Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head SC
Although many people are more familiar with bridges and partial dentures, dental implants have become a popular choice for tooth replacement because they are stable, secure, and permanent. They are designed to last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. You might consider dental implants to restore your smile. But before you take the next step, our Beaufort implant dentist, Dr. Chris Mohler, shares answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding dental implants.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants consist of three components:
- The implant screw
- A specially made implant crown
- An abutment that connects the screw and the crown.
Dental implants are surgically embedded into the jaw bone at the site of a missing tooth. The implant itself serves as a tooth root, stabilizing the crown visible above the gum line. Patients appreciate that their dental implants look, feel, and function like real teeth.
How common are dental implants?
Implant dentistry has been practiced for decades, although many people chose bridges or partial dentures for years because of their affordability. However, these restorations do not stimulate the jawbone and guard against additional tooth loss like dental implants. Nowadays, dental implants have become an increasingly popular tooth replacement choice because of their durability, functionality, and longevity.
Is the procedure safe?
For most healthy adults, undergoing dental implant surgery is safe. However, there are a few risks and side effects such as infection, sinus cavity perforation, and implant failure. However, at Chris Mohler, DDS, we use guided implant dentistry, technology that allows Dr. Mohler ultimate precision when placing implants into the jaw bone. Advanced technology helps minimize potential risks.
What does it feel like to get dental implants?
Most patients report that getting a dental implant was not as bad as they imagined. In fact, many people would tell you that having their tooth extracted was the most challenging part of the journey. When getting a dental implant, the treatment area is numbed beforehand so that you remain comfortable throughout your procedure. If you are still apprehensive about your implant placement, ask Dr. Mohler about sedation dentistry.
How long does it take to achieve results?
After the tooth is extracted and the implant is placed, the jawbone needs to heal and fuse to the implant through a process called osseointegration, which could take several months or as long as six months. Dr. Mohler will assess your progress following your initial procedure and again before completing the final step of attaching the abutment and dental crown to the implant because it is necessary to ensure the implant is stable before completing treatment. Additionally, other factors such as your dental health and how many implants are placed may determine your healing timeline.
What are the advantages of dental implants?
Dental implants pose several advantages over other traditional tooth replacement options, including:
- Appropriate for an active lifestyle
- Allow you to eat what you want
- No worrying about floppy teeth
- Do not decay
- Improve your self-confidence
- Can last a lifetime
Can I get a dental implant right after my tooth is extracted?
Generally, the jawbone needs three to six months of healing after the tooth is extracted before the implant is placed. This means that from the time your tooth is extracted until the entire implant procedure is complete could take a year or longer, but it is well worth the wait.
What is implant failure?
Implant failure is when the jawbone rejects the implant screw. This may happen due to an underlying medical condition, certain medical procedures that compromise bone strength, or poor oral hygiene. Although dental implants cannot decay, the surrounding gum tissue is subject to infection if you do not keep your implants clean by brushing and flossing daily.
What can I eat after getting dental implants?
Immediately following your implant surgery, you may want to stick to a diet of soft foods for a few days until you feel comfortable chewing. After your initial healing period, you may eat what you wish, although Dr. Mohler recommends consuming a healthy diet plentiful of fresh fruits, veggies, and lean meats.
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
Candidates for dental implants include adults with missing teeth that have good jawbone health or are suitable candidates for a bone graft, have no other oral health issues, are nonsmokers, and are willing to commit to the processes. The best way, however, to determine if you are a candidate for dental implants is to schedule a consultation with an implant dentist near you in Beaufort.
Can denture wearers get implants?
If you have worn dentures for a long time, you may be a candidate for a dental implant procedure called All-on-4. Unlike traditional implants, the All-on-4 uses shorter implants placed in the frontal jawbone, which is denser than the jawbone in the back of your mouth. A single unit of replacement teeth is fabricated and permanently attached to the implants. All-on-4 is a significant upgrade from traditional dentures because they are secure, permanent, and never have to be removed.
Implant Dentist in Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head
If you would like to learn more about dental implants or see if you are a candidate, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Chris Mohler, DDS, by calling (843) 522-1442 or complete a Contact Form.