Common Questions People Ask About Dental Implants

Everyone will experience tooth loss at some point, but it shouldn't keep you from achieving optimal oral health. Today, there are plenty of dental restoration options for you to choose from, including dentures, bridges, and dental implants in St. Petersburg, FL.

Dental implants are the best choice because they are similar to natural teeth in appearance and function. Most patients who have implants forget they ever lost their teeth. If you want dental implants, you must ask questions during your consultation to know if the procedure is right for you.  

Top Questions About Dental Implants

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a prosthetic device that consists of three parts – the screw-shaped titanium rod, abutment, and crown. Essentially, it replaces the structure of a missing tooth. The metal rod acts as a substitute for missing tooth roots.  

To receive a dental implant, one must undergo surgery. The procedure is done in an outpatient setting and does not require general anesthesia. Local anesthesia is enough to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.  

After administering the anesthesia, your dental implant specialist will make an incision in your gums. Next, a tool is used to drill a hole in your jawbone to receive the implant. Once the implant is secure, the gum tissues are stitched around it.  

It takes time for the implant to fully integrate with your jawbone, which is why dental implant specialists emphasize patience if you choose this procedure. When osseointegration is complete, the abutment is inserted, followed by the artificial crown.

Are Dental Implants Common?

Since millions of people have missing teeth, dental implant surgery has grown in popularity and is practiced worldwide. It is the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. People prefer dental implants because they are visually appealing, comfortable, durable, and long-lasting.  

Is The Procedure Safe?

As for safety, dental implant boasts an impressively high success rate of up to 95%. Since its inception, dental implant surgery has continued to evolve, providing a safe and reliable method of replacing missing teeth.  

Is It Painful?

Each person feels pain differently. However, most of those who have had dental implant surgery say they experienced little to no discomfort during the procedure because of the anesthesia.  

How Long Does the Procedure Take?

The timeline varies from person to person. Some factors that can affect the healing time include your overall dental health, the number of teeth to be replaced, and if other procedures are needed, like tooth extractions or bone grafting. The entire process can last between three to nine months, sometimes more.  

Am I a Candidate for Dental Implant Surgery?

Although dental implants are an excellent solution to tooth loss, not everyone can undergo surgery. Your dental implant specialist will screen you to ensure that you qualify. In most cases, people who are not considered ideal candidates are those who do not have adequate bone density to support the implant fixtures.  

The good news is that even if you have poor bone health, you can always undergo bone grafts. It’s a separate procedure that aims to restructure your jawbone, making it suitable to receive implants.  

Smokers and drinkers are not advised to undergo surgery because their lifestyle choices put them at risk of dental implant failure. Practicing good dental hygiene is also important; otherwise, your dental implants could fail.  

Get Your Dental Implants in St. Petersburg, FL

Do you have questions that aren’t addressed here? If you need more clarification, we’d be happy to answer. At Kristine Marshall, DDS, we strive to create a relaxing and stress-free environment for our patients. Our friendly staff has years of experience and knowledge to provide you with the best care. Contact us for an appointment.