Dental Implant FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root used to support a crown made to look just like a real tooth. These artificial teeth are used to replace missing or decayed teeth without affecting the adjacent teeth. They are also used to help support and secure dentures and other restorative options. A dental implant is made up of three basic parts: the post (which is the implant itself), the abutment, and the crown. The post is inserted into the jawbone, and after it has healed, a crown is placed over the top. The implant post and the crown are connected by the abutment. Soon enough, your smile will be good as new, and no one will even notice you have implants!   

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Nearly anyone can reap the benefits of dental implants. Anyone with missing teeth or multiple damaged teeth should consider this excellent cosmetic solution. However, you should always consult with your dentist to determine if teeth implants are right for you.

What Are the Advantages of a Dental Implant?

Dental implants come with a slew of benefits. They can replace a tooth without having to affect the adjacent healthy teeth by filing them down like a bridge would require. They also help hold bone in the area, so they keep you from getting bone loss over time. Sometimes they seem more costly upfront, however, they are designed to be the longest lasting thing in dentistry, and well worth the incredible lone-term results. Our patients have reported the following advantages after getting dental implants:

• Increased confidence
• Low Maintenance
• Improved appearance
• Ability to eat any food you like
• A long-lasting solution

Might My Body Reject a Dental Implant?

Implants are very safe! Implants cannot be rejected by the body as they are not organic. While some people may be allergic to the titanium in the metal post, this is incredibly rare since titanium is one of the most inert substances to human tissue. In the worst-case scenario, an infection can develop, and the implant may fail to integrate into the jawbone properly. However, if you keep up with good oral hygiene, infection is also quite rare.

Am I Too Old for Implants?

No one is too old for dental implants! Patients well over the age of 80 can benefit from this exciting alternative to traditional dentures and bridges. Regardless of your age, be sure to ask the team at Atlanta Oral & Facial Surgery if dental implants could be right for you.

Will I have temporary teeth during the healing phase?

If the implant site is near the front of your mouth, we have a variety of temporary options such as bridges and transitional implants to get you through the healing phase. In some cases, the permanent tooth can even be placed (“loaded”) onto the implant at the same time as surgery.

Do dental implants hurt?

During the surgery, you will be properly anesthetized at all times – you won’t feel a thing! And after surgery, you’ll be relieved to know that most of our patients experience very little, if any, pain that is usually managed well with over-the-counter pain medications. Any necessary prescriptions will be discussed during your visit.

Do dental implants feel like real teeth?

Yes! Your dental implant will feel, look and operate just like your natural teeth. You will be eating all of the foods that you used to enjoy with your new, permanent tooth before you know it!

Will I need to miss work for dental implant surgery?

Patients typically take anywhere from a few hours to a few days off of work, depending on the type of sedation, the implant site and their pre-op health.

What are single-stage implants?

In some cases, we are able to place the implant and leave the soft tissue surrounding it as is. This way, we can avoid a second surgical procedure to uncover the dental implant during the abutment/restoration stage.

What if I am missing a lot of teeth?

If you are missing many teeth, implant-supported dentures can give you a full arch of prosthetic teeth attached to just a few implants. This option is a great solution for those who need the quantity of teeth provided by a denture, but don’t want the hassle associated with it.

What are the risks and complications associated with dental implants?

Dental implants have a success rate of up to 98% and the procedure has been around for decades, with continual improvements and discoveries made all along the way. The risks are very low, and closely resemble those of other minor surgical procedures (infection, injury to adjacent teeth, etc.).

How long do dental implants last?

Studies have shown that properly placed and well cared-for dental implants can last as long as 25 years. Advanced technology and experience enable us to give you the very best shot at keeping yours for life!

When will I have my permanent teeth?

Permanent restorations are placed as early as 1 and as late as 12 months following implant surgery, depending on your case.

How do I care for my implants?

Care for your implants just like you do your natural teeth: by brushing twice and flossing once daily. Take good care of them and they will take care of you!

The doctors and staff of Atlanta Oral & Facial Surgery welcome all questions, please give us a call!