorations, and you should ask your dentist all your questions before you undergo any procedures. Learn more about dental implants by scheduling an appointment with the experienced team at Philadelphia Dentistry located in Center City, Philadelphia.
