Dental implants are a life-changing treatment, and one that you shouldn’t entire into lightly. That’s why in order to better understand if they’re right for you, your dentist would like you to come in for a consultation before your treatment begins.
At this appointment, you’ll be evaluated by your dentist, and a treatment plan including timeline, recommended procedures, and price will be customized for you. While it’s normal to have lots of questions about dental implants, here are four important ones you should consider asking while you’re there!
What is Success Rate of Dental Implants?
Dental implants have earned a stellar reputation for being reliable and durable, but despite this, they do carry about a five percent chance of failure. While there are a number of reasons your dental implants may not be successful, the most common culprits are insufficient jawbone density, peri-implantitis (a condition similar to gum disease), poor oral health, and smoking.
If your dentist believes you could have poor jawbone strength, you may need a preliminary treatment such as a bone graft or sinus lift first.
To ensure that your smile has the best odds of healing properly, be sure to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your dentist.
Are Dental Implants Better Than Dentures?
Many patients wonder if dental implants really are better than dentures, and the answer is a resounding yes! For starters, dental implants are permanent, so you won’t need to worry about replacing them, removing them for cleaning, or them slipping out when you’re eating or speaking. This means you can eat a more diverse, nutritious diet, just like you could with your real teeth. Furthermore, because they’re anchored in your jawbone, they provide proper jawbone stimulation to help prevent the rest of your natural teeth from falling.
Can I Get Dental Implants if I Smoke?
No matter if you smoke, vape, chew, or dab, using any type of tobacco product has the potential to slow your healing process and cause your dental implants to fail. To avoid this, your dentist will ask you to quit smoking at least two weeks before your dental implant surgery, and for as long as possible afterwards, but hopefully forever!
What Happens During Dental Implant Surgery Recovery?
Recovering from dental implant surgery will look different for each patient, but there’s one thing that holds true for everyone: following your dentist’s aftercare instructions is imperative.
Be sure to rest for the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery, and do not eat any solid food for at least 48 hours. With time, you will be able to add new foods to your diet, but it is best to start off slowly.
The average healing time for dental implants is two to six months, but it could take longer depending on the individual and their adherence to the aftercare instructions.
Remember, it’s important to know if you’re ready to commit to dental implant treatment before beginning the process. Your upcoming dental implant consultation is an excellent opportunity to ask your dentist about any questions or concerns you may have about them, so don’t hesitate to ask. After all, when it comes to your health, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
About Dr. Lam
Dr. Vincent Lam earned both his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and his Master of Science in Biology from the University of California, San Diego, and his dental doctorate at Temple University in Philadelphia. Following graduation, he has continued his education in areas such as CEREC same-day restorations, oral sedation, and dental implant placement. To learn more about dental implants and discover if you’re a good candidate for treatment, please schedule an appointment at Seahurst Smiles of Burien by visiting our website or calling us today at 206-242-4477.