Dental Implants Frequently Asked Questions Part 3

More common Dental Implant questions asked and answered:

Can implants improve my appearance?

While the main reason for dental implantation is to improve oral health through the ability to chew and speak more easily, teeth do play an important role in an individual’s overall appearance, therefore dental implants do ultimately play a role in the enhancement of one’s appearance.

How does the implant procedure work?

The implant procedure is surgical in nature and involves the placement of an implant or implants into the jawbone using precise techniques. The dentist will start by administering an anesthetic, after which incisions are made in the gum line allowing access to the bone of the jaw. A specialized drill is used to drill into the jawbone, creating a space for the implant. The implant is then placed using a specialized wrench which effectively ‘screws’ the implant into place. When the implant is properly placed, only the head or abutment will be visible above the gum line.

If patients are undergoing treatment for the placement of mini dental implants, the dental prosthetic will be immediately attached to the abutment, providing the patient with a natural looking tooth replacement. If patients are undergoing traditional dental implantation, the implant will be left for 3-6 months (although a temporary tooth will be attached to allow patients to chew and speak with ease), during which the bone of the jaw will fuse with the titanium alloy of the implant, providing the stability needed for the attachment of the dental prosthetic.

What should be expected during surgery?

A local anesthetic is most often used during this treatment, which eliminates all pain. If patients require it, sedation may also be used. After surgery, patients may experience some discomfort as well as possible swelling and bruising, however your dentist will prescribe you medication that will help with these treatment symptoms. Each patient will heal at their own rate, so your experience might not be the same as other patients.

How long does the procedure take?

Treatment time will depend largely on what type of procedure you are undergoing as well as how many implants are being placed. On average, it can take one to two hours to place each implant. Your dentist will discuss your treatment plan with you prior to implantation.

Do you still have unanswered dental implant questions? Check back soon for our fourth and final installment of dental implant frequently asked questions.