When You Have Questions About Dental Implants

Posted on: 18 August 2022

It's only natural to be curious about the dental implant procedure. You want to know what to expect and what it will be like. Read on and have some common questions about dental implants answered.

Will You Need a Bone Graft?

Since dental implants are attached to your jawbone, you need strong and stable bones in your jaws. Your dentist will X-ray your jaw and evaluate the bone density of your jawbone. In some cases, you will need to have a bone graft performed before you get an implant. The procedure is a same-day outpatient procedure, and your graft site must be fully healed before the implant procedure can move forward.

Will You Need More Procedures?

To make sure your implant won't fall prey to an infection, the general health of your mouth is important. That means you should have no decay or gum problems when the implant takes place. It's much better to begin with a healthy mouth when you are having implants done.

How Many Dental Visits Are Required?

Many patients will be able to have their implants done in a single visit. However, those who must undergo bone grafting will need more visits than that. In most cases, patients will be seen for an evaluation and consultation first. Then, they will have the posts inserted. For some, the post is topped with a crown and their implant process is over. For many, however, they will return later once the post and jawbone have healed, to have the crown installed.

How Will the Implant Look and Feel?

Once your implant is in place, you will quickly become accustomed to it and won't notice it at all. It will feel just like a natural tooth. The appearance of your implant is the result of careful matching of tooth shape and color so that it blends in with your other teeth.

Will The Implants Need Special Care?

In general, you can care for your implants the same way you do your natural teeth. Proper dental hygiene is more important than ever once you have an implant. There is the potential for your implant area to become irritated and infected if you don't brush and floss as you should. However, dental implants are strong like enamel and will never develop a cavity. You should continue to go for your usual cleanings and check-ups to ensure that your implants and the rest of your teeth remain healthy.

For answers to more questions, speak to your dentist.

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