Dental Implants - Implant Dentistry (Frequently Asked Questions) FAQs

At our cosmetic dentistry office located in Connecticut, dental implant placement and the integration process can be quite complex and confusing to some. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions that people may have about the dental implants treatment.

Are there any age limits for patients considering a dental implant?

No, dental implants can be used to replace any permanent teeth that have been lost through injury or disease. The only requirement is that the patient needs to have enough bone to support implant below the missing tooth.

How often should my dental implants be checked once completed?

Having your dental implants checked should become a part of your regular dental visits and should be done at least twice a year once you have had them a while. For the first year your cosmetic dentist may suggest a more regular schedule of every four months.

Is dental implant surgery painful and what is the typical recovery period?

No, the placement of the implant in the jawbone is usually done under the same local anesthesia that is used for filling a tooth. This will help eliminate any discomfort during the procedure and any mild pain you mat experience after the initial visit can be controlled with simple pain relievers. You can even return to work the next day after most dental implant procedures.

What factors determine how successful a dental implant will be?

There are a few critical factors that determine the success of a dental implant and they include the general oral health of the patient, the amount of bone available at the implant site and how well the implant integrates into the bone over the long term. The dental implant procedure has a very high success rate for most patients with very few complications involved.

What can go wrong with dental implants?

Most dental implant failures occur with the crown that is attached to the top of the actual dental implant. Like any other crown they can become loose or cracked over time and may need attention from your dentist to adjust or repair them. The actual dental implant itself is permanent and should last for the life of the patient.

How long does the dental implant process take?

The entire process for a dental implant takes several visits that occur over the course of several months time. The reason for this is that the initial implant needs time to integrate into the bone structure to ensure a secure mounting for the crown. The gums will also need time to heal after the initial placement of the implant.

To learn more about dental implants as well as other dental procedures, be sure to visit our Hartford, Connecticut cosmetic dentistry office.