Dental implant questions and answers
If you have been thinking about getting dental implants, you probably have a lot of questions.
We have put together some information to answer the most frequently asked questions regarding dental implants.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
You may be wondering if you are a possible candidate for this procedure. You can take this simple test to see if this procedure might help you. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Am I missing one or more teeth?
- Do I hide my smile because of unsightly spaces between my teeth or because I am missing teeth?
- Do I lack confidence when I smile, speak or eat?
- Am I having trouble eating, chewing, or speaking properly?
- Are my teeth loose, or am I in need of treatment for advanced gum disease?
- Do I have dentures that slip or cause sore spots when I chew?
- Do my dentures need to be relined frequently because of bone loss?
- Do I carry my complete or partial dentures in my pocket or leave them at home?
- Am I having any problems with existing crowns or bridges, either functionally or cosmetically?
- Are the teeth holding my bridge loosening or moving?
- Can I wait six to nine months for the entire implant process to be completed?
- Will I be willing to commit to the high standard of home care that is necessary to properly maintain a dental implant?
- Will I follow up with regular dental check-ups?
- Do I believe that my life could be improved if my teeth were improved?
- Have I been told that there is no other alternative to improve my dental situation?
If you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions, you may be a candidate for a dental implant procedure.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
There are numerous benefits to dental implants:
- Dental implants eliminate the pain and discomfort of removable full or partial dentures.
- Dental implants can eliminate the numerous embarrassing inconveniences of removable partial and full dentures.
- Dental implants never decay.
- Dental implants never require root canals.
- Aesthetically, they support teeth that look like real teeth.
- Functionally, dental implants feel and act like real teeth.
- Replacement teeth allow you to speak with confidence in a relaxed and natural tone.
What are implant supported dentures and their benefits?
The benefits of using dental implants in denture treatments include:
- Dental implant supported dentures eliminate the need for distasteful adhesives as with conventional dentures. There is no longer a need to use “glue” when your prosthesis is anchored to implants.
- Dental implant supported dentures can actually improve the taste of food. With less plastic covering the roof of your mouth, you can enjoy natural flavours and sensations again.
- Lastly, implants can help maintain your bone structure and support your facial tissues. They can reduce or eliminate bone atrophy, which causes “shrinkage” or facial cosmetic changes.