Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Dental implants are for people who are missing one, several, or all of their teeth. Most of these people will qualify for teeth implants with a few exceptions. The patient must be in good overall and oral health. The implant process will involve surgical procedures so the patient must be in good enough health to undergo that.
Dr. Radha Patel will want to know the complete oral health history and will also want to know if the patient is a smoker, has diabetes, what their medications are, and how often they consume alcohol. They must also have the adequate bone density to make sure it is strong enough to even hold implants.
Insufficient bone density will cause the implants to loosen over time and they may fall out. Dr. Patel will discuss these things and do a complete examination of your mouth at her Sandy Springs, GA dentist office before determining if you qualify for dental implants.
How quickly can I have a missing tooth replaced?
Once Dr. Patel determines that dental implants are the right treatment for your missing tooth, she makes a customized treatment plan. She will coordinate the surgical part of the process with a top, local oral surgeon. It takes about three to six months to fully integrate with the surrounding bone and for the soft gum tissues to heal.
Next, Dr. Patel will secure a permanent dental crown to the implant at her Sandy Springs, GA dentist office. For a single missing tooth, the process should take under six months.
How long do dental implants last?
A dental implant is a permanent solution for missing teeth if you maintain and care for them properly. As the most advanced teeth replacement option available, it would be wise to maintain diligent oral hygiene habits for life. You must also keep yourself in good overall health and maintain a healthy diet while avoiding sugar. These steps will ensure that your implants will last twenty-five years or even a lifetime.
Can dental implants replace all my teeth?
If you are missing one or both arches of teeth, your dentist may recommend dentures secured by dental implants. Strategically placed dental implants, as few as four, secure a fixed denture when all teeth are missing on the top or bottom jaw.
Dr. Patel can restore a full arch of missing teeth using the All-on-4 dental implant technique, also known as immediate load dentures. This revolutionary technique uses four dental implants that are placed at specific angles, utilizing the available bone. Immediately after the implants are placed, a hybrid denture is attached.
How are teeth implants better than other treatment options?
Dental implants are by far the most superior treatment option for one or more missing teeth. Removable dentures are known to move around in the mouth causing embarrassing slurred speech. They also come with eating restrictions since they are not very durable. Dentures are often uncomfortable and difficult to get used to. Dental bridges require two teeth to anchor them into place.
The dentist significantly grinds down the two teeth on either side of the gap significantly to accommodate the bridge. Both bridges and dentures do not replace the missing teeth roots. Dental implants, however, act as tooth roots and also anchor dental restorations in place. This will prevent bone loss. You will not have to worry about healthy teeth being damaged or slurred speech. Implants are very stable and durable because they’re fused with your jawbone.
How do you care for your new teeth implants?
Caring for your implant-supported restoration is similar to caring for your natural teeth. You must brush your teeth multiple times a day and floss at least once a day. Dr. Patel gives you specific cleaning instructions. If cared for properly, your implant-retained restoration should last a lifetime.
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