Dental Implant Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Dental Implant?
A Dental Implant is a small titanium post that is inserted into your jawbone. The bone in your jaw will grow around and fuse to the implant. Now the dental implant is locked into the jawbone. The purpose of the dental implant is to replicate a natural tooth root anchored in the jaw bone. Then Dr. Nugent can use the dental implant to restore a single tooth, multiple teeth or to anchor dentures.
Dental Implants are a non-removable permanent solution for missing teeth. Implants are very durable and are designed to last a lifetime. Dental implants will never get decay and will never need a root canal. However they will require the same attention as natural teeth.The dental implants must be brushed and flossed just like natural teeth so that the gum tissue and underlying bone stays healthy.
Why get a Dental Implant?
Reasons why you would want to consider Dental Implants:
- Permanent replacement for one or more teeth
- Implants don’t come out at night, your teeth stay in your mouth
- Improve the support, stability and function of full upper or lower denture
- Enhanced eating ability
- Dental Implants will never get decay or need a root canal
- Increased self-confidence while smiling, talking and eating
- Improve appearance, dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that preserves bone levels
Without the presence or the root system of a natural tooth, the jaw will shrink. Loss of bone causes a collapse of the facial structure giving you a premature elderly appearance.
Teeth like to touch other teeth. Therefore, your remaining teeth can shift and start to tilt as they try to touch another tooth.. The shifting teeth will cause occlusion problems with your bite (or the way your teeth come together). headaches, jaw pain and tenderness.
Who is typically a candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental Implant candidates are typically persons who have one or missing teeth due to an injury,decay or periodontal (gum) disease. The key factor will be the amount of available bone.
Is there an age limit for Dental Implants?
Your overall health is the largest determining factor, followed by available bone levels. Generally, If you are healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, then your are probably healthy enough for dental implants. Smoking and Diabetes can lower the success rate for dental implants but is not a contraindication.
Why are Dental Implants better than dentures or a bridge?
Dental Implants provide increased appearance and function that that dentures and dental bridges can not match. When an entire tooth is missing, there is shrinking of the jawbone. The face collapses and will give you an elderly appearance. Dental implants are the only treatment option that can stop bone loss. Dental implant stimulate and preserver bone levels.
Dental Implants protect your natural teeth. With an old fashioned bridge, the teeth on either side of the missing tooth are cut down and used as anchors for the dental bridge. A dental implant eliminates the need to damage healthy adjacent teeth.
Dentures are plastic teeth that rest on the gum tissue. The dentures are loose and rub painful ulcers. Furthermore, dentures accelerate the bone loss in the jawbone.
Will my new teeth look natural?
Dental implants are used in combination with advanced restorative dentistry. Dental implants are the best cosmetic replacement for natural teeth because dental implants mimic natural teeth. Dental implants start from the bone and come out of the gum tissue (just like natural teeth). Cosmetic dental implants are extremely hard to tell apart from your natural teeth.
How will I eat with a dental implant?
You will eat just as well as when you had a natural tooth. The dental implant will feel natural in every way and soon you won’t even know that it’s there. Chewing, biting and talking will all be completely natural.
How will dental implants affect my life?
Dental Implant look, feel and function like natural teeth. You will be able to eat and drink whatever you want without any complications or discomfort. The dental implants are rock solid. Implants are permanent non-removable teeth that are secured into your jawbone. Having beautiful permanent teeth will increase your self-confidence and improve your smile.
How long does a dental implant take?
The surgical placement of the dental implant take one short appointment. Then it take 3 to 4 months to the bone to fully heal around the implant locking it into place. If the dental implant is in he front a temporary tooth will be worn until your healing is complete. Once the bone is fused to the titanium implant Dr. Nugent will take impression to make the abutment and porcelain crown. Immediately restored dental implants (teeth in a day, teeth in an hour) have a high failure rate and if possible Dr. Nugent avoids immediate implants.
Is dental implant surgery painful?
With any surgery there is will some discomfort and a healing process. However, most patients report that they were much more comfortable than they had anticipated. Dr. Nugent will prescribe pain medication to ease the discomfort that my occur. Most patient barely take any prescription pills and most just use Advil.
How will I look and feel after the treatment?
It is normal to have some bruising and swelling of your gums and soft tissue. This is usually treated with an ordinary pain reliever. Most patients are able to return to work or school the next day.
How will I clean my Dental Implants?
You will take clean of your new dental implant teeth just as you would your natural teeth. Proper cleaning is the standard brushing and flossing at least twice a day. You will come into the office every six months for a Hygiene appointment to have your teeth cleaned.
Pasadena, Deer Park Texas Dental Implants:
Dr. Michael Nugent is a Family Dentist. His office is located at 3421 Burke Rd Ste A, Pasadena, Texas 77504. Dr. Nugent is fascinated by dental implant therapy and has worked hard to become a regional leader in dental implant care. From single dental implants, implant dentures or the All on Four Dental Implant procedure Dr. Nugent has the experience and dedication to help you restore your mouth to perfect condition.
