Dental Implants FAQS
If you are missing teeth, Dr. Elizabeth Duling offers dental implants in Owens Cross Roads, AL. She works with some of the top local dental surgeons to provide her patients with the best tooth replacement solution available. Please read through some of our frequently asked questions about dental implants to learn more about them.
What are the negatives of dental implants?
While dental implants are the best option for replacing missing teeth, there are a few potential negatives. They are more expensive than dentures and dental bridges. Getting them involves a surgical procedure, which carries some risks, including infection, damage to the nerves, and bleeding.
Once the implants are surgically in place, it takes several months to heal, extending the entire process time. Dental implants also have a chance of failing. Taking good care of oral health is very important to prevent implant failure.
How painful is it to get a dental implant?
Getting a dental implant is typically a painless procedure. Before the procedure, the dentist or oral surgeon will use a local anesthetic around the implant site to numb the area. While you won’t feel pain during the surgery, you may feel sore and swell afterward. Over-the-counter pain medication and ice packs are typically enough to soothe the discomfort.
How long will my dental implants last?
Your dental implants are a forever solution for your tooth loss. However, they do require proper care to last a lifetime. You must maintain proper oral hygiene, refrain from smoking, maintain good overall health, and use a mouthguard if needed. These basic steps will ensure that your implants will last forever.
How long after extraction can I get a dental implant?
The timing for getting a dental implant after your dentist extracts a tooth will depend on several factors. Your dentist will need to consider the location of the tooth, your overall health, and the condition of your surrounding bone and tissue. We usually wait until the extraction site has healed, which can take two weeks to two months. Ultimately, it is up to your dentist and oral surgeon. Sometimes, the tooth can be removed and the implant placed on the same day.
Will I have no teeth while waiting for implants?
No, you will not have to go without teeth at any point during the dental implant process. We will provide you with a temporary dental restoration during the waiting period. Dr. Duling will evaluate your teeth to determine the type of temporary dental restoration you need until your permanent one is ready. This will also be a part of your treatment plan.
How many teeth can a dental implant support?
A single dental implant should only replace one tooth. However, two dental implants can replace up to five teeth. With an implant on each side of the gap, your dentist can secure a dental bridge to the implants. There is no need to replace each tooth with a separate implant. As few as four dental implants can replace a whole row of teeth.
How much do full-mouth dental implants cost?
The cost of any dental implant treatment will vary significantly from patient to patient. Many factors go into the cost of treatment. Full-mouth implants can cost anywhere from $12,000 to $25,000 per arch. However, this is just an estimate.
The total cost is determined by the number of implants, the kind of implants, where they are placed, whether or not you require any pre-treatments and the current state of your oral health. To get an estimate for your treatment, book a consultation with Dr. Duling at her Owen’s Cross Roads, AL, dental practice.