You have no doubt heard about dental implants and how they can replace missing teeth with completely natural looking dental crowns. While this sounds amazing (and it is), you will likely have a few questions for your implant dentist before you commit to this procedure. At Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, we are dedicated to helping our patients understand all of their options for treatment, which is why we have created this list of FAQs to answer all of your questions.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
A dental implant is actually a titanium screw or stud that is placed in the jawbone where it will become fused to the bone as your jaw and gums heal. On the other end of the implant is an abutment that actually protrudes from the gum tissue. This is where your permanent crown will be installed so that it may act as a prosthetic tooth. The whole process can take as little as two months or as much as a year, all depending on how much time your gums and jaw take to heal.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
If you maintain good oral hygiene and you visit us at Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta on a regular basis, your dental implants could last you for the rest of your life.
Is Dental Implant Surgery Painful?
No. In many cases, we can perform the entire procedure using only local anesthetic. Afterward, we may prescribe pain relief medication, but must patients find that over-the-counter nSAIDs (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs) like Aleve or ibuprofen take care of any residual discomfort during healing.
Are Dental Implants as Strong as Natural Teeth?
Yes. In fact, in many instances, dental implants may actually be stronger than your natural teeth. And, though your porcelain crowns will be very strong, if they are damaged or chipped over the years we can repair or replace them with ease.
For more information on dental implants and how an implant dentist can restore your smile, call us at Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, GA today at 678-624-0370, or use our convenient online contact form to book an appointment.