Questions about Dental Implants
Serving Patients from Medford, Klamath Falls, Ashland, Yreka and Central Point
How do I know if I am a good candidate for Dental Implants?
If you are missing one, a few, or even all of your teeth, you may be a candidate. The most important requirement is that the bone quality in your jaw is good enough to support dental implants. You will need a through examination by a cosmetic dentist and x-rays to determine this. Generally speaking, if you have just recently lost your teeth, then the bone structure should still be good quality.
There are some pre-existing medical conditions that may prohibit you from being a good candidate, even if you have good quality bone structure. These include any sort of blood or bone disorders, thyroid problems, uncontrolled diabetes, or recent cancer treatments.
How painful is the procedure?
If you opt for sedation, then you should feel no pain during the surgery. Implant patients often report low levels of pain the following day, once the anesthetic has worn off. You will be prescribed pain medication to manage any pain you may feel during your recovery.
How long will the entire process take?
This will depend on a number of factors, particularly the health of your jaw bone tissue. Most implant procedures take anywhere from 4 to 12 months. Most of this time is spent waiting for the titanium base to anchor properly into the jaw. You will have a temporary tooth in the meantime.
Why get Dental Implants when I have bridges and dentures as options?
If you are a good candidate for dental implants, then there are a few good reasons why you should opt for them. The presence of a tooth is what stimulates the jaw bone. If you lose a tooth, the bone tissue surrounding the empty space begins to atrophy, or degenerate. This can actually happen very quickly, so it is important that if you have lost a tooth, you should replace it with an implant as soon as possible. If this bone tissue is allowed to degenerate, then it will inevitably lead to further dental problems.
Neither bridges nor dentures will eliminate the bone atrophy issue, which can eventually lead to a sunken-in, asymmetrical look to your face. Other problems with dentures include sores, difficulty speaking and difficulty eating. Any diet changes that result from otherwise treatable dental problems should be avoided at all costs.
Is there a chance my body will reject the Dental Implants?
No. Dental implant rejection is not a possibility. However, this is not to say that there is no risk the implant will fail. Failure may occur if your bone structure is not sufficient, if the implant is not placed properly, if the implant receives too much uneven bite pressure, or if other health issues interfere with the proper anchoring (osseointegration) of the implant.
If you live in Southern Oregon, and are interested in implant dentistry, please contact us today to arrange a consultation.
800.899.6990
Contact Us
Eagle Point Dental Center for Advanced Dentistry
217 W. Main St
Eagle Point, OR 97524
