The decision to get dental implants is life-changing in all the best ways! However, we understand you may be a little nervous before your treatment. So, to ease your anxiety, here are the top five questions about dental implants and their answers. We want to assure you that dental implants are not as scary as you think. Receiving a dental implant is one of the best decisions you can make for your health, smile, and confidence.

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant uses a titanium screw and crown to replace a missing tooth root and simulate your natural tooth. A small titanium screw is surgically inserted into the jawbone. It takes a few months for the jawbone to heal and fuse to the implant. Then, a dental crown is customized and placed over the top of the implant to give it its natural look and feel. Because the implant attaches to the jawbone, it’s strong, long-lasting, and can function in all the ways your natural tooth could. This means you can get back to eating your favorite foods!

Do Dental Implants Hurt?

This is one of the top questions about dental implants we get asked. The procedure for a dental implant may be slightly uncomfortable, but it is not painful. We ensure patients are numb and check on their comfort level throughout the treatment. We also offer sedation dentistry, which uses anesthesia to put particularly anxious patients at ease. After the procedure, some patients will experience minor discomfort, but nothing that over-the-counter medicine cannot remedy.

Who Is Eligible for a Dental Implant?

While we do our best to ensure dental implant treatments are accessible and successful for all patients, a few health qualifications may make one person a better candidate for dental implants than another.

  • A patient must have a strong jawbone and the proper bone density for the jawbone to fuse to the implant. If the implant cannot attach to the jawbone, it risks falling out.
  • Good oral health is crucial to the success of an implant. Without healthy gum tissue or healthy teeth surrounding the implant, there will likely be an infection at the sight of the implant, which can lead to failure.
  • Refrain from heavy smoking, which can lead to gum disease and potentially cause implant failure.
  • Some patients with diabetes may experience issues with bleeding and healing. It is important to discuss your unique situation with your dentist.

Supplemental procedures like bone grafts and sinus lifts are available to help improve the likelihood of dental implant success. Not sure whether you are a candidate? Have questions about dental implants and your eligibility? We encourage you to request a free consultation with our team in Springfield, Southampton, or Bethlehem to see whether you are a candidate.

What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

From improved oral health to better confidence, there are tons of benefits to dental implants.

First, unlike dentures that sit on the gum line, dental implants stimulate jawbone growth because they are attached to the jawbone. This helps strengthen your jaw and prevents bone loss and sagging.

Plus, dental implants let you get back to eating your favorite foods, like juicy steaks, sweet candy, and fresh apples. There is no need to remove dentures and no movement when you eat or speak.

The lifespan of an implant is impressive as well. Through proper care, an implant can last up to 25 years. Patients must brush, floss, and go to six-month cleanings as one would normally.

How Can DICE help?

DICE Dental provides affordable dental implants in Springfield, Southampton, and Bethlehem Township. A single dental implant starts at only $850. During a free consultation, we will take x-rays and help you understand the dental implant procedure. Have more questions about dental implants? We can help answer those too!

And we offer more than dental implant services. Patients needing dentures, extractions, and dental crowns can also find them here at DICE Dental. With an expert team, advanced technology, and affordable prices, we look forward to helping you smile again. Schedule an appointment today!