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Many people with imperfect smiles try to hide them, but that doesn’t have to be the case. With dental implants, you’ll restore the appearance and function of your teeth. Even though they’re fairly common treatments, many people still have questions about them. The answers to the commonly asked questions below will help alleviate your concerns and explain how they work.

What You Need to Know About Dental Implants

What are the different types of dental implants?

The two main kinds of implants are endosteal and subperiosteal. Endosteal dental implants are the most common. These kinds involve placing a screw and a titanium, ceramic, or polymeric cylinder into your jaw that will hold a dental crown, denture, or bridge to replace the missing tooth or teeth. Subperiosteal implants are used when the patient doesn’t have enough healthy jawbone for an endosteal one. These implants are placed under the gum but not on the actual bone.

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

To qualify for this cosmetic dentistry procedure, you need to have healthy gums, enough bone in the jaw to serve as an anchor, and you must be committed to taking proper care of the implanted teeth following the procedure. Smokers, heavy drinkers, and people who grind or clench their teeth likely would not be good candidates, as these factors increase the risk of failure. Your dentist will perform a thorough evaluation of your eligibility. 

How long does the process take?

Depending on how many teeth you’re replacing, the initial surgery could take as little as 30 minutes or as long as three hours, depending on the procedure’s complexity. Once the implant is inserted, you’ll schedule a follow-up with the dentist months later so that your body can heal before fitting the cap or crown.

How do I care for implants?

dental implantsUsing a nonabrasive toothpaste, brush under and around the implant crown at least twice a day. A nylon-coated interdental brush can be used to clean hard-to-reach places. It’s also recommended that you floss daily and use a dentist-recommended oral irrigator to flush away particulate matter.

Are there any risks involved?

Like any surgery, there are some inherent risks involved with dental implants. These include infections at the site of the implant, damage to surrounding teeth or blood vessels, pain, numbness, or tingling caused by nerve damage, and potential sinus problems. Thankfully, taking proper care of your implants and seeing a qualified dentist will lower your risk of adverse effects

 

Schedule a dental implant procedure with the professional dentists at North Chautauqua Dental in Dunkirk, NY. The trusted team at this family dentistry specializes in a variety of cosmetic dentistry procedures. They’re skilled and experienced at providing safe and effective dental implants that will transform your smile and help you maintain your oral health. Schedule an appointment today by calling (716) 366-6822 or learn more online.
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