Wondering if this tooth replacement is the right one for you?
Are you trying to weigh all of your options when it comes to the different tooth replacement treatments out there? We definitely understand. After all, you want to make the best decision for restoring your smile. Our New London, CT dentists - Drs. Thomas, Janellen, and Teresa Matyas - are here to tell you everything you could ever wish to know about this long-term tooth replacement.
Q. What are dental implants?
A. This small titanium fixture isn’t actually a tooth but it is designed to support a false tooth or teeth. An implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed in the jawbone and designed to support a dental crown, bridge, or dentures.
Q. How do they work?
A. In order for an implant to support a false tooth (or teeth), the implant will need to be placed into the jawbone to replace the missing tooth’s roots. In order to do this, our New London cosmetic dentists will need to perform a minor surgery in order to make a hole in the jawbone to place the implant. The procedure is performed right here in our office under sedation and local anesthesia.
After surgery, the jawbone and tissue will heal around the implant where they will naturally fuse together to become one permanent structure within the mouth. It usually takes about one hour to place a single dental implant.
Q. How long does it take to get implants?
A. This will depend on several factors including how quickly your body naturally heals, as well as which tooth or teeth you are replacing and how many implants you need to get. While the procedure itself is pretty quick it can take anywhere from 4-6 months for the tissue and bone to meld together with the implant and fully heal. If you are getting multiple implants it can take up to one year or more to get your full smile back.
Q. Can implants replace all of my teeth?
A. Yes, they can! Multiple implants can be placed along the arch of the jawbone to support a bridge or partial or full dentures to replace several or even a full row of missing teeth.
Q. Who is a good candidate for implants?
A. If you are a healthy adult who takes good care of your teeth and gums, you could be an ideal candidate for implants. We will perform a thorough physical evaluation to make sure that you are healthy enough for implants. We will also run x-rays to check the health of the jawbone to make sure that it is strong enough to support an implant.
Q. How long can implants last?
A. If you maintain good oral hygiene and make sure that you come in for routine dental checkups every six months there is no reason your dental implant couldn’t last the rest of your life. An implant, after all, is made from titanium so it is durable enough to last for decades.
We hope we answered all of your top questions regarding dental implants. If you are ready to take the next step to getting dental implants, call Matyas & Matyas in New London, CT, today to schedule a free consultation.