Dental implants are a form of restorative dentistry used to replace missing teeth for a natural look and feel. They deliver a number of benefits to patients and help to restore the function and appearance of teeth. Below, the detail-oriented team from Dentaworks Hawaii in Honolulu explains more about this form of treatment by answering some common questions.

5 Dental Implant FAQs

What Do They Consist Of?

An implant consists of a titanium post upon which an artificial tooth is mounted. They can replace multiple teeth in a row or a single tooth, depending on the patient’s needs.

How Are They Inserted?

Posts are either surgically fused to the jawbone (endosteal implants), or a metal frame can be placed on the jawbone just beneath the gums (subperiosteal implants). Dentists make the determination for which approach is needed on a case-by-case basis.

Why Are They Often Chosen Over Dentures?

For many dental patients, traditional dentures and bridges can slip during eating and speaking. Not only does this make daily activities cumbersome, but it can also cause discomfort and even sores along the gum line. With implants, the base is permanently affixed, preventing artificial teeth from shifting. The end results look and feel like natural teeth.    

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Them?

To be eligible for dental implants, patients must have adequate jawbone and gum tissue to support the posts. To determine if you qualify for the procedure, your dentist will ask you to come in for a brief consultation.

What Are the Side Effects?

Often, the procedure is done in phases. After the implant is placed, the jawbone needs to adhere to the implant before the artificial teeth can be introduced You may experience bruising, swelling, minor pain, and bleeding at the site during the healing process, but many patients find their improved quality of life to be well worth the temporary side effects.

If you are exploring restorative dentistry options and would like to learn more about dental implants, call the friendly team from Dentaworks Hawaii at (808) 528-1200. Their professional team has more than three decades’ worth of experience and uses the leading tools and techniques to provide high-quality, gentle dental care to all of their patients. You can learn more about their additional services by visiting their website or liking them on Facebook.