Dental Implants FAQ

For those who may be missing one, some, or all of their teeth, it may be good to know that rather than having to deal with the responsibility of dentures or bridges for the rest of your life, there is an option available that can be as effective as your natural teeth. Through Olympia Prosthodontics & Cosmetic Dentistry, we can restore your smile with a replacement so realistic it may be difficult to tell you even have a prosthetic.

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DENTAL IMPLANTS

A dental implant is a tiny titanium screw which is inserted into your jaw. Titanium is used because it is biocompatible, which means the bone and metal can fuse. Through this process, which is known as osseointegration, the implant becomes one with your jawbone. It is not removable unless through extreme circumstances and is designed to be permanent.

Once it has healed, an abutment can be attached as a connector which will then be applied to an artificial crown. The crown is often made of porcelain and can be as strong as your original tooth. Sometimes ceramic may be used instead depending on what you need. The dental implant is quite versatile as well and could also be used for other treatment procedures rather than simply supporting a crown. It has been known to add a basis of structure to a fixed bridge or can be used to sustain a full or partial denture.

The only known disadvantages to having a dental implant are purely medical. With any surgery, there is often a risk of infection or pain, but through preventative measures and excellent communication, many of these issues can be intercepted so they may not become a problem.

FACTS ABOUT DENTAL IMPLANTS

Many people are already aware of the human body’s ability to restore itself, such as when their skin heals after a cut or surgery, but they may not be aware of the extent of repair which could occur. When you receive a dental implant, not only does your jaw accept a titanium prosthetic as a suitable replacement, but it should also nourish the surrounding tissues to encourage the regeneration of the cells and prevent deterioration.

Though pain is one of the chief concerns when going into dental surgery, the consensus among patients during follow-up visits is that having implants was not nearly as uncomfortable as they thought it would be, especially when compared to having an extraction. We do offer sedation so that your procedure can be pain-free and comfortable.

Depending on whether you need grafts and how healthy your mouth is determines how long the procedure will take. An implant can be placed as quickly as a tooth is removed, or for extensive grafting could take several months. Most of the time that is expended on a dental implant is usually due to waiting for the titanium and bone infusion to complete.

Dental implants can help you to be able to chew your food better, which means more enjoyment during meals. You should also notice a marked improvement in your self-confidence as many people know how powerful a healthy smile can be. The best part is, there is no age restriction to a dental implant so if you are ready to give up the dentures and rediscover a new outlook on life, implants may be what you are looking for.

If you are interested in learning more about what dental implants can do for you, please give us here at Olympia Prosthodontics & Cosmetic Dentistry a call at (360) 456-1200 to schedule an appointment.

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128 Lilly Road NE, Ste 125 Olympia, WA 98506

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Olympia Prosthodontics & Cosmetic Dentistry

Monday:

7:30 am-4:30 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-4:30 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-4:30 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-4:30 pm

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Closed

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