If you have any missing or damaged teeth, your dentist may recommend treating the problem with dental implants. As a surgical procedure, the process replaces tooth roots with metal posts and artificial teeth. As common as the treatment is, many patients express concern and are unsure of what to expect. To help mitigate doubt, below are some answers to a few of the most common questions on the topic.

Answers to Your Dental Implant Inquiries

What Does the Procedure Entail?

During an outpatient procedure, the dentist will first remove the damaged tooth. They will then place the metal implant post into the jawbone. After this heals, the doctor makes a mold of your teeth and jawbone to replace the missing tooth.

What Happens if You Skip Treatment?

Dental implants are beneficial because they provide support and structure to the jawbone. Ignoring the problem and skipping this treatment, however, may result in a lack of stimulation in the area of the gap. This can cause the jawbone to shrink, changing the shape of your face.

What Are the Risks of the Procedure?

As a very predictable and routine procedure, dental implant surgery is known to be safe and effective. However, it still comes with some risks. Though complications are rare, you should watch for signs of infection at the implant site and injury to the surrounding tissue. Other potential problems also include nerve damage and sinus problems.

How Do You Care for Implants?

Implants typically require the same care as natural teeth. It’s important that you brush and floss daily to properly maintain the health of your artificial tooth. You should also visit your dentist regularly — typically every six months — for long-term success.

 

If you need dental implants, reach out to the experts at Zen Dental Hawaii in Honolulu. As a locally-owned and -operated dental office, these professionals are committed to providing excellent care that’s as pain-free as possible. To schedule an appointment, reach out to a friendly team member today at (808) 532-5888. You can also find more information about their services online.