Learning More About Dental Implants at Southern Smiles
Hi there. This is Dr. Shakally from Southern Smiles. A lot of patients call our office asking about dental implants. They ask about cost, how long it takes, and if they might be a good candidate. I'm here to answer some of the most commonly asked questions regarding dental implants that we receive.
What are dental implants and how do they work?
We often get asked what dental implants are and how they work. There's a lot of misconceptions, and people confuse dental implants with bridges. The main thing about a dental implant is that it is made up of three components. The first part is the actual titanium implant, which most people refer to as the implant, and it goes inside your jaw. It fuses with the bone and acts like the root of the tooth. Then there is the crown that shows out of the gum. It's the reason you're getting an implant in the first place. It's what you're going to be chewing and smiling with. The third component is what connects the titanium implant in the jaw with the crown above your gum. That's what a dental implant is in its most basic form.
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
A common question we get is whether someone is a candidate for dental implants. The best answer is really to do an exam and an X-ray. We usually take a 3D X-ray to see. Most people are candidates for dental implants or at least could be candidates. If someone had a tooth extracted a long time ago and never got a graft, we may have to do an additional procedure to prepare them for an implant.
Not many systemic diseases disqualify you from dental implants. A few, for example, are severe diabetes. If you have uncontrolled diabetes, it's usually more predictable to get you controlled on good medications before we place an implant. Another reason would be severe smoking, as it creates a difficult environment in the mouth, and implants fail more easily than teeth. A third reason would be if you're undergoing any major medical treatment like chemo or radiation; implants are probably not possible at that time.
Who is a good candidate for dental implants based on age and bone density?
We get a lot of questions about whether age plays a role in dental implants. We usually tell them there are very few people who aren't eligible for dental implants. One group is people who are still growing. Children, for example, are not recommended to have implants until they've stopped growing, which is about 22 years old for females and 25-26 for males. This is why we try to ensure our patients don't lose their teeth before that age, as it becomes very difficult.
Another question we get is about bone density, often from older ladies concerned about osteoporosis. There are different bone densities, and with current technology, we can often work with the bone quality you have. The best answer is to come in for a 3D X-ray, which can give us a lot of information quickly.
What is the difference between mini implants and full?
What's the difference between a dental implant and a mini implant? Most dentists are still trying to figure that out. A lot of patients call us and ask if we do mini implants or inquire about the difference between a mini implant and a regular dental implant. For the most part, dentists try to stay away from mini implants as they've shown a higher failure rate and more problems.
A regular dental implant tends to be wider in diameter, longer, and has more bone stability around it. You can put a single tooth on it, for example. Mini implants are used in very rare circumstances, such as when the patient's bone is really narrow, and a regular implant cannot be placed. They are cheaper, but not many places do them, and if they do, it's in unique and necessary situations. If you're considering it, I recommend spending the extra money to get a regular implant from an experienced person, as this is something you just want to do once and not have to do again.
What is the dental implant process like from start to finish?
Many patients ask us about the process of getting a dental implant. It is longer than most people expect because, when dealing with bone, time is necessary. Imagine you broke your arm; you'd be in a cast for two to three months because that's how long bone takes to heal. The first step, after we've done your X-rays and determined you're a good candidate, is to ensure there are no infections in the area or major cavities that need addressing first. Usually, the process involves taking a 3D X-ray, making a guide for you, and performing guided surgery. It's the most accurate form of implant dentistry. The first step is to put the implant in your jaw, then wait for about two to three months for it to fuse. After that, we do a scan of that implant and get the crown. It does take longer than most people expect, but it is a pretty seamless process.
How long do dental implants last?
A common question is how long dental implants last. Some people have the misconception that they should just pull their teeth out and get a dental implant and forget about it. It's not how it works because dental implants can still fail, just like teeth.
They don't get cavities, but they can get bone disease and gum disease. How long they last depends on several factors. It's difficult for something to last 60 years if you get the implant at 30 versus 60. Imagine getting a prosthetic knee at 18; you'll probably need it replaced by 40 and then again at 70, hopefully with better technology. If you get it at 70, it will likely last your entire life. If done well and you take good care of it, it should last a lifetime, acknowledging that the longer it's there, the more potential complications could arise.
I hope I was able to answer many of your dental implant questions. It is a big topic with a lot involved. It may seem like there are many different brands and timelines. The best way to learn more is to give our office a call at (480) 530-0755 and ask for an implant consult. We'll be happy to tell you what your options are.
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