Dental Implants Frequently Asked Questions
What are dental implants made of?
Modern dental implants consist of titanium, which is not harmful or toxic to human tissue. Titanium is a metal that is very light yet also extremely strong. It is also resistant to corrosion. You will find this lightweight and strong metal in many biomedical applications including knee and hip replacements, pacemakers and heart valves. Dentists have been using titanium dental implants for over 50 years are very safe.
How does a dental implant work?
A dentist or oral surgeon strategically places a dental implant in the jaw bone, along the arch where a missing tooth once was. The surrounding bone and gums will then fuse with the implant over a period of three to six months.
When the implant and the bone become one, the implant is then extremely stable and as strong as bone. This is what makes it capable of holding a prosthetic, such as a crown or denture, in place. The fake teeth are then able to function just like real teeth.
What is the timeline for getting an implant-supported prosthesis?
Each patient will have a personalized treatment plan created for them by Austin dentist, Dr. Glen Wainwright. No two patients will have the same timeline since each patient will have their own unique circumstances. For example, some patients may require treatments that fix issues that can cause your dental implant procedure to not be as effective as it could be. This may include gum disease treatment, bone grafting or tooth extractions.
The timeline can be up to 6 months or longer. After surgery, you must wait about three to six months before the dentist can attach the abutments. After an additional two weeks of healing, Dr. Wainwright can attach the dental prosthesis.
How are dental implants good for my overall health?
People who are missing teeth know how hard it is to consume a healthy diet. Even when you replace your teeth using a denture, there are still many eating restrictions. This lack of healthy food in your diet can lead to diabetes, osteoporosis or even heart disease. Dental implants are very strong and allow the patient to eat an almost restrictive-free diet. A prosthesis that your dentist secures to the teeth implants will function just like real teeth.
Is the surgery complicated or dangerous?
Thanks to the many advances in dental technology over the years, the implant surgery is extremely safe and routine. As long as you are in good health, do not smoke, and take care of your implants, you have over a 95% chance of success.
Will dental implants stop bone loss?
Not only will dental implants halt bone loss, they will actually make the bone stronger. No other dental restoration can accomplish this making teeth implants the number one choice for replacing missing teeth. Once you loose a tooth, the bone that held the tooth root will begin to deteriorate due to lack of stimulation.
When a dentist places an implant in the jaw bone, it provides enough stimulation when you chew to stop bone loss. Once your mouth fully fuses with the implant, the bone will actually become stronger.
How can sedation or general anesthesia be helpful during a dental implant procedure?
The dental implants procedure can be uncomfortable for patients, especially when they are awake. Sedation or general anesthesia can help patients relax during the procedure. These two options will calm the patient and make them feel more comfortable throughout the surgery. General anesthesia is not always necessary but it can be helpful in certain cases.
Schedule a Dental Exam with our Dentist in Austin, TX
Are you looking for dental implants to replace missing teeth? The first step is to schedule a dental implant consultation with Dr. Glen Wainwright at his Austin, TX dentist office. At this appointment, he will perform a full examination of your overall and oral health to see if you qualify for dental implants. Dr. Wainwright will also create a customized treatment plan that we tailor to your unique needs.