FAQs About Dental Implants

Dental implants are a type of prostheses. They're made up of a small titanium screw or post which is fitted to your jawbone. Atop the implant is usually a single crown.

There are a lot of great benefits of dental implants. To help you decide whether the dental implant procedure is right for you, we’ve compiled this FAQ article.

Read on to learn more about where to get dental implants and what the procedure entails.

IS THERE A CHEAPER ALTERNATIVE TO DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Dentures and dental bridges are two examples of treatments that could be carried out instead of dental implants. Both are generally cheaper.

It is important to note, however, that no treatment matches the dental implant procedure. Having dental implants will fully restore the function and appearance of your tooth.

WHO IS NOT SUITABLE FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Before you get dental implants, Dr. Markle will need to ascertain whether you qualify for the treatment.

While most people are suitable candidates for dental implants, if you grind your teeth, this may put too much pressure on the implant.

If your bone tissue is not strong enough, you may still have the treatment. However, you may require a bone graft first.

DO GUMS GROW AROUND IMPLANTS?

Your gums will start to heal immediately following the implant procedure and will grow around the crown. In order for this to happen, the crown must be placed properly. After a few months to allow the bone to grow around the implant, Dr. Markle will place your final restoration onto your dental implant.

WHICH IS BETTER DENTURES OR DENTAL IMPLANTS?

If you’re comparing dentures vs. dental implants, then in every respect, dental implants are better.

Dental implants provide a more natural look while giving you a stronger bite. They are also a permanent solution as they are fixed into position. Once fully healed, dental implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The implants also prevent bone loss of the jaw as opposed to dentures that sit over the gums.

However, dental implants are not suitable for everyone, and not everyone is a candidate. Oral health, bone loss, and budget may prevent you from receiving dental implants, in which case dentures may be the ideal solution.

HOW LONG DOES A DENTAL IMPLANT PROCEDURE TAKE?

Several factors determine how long a dental implant procedure takes. These are:

• Your oral health
• Which teeth are being replaced
• How many teeth are involved
• Whether you need an extraction first

Dr. Markle will carry out the procedure in two stages. This can take anywhere between three and nine months to complete when taking into account time to heal between procedures.

This could be longer if you need to wait for an extraction to heal or require bone grafts before having the implant placed.

ARE TOOTH IMPLANTS WORTH THE MONEY?

Yes. Dental implants fully restore the function of your teeth and prevent bone loss due to reabsorption. In addition to repairing the function of your teeth, they’ll also help you regain confidence in your smile.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR A DENTAL IMPLANT TO FEEL NORMAL?

Your dental implants will get placed in several stages. Between each stage, your dentist will allow your mouth to heal.

Once the final restoration has been placed on your dental implant, your dental implant should start to feel normal within six to 12 weeks.

DO TEETH IMPLANTS LOOK NATURAL?

Yes. Dental implants look very natural. The crown is modeled on your existing teeth and color-matched to appear perfectly natural with your other teeth.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS TO STOP HURTING?

It will take about one to two weeks for the gums to heal after the procedure. The pain from the procedure should dissipate during that time. You can take over-the-counter pain medication to help with any pain or discomfort.

The dental implant procedure will take several months from start to finish.

Once your implant has been placed, you will need to stick to a special diet of soft foods for the first few weeks.

HOW MUCH WILL DENTAL IMPLANTS COST IN 2021?

The cost of a single dental implant in 2021 is around $4000 at cash cost. Cost may vary depending on your area and your health insurance benefits.

Before you begin treatment, you’ll be given an accurate estimate of all of the costs involved, including placing the implants and creating your replacement teeth.

This may include charges for diagnostics, x-rays, the abutment, crown, and temporary restorations.

We’ll do our best to provide you with the most accurate payment schedule.

HOW DO YOU CLEAN UNDER DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Once fully healed, you will clean your dental implants in the same way that you would normally clean your teeth. You may also want to use interdental brushes to achieve the best possible clean.

You should brush your teeth twice a day and floss or use a water picker. Maintaining good dental hygiene is important as it will prevent gum disease and tooth decay.

CAN DENTAL IMPLANTS BE DONE IN ONE DAY?

Yes, but most patients are not a candidate for a one-day procedure. Dental implants take several months to allow for proper healing time and placement. It takes time for your bone and gums to heal during the different stages of the procedure. Although the answer is yes, you can get teeth-in-a-day, for most patients it will be 3 to 9 months, depending on your circumstance.

WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS?

To be considered a candidate to have dental implants, you’ll need good oral and general health. You will also need to have sufficient bone in your jaw to support the implant.

In general, you must:

• Have at least one missing tooth
• Have enough bone to secure the implant to or be able to accept a bone graft
• Not have a condition that will prevent the bone from healing
• Not be a smoker or be willing to quit

You must also be free of periodontal disease and have healthy gums.

WHAT IS THE AGE LIMIT FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS?

A patient must be at least 18 years of age or at an age when the jaw bone has stopped developing, which may be over 18. There is no upper age limit associated with having dental implants. As long as you are a suitable candidate, you may have the procedure.

You’ll need to be healthy enough to undergo a routine dental procedure like extraction.

WHERE CAN I GET DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Dr. Markle, Dr. Herman, and the rest of the Baton Rouge Perio team is an experienced team you can trust to deliver the best quality dental implant procedure. We work hard to put a smile on your face.

Contact our office today if you have any questions about dental implants. We’ll be more than happy to answer them.