Dental Implant FAQ's
Have questions about the dental implant procedure? You’re not alone. Many of our patients are interested in how dental implants can replace missing teeth and improve oral health.
Continue reading to see our list of frequently asked questions. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, schedule a consultation with our dental implant dentist.
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth root (typically made of titanium) used to anchor a crown. Your dentist may recommend a dental implant if you recently lost a tooth. Unlike dentures that rest on top of your gums, a tooth implant is anchored in your jaw for permanent stability while you chew, smile, and talk.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
To be a candidate for the dental implant procedure, you must have sufficient bone density in your jaw. Otherwise, you won’t have enough bone tissue to support your implants and keep them stable. However, your dentist can recommend a bone graft to make you a candidate for dental implant surgery.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants are stable because they’re embedded in your jawbone. Many of our patients appreciate that they’re able to continue eating their favorite foods after the dental implant process. While dentures slip, dental implants always stay in place.
Your jawbone needs constant pressure from tooth roots to stay healthy. Otherwise, the body will sense the absence of teeth and reabsorb the minerals in your jaw to use elsewhere. Over time, the jawbone deteriorates until you experience facial collapse.
Facial collapse makes your profile look shrunken and can make you look older than your chronological age. Fortunately, dental implants act like natural tooth roots to prevent jawbone deterioration and facial collapse.
What can I expect from the dental implant process?
Once you’re approved for dental implant surgery, we’ll set a date. During your first appointment, we’ll place the dental implant in your jaw. Over the next several months, the implant will fuse to your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. During this time, our dentist will monitor your progress to ensure the implant makes a strong connection.
When the implant has completely fused to the jawbone, we’ll place a dental crown over top to give you the look and appearance of a natural tooth.
Can I get more than one tooth implant?
Of course! Many of our patients replace more than one tooth at once so they can smile with confidence after the dental implant process. If you have several missing teeth, ask your dentist if you’re a candidate for the dental implant procedure. Dental implants are preferable to partial dentures because they don’t slip while you chew, talk, or smile.
How do I care for dental implants?
Take care of your dental implants like you would natural teeth. This means brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once daily. If we find a lot of plaque and tartar buildup during your next appointment, we may recommend a fluoride mouthwash. We are always happy to answer any questions you might have about your oral health during your next appointment with us.
Our dental implant dentist can help you explore your tooth replacement options so you can smile with confidence. To request your appointment with our Holland dentist, call (616) 394-4700.
