Dental Implant FAQ
Naperville, IL
Dental Implant FAQ provided by Dr. Michael Scherer
in Naperville, IL at Wheaton Oral Surgery
 What are dental implants?
Dental implants are replacements for tooth roots that are typically made of titanium and are surgically secured into your jawbone. They also consist of abutments, or connecters, that are built into the top of them. This allows for replacement teeth to be fused to the implants.
can you get dental implants if you have bone loss?
This is a common question at Wheaton Oral Surgery. Although you may not initially have enough bone to get implants, we can either alter your existing bone or use bone grafting to prepare your mouth for dental implants. We also recommend getting a digital or 3D x-ray to measure how much of your jawbone exists or is missing.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
Dental implants have become a preferred treatment for tooth loss for the many benefits they provide.
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They are a long-term, durable solution that has a high success rate,
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They look, feel, and function like your natural teeth.
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They are permanent fixtures, as opposed to removable dentures.
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They don't affect the surrounding teeth like dental bridges can. |
Can any dentist perform a dental implant procedure?
Because dental implants are such sophisticated devices, they must be positioned carefully to minimize implant failure or other complications. To get the best results, it's important to choose an oral surgeon experienced with dental implants, like Michael S. Scherer, D.D.S., M.D. those at our office. Our staff has the proper training, education, and competence needed to perform a successful dental implant procedure.
Are dental implants safe?
Dental implants have been used for over half a century and are both safe and effective. As with any surgical procedure, however, there is a chance of rare complications. Although, choosing to turn to us for your implants will ensure skillful placement and minimize or eliminate any risks. We will thoroughly review your medical history and any practices that could impact the success of the procedure, such as smoking or heavy consumption of alcohol.
Does it hurt to get dental implants?
Due to local anesthesia and several options for sedation during a dental implant procedure, most patients report that they have a pain-free and stressless experience. In addition, you'll likely be able to return to work and your daily activities the very next day.
How do you care for dental implants?
Dental implants can last for decades with proper care. The good news is that they need no special care, only routine personal care like brushing and flossing twice daily. It's still important to receive regular professional cleanings as well.
How long is the dental implant procedure?
Each patient's dental implant procedure will vary in duration. After we complete diagnostics, we will provide you with a customized treatment plan that includes an estimated amount of time it will take to complete your procedure. Total treatment time will depend on your dental and medical history, the health and amount of your existing jawbone, and the techniques and materials used.
Many people are turning to dental implants to replace missing teeth. While implants are a good solution, they are not ideal for everybody. If you are considering getting a dental implant, you should talk to an expert. At Wheaton Oral Surgery, we walk through the process with you until you get your new set of teeth. Today, we will answer some of the questions our patients frequently ask.
Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
You are an ideal candidate for dental implants if you have a missing tooth. However, you must also fulfill certain conditions. You must have good oral health, adequate bone density, and healthy gums. You should be free from conditions that impair healing, such as uncontrolled diabetes or smoking. Even so, there are situations where you may still be a successful candidate for implants, even with such conditions.
Can I Get Dental Implants if I Have Gum Disease?
No, you cannot get dental implants with active gum disease. Gum disease can compromise implant success due to infection and poor healing. However, you may become a candidate for dental implants after successfully treating the gum disease and achieving good oral health. If you visit a dentist for implants, they will first administer treatment for the gum disease before starting the implant treatment. This is necessary to protect the remaining teeth.
Can I Get Dental Implants if I Grind My Teeth?
Yes, most dentists will allow you to undergo implants even if you grind your teeth. Bruxism can pose challenges for dental implants due to the excessive pressure exerted on them. However, implants are still possible with appropriate precautions. Dentists may recommend a night guard to protect the implants and surrounding teeth, ensuring long-term success and stability. If you suffer from bruxism, inform your dentist about it before you start the treatment.
What Is a Bone Graft for Dental Implants?
A bone graft for dental implants is a procedure to augment an insufficient jaw bone. This involves transplanting bone material to the implant site, which promotes new bone growth and provides a stable foundation for the implant. You must note that the implant is done on your jaw bone and requires sufficient bone density. If you lack the required bone density, grafting is necessary. This step is crucial for patients lacking adequate bone density to support an implant securely.
What Are Dental Implants Made Of?
Dental implants are primarily made of titanium or titanium alloys. These metals are known for their strength and biocompatibility. Some implants use zirconia, a durable ceramic material. These materials integrate well with the jawbone, ensuring stability and longevity. They are ideal for supporting dental prosthetics like crowns, bridges, or dentures. Such prosthetics are attached to implants to replace missing teeth.
What are Other Options for Replacing Missing Teeth?
Implants are one of the best treatments for missing teeth. Other options for teeth replacement include dental bridges and dentures. Bridges anchor artificial teeth to surrounding teeth, while dentures are removable prosthetics that can replace multiple teeth. Partial dentures fill gaps between remaining teeth, while complete dentures replace entire arches of teeth.
Schedule with Your Naperville Oral Surgeon Today!
At Wheaton Oral Surgery, we understand that your dental health is very crucial to you. For this reason, we have put in place a team to help you get all the necessary details about our treatments, including dental implants.
If you would like to learn more about the advantages of dental implants over other restorative dental procedures, give Wheaton Oral Surgery a call at (331) 204-0314 for more information. |
