Dr. Petersen and Dr. Townsend answer frequently asked questions about dental implants.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are titanium pins that are placed inside the bone and replace the root. After the pin is implanted in the bone, it will receive the crown, or tooth portion, of the implant.
Why would someone need dental implants?
Dental implants replace a lost tooth. Anyone who has lost a tooth due to an accident, a tooth removal, periodontal disease, tooth decay, or another condition that resulted in a lost tooth could need a dental implant. Dental implants can replace single teeth, replace multiple teeth, provide support to hold dentures in place, be used for full mouth fixed restorations, preserve the bone once teeth/tooth is lost.
How long does the entire process take?
The process varies – anywhere from one day to 10 months. If the bone has to be regenerated, so that the implant has something to be supported by, that could take 6 months to rebuild the bone and another 4 months for the implant to attach to the bone.
Who is a good candidate for implants?
Almost anyone is a candidate for implants. Patients who may be less of a candidate include smokers, those with a disease such as diabetes, patients who have had radiation therapy, or those with any condition or treatment that reduces the patient’s healing capacity. This can reduce the chance that the implant will work. Most patients, though, are a good candidate for implants and should always be evaluated before other alternatives are considered.
Where can I find out more information about dental implants?
Here on our website or you can contact us.
