Dental implants replace missing tooth roots and form a stable foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth. They help preserve bone by stabilizing natural bone and prevent future bone loss. Dental implants also stabilize loose or uncomfortable dentures and eliminate the need for a removable partial.
At Parkwood Dental, we’ve compiled the top 6 questions our patients ask Dr. Hernandez about dental implants. Here’s what you need to know about dental implants to replace a missing tooth and dental implants to stabilize a denture.
1. What are the benefits of having a dental implant?
Dental implants replace one or more teeth without affecting bordering teeth and help maintain anatomy. If you have missing teeth, the bone begins to shrink over time. Unhealthy bone loss can make your jaw line recede and change your facial structure, and cause teeth to move resulting in crooked teeth. Dental implants can help prevent deterioration of the jawbone so your face retains its natural shape. Other benefits include keeping your healthy teeth (when you lose a tooth, you are at risk of loosing the 5 that surround it), security (securely anchored teeth, bridges and implants do not move, slip) and restore confidence (people tend to smile more when they have all their teeth!)
Implant-Supported replacement teeth look, feel & function like natural teeth- so we think they are great!
2. What are the negative consequences of loosing a tooth? (or getting one extracted?)
When a person looses a tooth, the other teeth surrounding this area are forced to overcompensate and work much harder. When you loose a tooth, you are at greater risk of loosing teeth on either side and the opposing ones that help you chew. Little by little, these remaining teeth become loose and over time you will lose them, much like a domino effect.
3. What is involved in the implant procedure?
The dental implant process involves several steps but can take as little as 1 day. The typical process will include 1) a pre-treatment consultation (careful evaluation of your dental and medical history to determine if you are a good candidate and will include a specialized CAT Scan), 2) implant placement and prosthetic attachment & loading (an abutment is inserted inside the implant) and 3) restoration (dental crown or bridge) is created to fit on the abutment. We then provide you with at-home tools and tips to keep the implant clean and healthy.
4. How Long Do Implants Last?
Modern dental implants have been maintained in individual cases for more than twenty years. The life of the implant varies with factors of patient health (diabetes, HIV, metabolic bone disease), patient habits (smoking, oral hygiene) and structural overload. While it is impossible to predict exactly how long an implant will last, it is not uncommon to have success rates over 95% in the field of dental implants. Implants never decay and are much stronger than the natural roots of teeth.
5. Who is an Ideal Candidates for Implants?
While we offer free dental implant consultation with Dr. Oscar Hernandez, here are some guidelines on ideal candidates for implants:
-
Have healthy teeth and gums
-
Have sufficient bone density to support the dental implant
-
Are committed to good oral hygiene (both at home and regular visits to your dentist)
-
Do not suffer from uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disorders which may impact your ability to heal
-
Are non-smokers or are willing to stop smoking during the dental implant process
6. Will an implant help if I already have a denture?
Yes! In addition to single tooth implants, Parkwood Dental offers dental implants for denture stabilization or bridges. Dental implants support a bridge, eliminating the need for a removable partial denture and provide support for a denture, making it more secure and comfortable.
Implant-supported dentures are one of Dr. Hernandez’s favorite procedures as he claims these are his happiest patients. Securely anchored dentures do not slip or move. Adding implants eliminates some of the key problems of dentures, including poor fit, gum irritation and pain from exposed nerves. The result is superior comfort, reliability, and freedom from embarrassment. These patients can now eat uninhibited, have conversations comfortably, and smile frequently.
To see if you are a candidate for dental implants, call or text us at 941-254-2595. We offer free dental implant consultation with Dr. Oscar Hernandez in our Bradenton offices serving Bradenton, Parrish and Lakewood Ranch, FL.
