Dental Implants Care FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Dental implants at Bright Smile Family Dentistry are the perfect solution for many Oklahoma City patients wanting to replace missing or damaged teeth. Our board-certified surgeons offer individual and full-mouth dental implants to increase functionality and give your mouth a natural appearance. Our process can restore a single tooth, replace multiple teeth, and support an entire arch of teeth. Bright Smile Family Dentistry is proud to be your go-to comprehensive dental solution office. Whether you need a routine cleaning or want to discuss dental implants, we’re here to answer your questions and help you understand each dental process.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants restore missing teeth with a tooth structure that allows you to chew and speak with ease. The dental implant is a small titanium screw. An abutment is attached to the implant that serves as an anchor. It then acts as a root under the crown of a tooth. Dental implants are not susceptible to decay.
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
A patient who has missing or damaged teeth is a good candidate for dental implants.
How many teeth can be replaced with dental implants?
A single tooth, multiple teeth, and/or the entire set of teeth can be replaced by dental implants.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of dental implants?
Dental implants last a lifetime, never decay and improve your quality of life. There is a risk of infection, inflammation, and pain, but these can be managed and treated.
How do I care for my implants?
A strict oral hygiene regimen will be necessary to maintain the health of your implants. This includes regular visits to the dentist for teeth cleanings and checkups, brushing around the implants, and removing any buildup around them daily.
How long is the implant process?
A single implant takes approximately an hour. However, the time varies for each patient and is dependent on bone quantity, region, and other additional procedural factors – for example, bone grafting.
How much do dental implants cost?
Cost varies depending on insurance information, patient needs, bone quantity, and region of the implant.
How many implants are needed for dentures?
Implant-supported dentures require a minimum of four dental implants on the upper arch and a minimum of 2 implants on the lower arch. The implants are strategically placed for maximum support.
Are dental implants removable?
Dental implants are not removable, and if taken care of properly, can last up to 25 years.
What are the different types of dental implants?
Single Tooth Dental Implants: If you have only one tooth missing, a single dental implant is a perfect solution. A crown will blend seamlessly with your single tooth implant for a natural look.
Implant-Supported Dental Bridges: An implant-supported dental bridge does not disturb the surrounding teeth. Teeth don’t need to be shaved down to prepare for crowns, boosting the bridge’s support.
Full Bridge Dental Implant: If you’re missing most of your teeth or all your teeth, we can use multiple implants to support a full bridge of fixed dental implants. The full-arch restoration treatment stabilizes an entire area for a natural look and feel.
Can my body reject dental implants?
Dental implants are made of biocompatible titanium, and allergies are very rare. However, in the absence of good oral hygiene, the implant can fail to integrate with the jaw due to infection.
How do you know how many implants you need?
After a complete oral examination that includes x-rays of your jaws, we will determine how many implants are needed based on how much bone you have and a number of teeth needing to be replaced.
Contact Bright Smile Family Dentistry
At Bright Smile Family Dentistry, we use innovative techniques with world-class professionalism to ensure your dental visits produce optimal results. If you feel anxious about a dental implant procedure, we offer IV sedation therapy for additional comfort and anxiety reduction. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.