Dental Implant FAQ
Portland, OR
 Tooth loss is a serious issue. No matter if you lose a single tooth or you lose all of your teeth, your entire life is affected. Basic functions like eating and speaking become more difficult. Your smile is impacted. Your jawbone begins to lose bone mass, causing the bone and your face to change shape. Replacing your missing teeth is essential for restoring the functions of your mouth, your smile, and your life. At Malmquist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we can replace your missing teeth with dental implants. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions we get about this incredible treatment.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a solution for tooth loss, much like traditional bridges and dentures. Unlike traditional treatments, which sit above the gum line, dental implants involve the surgical placement of small titanium posts into the jawbone. Your bone gradually fuses to these posts, a process called osseointegration. This process integrates the posts into your jawbone and turns them into prosthetic roots that hold your replacement teeth securely in place. Learn more about the history of dental implants here.
Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
There are numerous different types of dental implants, allowing us to tailor treatment to meet a variety of different needs. While this treatment has a high rate of success, a consultation is still needed to make sure it is the right treatment for you. You may be a candidate for dental implants if:
| • |
You are missing one or more teeth.
|
| • |
You are in good overall health.
|
| • |
You do not use tobacco products or alcohol or are willing to quit using these substances.
|
| • |
Your jawbone is in good shape. |
Are Implants Painful?
Dental implants require surgery to place the posts into your jaw. The surgery is done under a local anesthetic, which ensures that you do not feel any pain during the procedure. We will also provide you with sedation, which will help you to remain relaxed and comfortable. There are different types of sedation, and we will help to choose the best sedation option during your initial consultation. How Long Does It Take to Heal from Implant Surgery?
Just how long it takes to recover from implant surgery varies from patient to patient. There are several factors that contribute, including how many posts are placed into your jaw and if you need to have a bone graft first. Typically, you can expect healing to take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. What are the Benefits of Implants Over Traditional Treatments?
Dental implants provide many significant benefits over traditional bridges and dentures. These benefits include:
| • |
Greater comfort. Your teeth are supported by the posts in your jaw rather than your adjacent teeth or your gums.
|
| • |
No need to alter your adjacent teeth for crowns.
|
| • |
Ease of care. You can brush and floss dental implants just like your natural teeth.
|
| • |
Preservation of your jawbone. The posts stimulate your jawbone just like your natural tooth roots, stopping and preventing bone loss in your jaw. Dental implants are a long-term solution to tooth loss. In many cases, they are even permanent. |
How Much Do Implants Cost?
Dental implants do cost more than traditional treatments, at least initially. However, since they are a long-term solution, they are an investment. Where bridges and dentures need to be replaced every few years to accommodate your changing jaw, dental implants do not. The exact cost of implants varies on several factors. Common factors that determine cost include how many teeth are being replaced, the number of posts being placed, the type of sedation used, and if you need to have a bone graft first. Are Implants Covered by Dental Insurance?
More and more insurance companies are beginning to provide at least some type of coverage for dental implants. To find out if your dental insurance provider offers coverage, review your policy or contact your provider today. Dental implants are an incredible treatment for replacing missing teeth that help to restore your quality of life. If you have any other questions or want to find out if dental implants are right for you, call Malmquist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at (503) 446-6776 today.
|
