Is the dental implant procedure painful?
You will not experience any pain during the placement of your dental implants. Dr. Ray Becker will use a local anesthetic to numb the area where your implants will be placed. You will experience some discomfort or mild pain after that wears off. During your healing period, you will be prescribed pain medications to manage this.
How long will it take for me to get dental implants?
This will depend on several factors and your individual needs. If you require any pre-treatments, you may have to wait your implants can be placed. After they are placed, it will take a few months for them to fully fuse with the surrounding bone. Then, we will need to attach abutments to each implant in a separate procedure, fabricate your custom dental restoration, and then attach it. The entire process could take up to a year. After your dental implant consultation with Dr. Becker in Columbia, MD, we can provide you with an estimated timeline.
Will anyone notice my dental implants?
The dental implant fixtures themselves are not noticeable since they are placed in the jawbone. Then we will custom make a dental restoration that will attach to them. Dentures, dental bridges, and dental crowns are customized to match the color of your surrounding teeth. We will also take measurements and impression to make sure there are the right shape and size to fit naturally in your mouth. No one will be able to notice you have false teeth attached to dental implants!
Can I get dental implants if I smoke?
Patients that smoke have a higher risk of implant failure and complications during surgery due to slowed healing time and reduced blood flow. For this reason, your dentist may not do the surgical implantation. Quitting smoking before getting dental implants can significantly improve the success rate and overall oral health.
Can I get dental implants if I have osteoporosis?
You will need to consult with your dentist. While having osteoporosis does not disqualify you, we will need to assess your bone density and overall oral health. It is important that each dental implant have enough bone to support the dental implants.
Are there age restrictions for getting dental implants?
No, age is not a determining factor for getting dental implants. The key factor is having sufficient bone density in the jaw to support the implants. Older adults can get implants if they meet the necessary criteria. However, we require that patients are at least 18 years of age.
Can I get dental implants if I have gum disease?
You must be in good oral health to qualify for dental implants. If you have gum disease, your dentist must thoroughly evaluate your gum health to determine if treatment is needed before proceeding with implants.
How many dental implants do I need for implant dentures?
For the upper jaw, you will need anywhere from 4 – 8 dental implants. The bone in the upper jaw is softer and typically requires more implant fixtures. Your dentist will recommend between 2 – 8 dental implants for the lower jaw. The bone is much dense there, and you may only need two implants to support the denture depending on the condition of your bone.
What are the downsides of choosing dental implants?
There are not many downsides to choosing dental implants. You should expect to pay more for this tooth replacement option as it is the most sophisticated option available. The process to get them also requires surgery, which some patients may not qualify for. Oral surgery also carries some risks including infection, bleeding, and nerve damage. Treatment time for a dental implant restoration is also much longer than other options. It can take several months or even up to a year to complete.
Can my body reject my dental implants?
Your body will only reject the dental implants if you suffer from a metal allergy which is very rare. However, your implants can fail to integrate with your jawbone for several reasons. If you lack proper oral hygiene, an infection can develop which will prevent the implant from fusing with the bone. Also, if the implant is subjected to too much biting force too soon, it may not integrate with the bone.
Will I have to go without teeth during my dental implant treatment?
You will not have to go without teeth during your dental implant treatment. Your Columbia, MD dentist, Dr. Becker, will create a temporary dental restoration that you will use during the implant healing phase of your treatment. This will help you maintain your appearance and functionality while your dental implants integrate with your jawbone.