Dental implants are both a financial and wellness investment, but one that will pay dividends if you do things correctly. That’s why it’s so important that before you make the choice to get them, you should make sure you’re willing to put in the effort to make your procedure a success.
If you’re heading to the dentist for a dental implant consultation, here are four important questions you should ask before you make your choice.
What Is the Success Rate of Dental Implants?
While it is true that in about five percent of cases dental implants will fail, the great news is that 95 percent of them are successful. Your dentist is trained to identify factors that may not make you a good candidate for this procedure. If it is believed that your jaw is not strong enough to support it, you may be recommended for a bone grafting procedure first. In some cases, you may be told you are simply not a good fit for it at all. Your dentist will be able to determine this at your consultation.
What is Recovery Like?
Recovering from dental implant surgery will look different for everyone, however, it should still follow the same basic stages. Whether you’re getting one or a full mouth of implants, you will need to rest for at least one to two days following your procedure. You will need to wait at least 48 hours before eating anything at all (you can have cold beverages) and you will gradually be able to add soft foods to your diet over the course of the next few days and weeks.
The entire healing process can take at least six months, or longer if you need a bone graft or sinus lift procedure.
Can I Get Dental Implants if I’m a Smoker?
While it is still possible to get dental implants if you smoke, it is highly recommended that you quit before your procedure. Smoking thins your blood, increasing your odds of implant failure. Additionally, it can cause many oral health problems like oral cancer and gum disease.
Why Are Dental Implants Better Than Dentures?
There’s no question that dental implants are better than dentures. They are easier to care for, they provide a stronger biteforce, they are more discreet and natural looking, and they can help maintain your facial bone structure.
Dental implants are even a better value than dentures. Because they are permanent, you won’t need to worry about replacing them every five to ten years or get them relined if they stop fitting properly like dentures are known to do. This makes them a much better investment and more affordable over time.
Remember, choosing to get dental implants is a big decision, and one that you should not take lightly. Make sure you are willing to commit to the healing process and that you understand all of the necessary details before signing on the dotted line, and you’ll be well on your way to having a smile you can be proud of!
About Our Practice
At Moreno & Young Dental, we work hard to make sure our patients are satisfied with any treatment or procedure we provide. Our team of skilled dental professionals provide patients of all ages with customized care that will leave you looking and feeling your best. We go out of our way to ensure that you are comfortable and that you understand what we are recommending, and we are happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your oral health.
To schedule a consultation for dental implants, please visit our website or call us today at 360-676-0642.