Before you make any major life decisions, you should always ask questions, and it is no different with dental implants. Probably the first question you should ask is one that you will ask yourself: “Am I really happy with my smile?” If the answer is “No”, then the following Q&A should help you to decide if dental implants are right for you.
- Q: Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
A: You are if you have even one missing tooth, loose teeth, trouble chewing, or dental bridges that trap food
- Q: Can I have dental implants if I am a smoker?
A: Most dentists will expect you to quit smoking before doing dental implant surgery, since smoking can adversely affect your recovery.
- Q: Will I be sedated before the dental implants are installed?
A: This is not usually necessary. Most of the time, all that is needed is a local anesthetic, the same as with any other dental treatment. However, if you are very apprehensive, you can talk with your dentist about sedation dentistry.
- Q: Do all dentists offer dental implants?
A: Not all that long ago, dental implant surgery was a specialty. Today, though, most dentists offer dental implants. It does require additional training, though. Usually your dentist will have spent three to four additional years studying implant surgery.
- Q: How long will dental implants last?
A: If you continue to look after your oral health, your dental implants should outlast you.
- Q: What is the success rate for dental implants?
A: It is about 98%. When dental implants fail, it is usually because the patient is a smoker and has claimed not to be, or because the patient has not complied with the necessary aftercare.
Contact Us
Perhaps you have other questions about dental implants. If you do, just call us at Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta at 678-624-0370. If you like, you can also type your question into the form on our Contact Us page, and we will get back to you quickly.