Whether you are already missing teeth or you are facing the loss of a permanent tooth, an increasingly popular solution is the installation of dental implants. A dental implant is a permanent prosthetic tooth (crown) that secures via a metal post that is implanted into the jaw. When properly installed, the crown looks and feels just like a natural tooth. But in order to achieve a flawless installation, there are some steps you should take before you even lose the tooth your crown is replacing. If you’re considering dental implants, here are some facts you should consider.
How Long Do I Have to Decide on Dental Implants?
If you are facing the loss of a permanent tooth and are considering getting a dental implant, please speak to Dr. Abelar before having the tooth removed. There are steps that can be taken to prepare your mouth for a dental implant at the time of the tooth removal that will ensure a flawless implant installation when the time is right. It is often easy to tell that someone has a dental implant because of the positioning of their gum around the crown. If you prepare in advance for a dental implant, the gum tissue can be manipulated to sit around the crown just as it would your natural tooth. This makes your implant look and feel more comfortable, natural and believable.
Is it Painful?
Many people are nervous about getting implants installed. It sounds painful, but believe it or not, many patients find the removal of the tooth prior to the implant far more uncomfortable than the implantation of the implant screw itself. So, what should that tell you? Well, you shouldn’t let fear get in the way of having a beautiful smile!
Is it Comfortable?
Now that you know it’s not so bad getting your implant installed, you’re probably wondering how the implant feels in your mouth. Is it painful? Does it feel real? The great news is that most people don’t experience any discomfort once their implant is installed. It looks and feels just like a natural tooth – in fact, many patients even forget they have an implant.
Are Implants Permanent?
Given the financial investment required for dental implants, it’s natural to wonder just how long you can expect to have them. The great news is that if you are in good health (not diabetic, don’t smoke, take good care of your oral health), you can expect your implant to last a very long time, maybe even the rest of your life. That’s because the post that is implanted into your jawbone is made of steel and with proper care should not move or need to be replaced.
The crown that sits on top of the post may need to be replaced, but this is an easy and painless procedure that simply requires making a mold of the tooth and attaching the new crown to the implanted post.
How Long Does It Take to Get Dental Implants?
This is another common question. Dental implants do take a little bit of extra time to get, because your mouth needs to heal from both the tooth removal (if applicable) and the installation of the implanted post. The installation of the dental implant itself only takes a few hours, but the healing process could take up to six months. This varies depending on the individual, but the important thing to remember is that your healing is of paramount importance. We don’t want to rush you into the next step if your mouth isn’t ready. For this reason, a lot of patience is required when getting dental implants, but the end result is definitely worth the wait.
If you would like to learn more about your dental implant options, please contact Dr. Abelar’s office at 858-866-9692 for a consultation.
