Top 5 Dental Implant FAQ
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention…Click to read more in a new window… (CDC), twenty-six percent of adults sixty-five and older suffer from severe tooth loss, meaning they have eight or fewer teeth.
Luckily, these individuals (both the people with severe tooth loss and those who are only missing one tooth) may opt for dental implants.
These natural-looking replacements help restore normal function if you’re experiencing difficulty chewing or speaking.
But, while implants have their fair share of benefits, it’s only normal to have a few questions before committing to getting dental implants in Loganville, GA.
We’ve compiled the most common questions here to set your mind at ease. Let’s find out if dental implants will give you a beautiful smile and restore any lost function.
1. How do dental implants work?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that replace the root of a lost tooth. They consist of a screw-like device placed inside the jawbone onto which artificial teeth can be mounted.
Our dentist then places an abutment, which holds the crown. You receive one crown per implant. Each looks and functions virtually identical to your natural tooth. In fact, our dentist can even color-match the dental implant crown with existing teeth.
Dental implants can help correct speech issues, prevent other teeth from shifting, and maintain your facial shape. Not to mention, missing teeth affect chewing, and dental implants let you eat normally again.
2. How long does a dental implant procedure take?
When you visit our dentist for dental implants in Loganville, GA, you’ll receive an estimated timeline based on your unique situation. Certain factors, such as the number of implants, may affect that timeline. We’ll conduct a thorough assessment of your teeth and gums.
But, on average, the surgery should last about 1-2 hours per implant, and the entire treatment should take between 3 and 6 months.
3. How many visits are required to get dental implants?
A dental implant procedure is a multi-step process that usually takes 3-6 appointments, including the following:
Removing Damaged Teeth
The first visit starts with us removing the damaged teeth you may have. In some cases, depending on how many teeth we’re dealing with, it can take more than one visit.
For each tooth, our practitioner will use a dental elevator to loosen the tooth before extracting it. Then, they will need to clean the socket and pack it. Afterward, the practitioner will cover the opening with sutures and gauze.
Bone or Gum Grafting
Healthy gum tissue is necessary to support the implant, so you may require a gum graft if yours isn’t sufficient. This may take an hour or two.
A healthy jaw bone is also needed to provide stability for your new implant. Before implanting, the jawbone may require strengthening with a bone graft. This step usually takes an hour or less but does take a few weeks to heal before moving forward.
Placing the implants
If there is no need for tooth removal or grafting, placing your implant will be the first step.
Placing the implants consists of our practitioner placing a post. It’ll usually take an hour or two per implant. This process could require multiple visits if several teeth are removed. Before you leave our office, you’ll receive a temporary crown until our practitioner can place the permanent one.
Getting the crowns
Our dentist will wait for your gums to heal around the abutment, which may take a month (or more). Once healed, the dentist will place the crowns. The number of visits will depend on the crowns you get.
4. Are implants covered by dental insurance?
Some dental insurance providers cover dental implants when they’re medically necessary. In this case, you’ll only be responsible for co-payments or deductibles. You’ll also need to consider your annual maximum allowable coverage. We can help you navigate your insurance to determine if your plan will cover the procedure.
We also offer multiple payment options if your plan doesn’t cover the tooth restoration option, doesn’t provide adequate coverage, or you don’t have insurance. Plus, our practice works with CareCredit.
5. How long after dental implants can I eat normally?
In the first 24 hours, you’ll need to follow a liquid diet. Then, you may switch to a diet of soft foods, like eggs, cheese, and yogurt, for the next week or so. After that, you can return to your usual diet. However, avoid sticky, crunchy, or hard foods.
While we’ve answered the most frequently asked questions about dental implants, we encourage you to schedule a consultation to learn more.
Our experienced dentist will gladly hear your concerns, answer any questions, and guide you every step of the way. Contact us so you can reach your dream smile with dental implants in Loganville, GA.
- Call us at: 770-466-0474
- Email us at: info@creeksidedentistry.net
Creekside Dentistry is conveniently located in Loganville, GA. We encourage patients in neighboring communities like Suwanee, Statham, and Hoschton to contact us as well.