Did you know that an estimated 3 million Americans have at least one dental implant? Not to mention that another 500,000 implants are placed every year! Clearly, they must be a great replacement option for missing teeth, otherwise – they wouldn’t be so popular. But even after deciding that dental implants in Windermere might be right for you, it’s natural to have some questions. After all, they’re an investment in your oral health and your smile that you’ll have for many years. In this blog, you’ll get answers to 5 of the most common questions so you can make an informed decision about what’s right for you!
1. What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium posts that are placed in the jaw to replace the missing roots of teeth. This key difference is what makes them stand out from other options like dentures or bridges (which only replace the crowns of teeth), and gives implants their unmatched strength and stability.
The procedure requires a small, in-office surgery to place the implant, after which it’s given 3-6 months to integrate, or fuse, with the surrounding jawbone. Finally, a crown, bridge or denture is attached to the implant to complete the restoration.
2. Are They Expensive?
Implants cost more upfront than dentures, but they’re less expensive in the long-term because they last much longer. Dentures have to be replaced an average of every 5 years, but implants can last decades, or even a lifetime with basic care and maintenance!
3. How Successful Are They?
The success rate for implants is around 98% for non-smokers. That drops to 85% for smokers because they don’t heal as well, which disrupts the ability of the implant to fuse with the jawbone.
4. Is It Painful To Get Implants?
Many people are surprised at how easy it is to have an implant placed and say it’s no more difficult than having a tooth pulled. Some mild discomfort is to be expected, but it’s well-managed with over-the-counter pain medications and usually subsides within 7-10 days.
5. Do They Require Special Maintenance?
Implants don’t require any special maintenance, but it’s crucial that patients continue to brush, floss and get regular checkups with a dentist in Windermere.
While implants can’t get cavities the way that natural teeth do, they still need clean, healthy gum tissue and underlying bone support to function properly.
Implants are a wonderful way to replace missing teeth. They look and feel more natural than any other option, which is why they’re such a popular choice!
About the Author
Dr. Matthew McKissock is a general and restorative dentist who has pursued advanced training in many specialty fields, including implant dentistry. He works closely with his patients throughout the implant process to make sure they get the results they want – as comfortably as possible. If you’d like to know more about whether dental implants are right for you, he can be contacted via his website or at (407) 909-1099.
