Dental implants can give you back both your confidence and your smile. That said, they remain a mystery to many people. Here at Placentia Oral Surgery, we would like to help you to decide if one or more dental implants would make sense for your situation. Here are some of the most common questions and answers regarding dental implants.

If you have questions about dental implants, here are some answers that might help.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is where we will replace a missing tooth with an artificial one. We will plant a screw in your jaw, which will become the new root of the tooth. Once your jaw has healed, we will cap the screw, and it will become a new permanent tooth.

Are Dental Implants Strong?

Yes, your dental implant will be as strong, if not stronger, than a natural tooth. You will be able to eat all of your favorite foods once again.

Does the Dental Implant Process Hurt?

There will be some pain, but most likely not as much as you think. Many patients are surprised and say that tooth extraction hurt more than the implant.

Will My Implant Look Natural?

A dental implant is designed to look exactly like a natural tooth. It will blend in perfectly with the rest of your teeth.

Is Age a Factor for Dental Implants?

Most of the time, age is not a factor. It could be a problem if the patient has been missing teeth for years and so there is not enough bone in the jaw. If that is the case, we might recommend a bone graft.

What is a bone graft?

When a tooth has been lost, your body will start to absorb some of the bone in your jaw. You need to have enough bone to hold the implant. If there is not enough bone, we could do a bone graft. We will take a small amount of bone and place it in your jaw so that it will become part of your jaw. This will give you enough bone so that the implant will hold.

How Long Does the Implant Process Take?

If you have a tooth extracted, we might do a dental implant at that time. That is not always the case, however. It is not uncommon for a dental implant to take several weeks to a few months from start to finish. If a bone graft is needed, it will take even longer.

Are You a Candidate?

The only way that we can tell if you are a good candidate for a dental implant is to examine your mouth. Many people are candidates, even if they have been missing teeth for a long time.

You may also qualify for mini dental implants, which consist of a single solid piece that is screwed into the bone. Ask about them during your consultation!

Learn more about after dental implant placement

You do not need to live with one or more of your teeth missing. Here at Placentia Oral Surgery, we would like to talk to you about the implant process, and all of your treatment options. Call (657) 216-1617 to make an appointment, or if you have any other questions.