Dental Implant FAQ
Lewiston, ID
 Dental implants are a beneficial restoration technique used to restore both looks and function after tooth loss. However, like with any procedure, you should know more detail before committing to them. You should be aware of how to qualify for the oral surgery, how they are placed, and other important information about them. Oral & Facial Surgery will give you all the information you need about dental implants.
Who Qualifies for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are not accessible to every one of our patients. Before approving you for surgery, there are some characteristics that we must take into account. First, though implants can be placed at any age, it is best to wait for the dentofacial structure to be fully developed. This typically occurs in the mid to late teens. Second, you need to have good health in order to undergo surgery. A strong immune system prevents infection during surgery and increases the chances of success. Third, your jawbone and gums must be strong enough for the dental implants to sit in safely and steadily. Fourth, there should be no oral diseases, like periodontitis, present. If there are, these must be treated first.
What Material Is Used for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are all made from titanium. The prosthetic teeth, then, are made of a variety of different materials. These include metals, porcelain, glass ionomer, and composite resin.
How Are They Placed?
Dental implants can be placed once our oral & maxillofacial surgeon clears you for the surgery. In order to prepare your bone structure for the surgery, bone grafts, ridge modification, or sinus augmentation is sometimes needed. These procedures strengthen the existing bone and also increase the amount of bone material available.
During surgery, for which you will receive anesthesia, the implants are placed into the bone. They can then fuse with your tissues over the next six months in order to replace a natural tooth root.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Dental Implants?
There are a lot of factors to consider when deciding on dental implants. They are a popular restoration technique. They provide a good structure for your mouth and the replacement teeth. They promote oral health by making it easier to clean the new teeth since they are so sturdy. This sturdiness lends to higher functioning as well. They are stable and durable with a lifespan of up to 25 years. They are also hidden under your gum, so people will not even know that you have artificial teeth.
However, there are some disadvantages to consider. They are one of the more expensive restoration techniques compared to some other procedures. They are also more invasive since it is a surgical procedure while other restoration techniques are not. Other restorations simply attach to the adjacent teeth while these actually penetrate your tissues.
Call Oral & Facial Surgery in the Lewiston/Clarkston region at 208-743-1640 or in the Moscow/Pullman region at 509-330-5020 to learn more about dental implants. |
