Are you getting dental implants for the first time? You most likely have several questions about the procedure.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers that Dr. Black receives here at South Main Dental.

Who Can Get Dental Implants?

Anyone with healthy gums and good overall health can get a dental implant. We will evaluate your oral health, the condition of your mouth, the extent of the tooth loss, and the bone quality to determine if you are a good candidate. This can include x-rays, which will reveal available bone for the implants.

How Are Dental Implants Placed?

Patients are given a local anesthetic before the surgery to prevent pain. The implant is inserted in the jawbone to replace the missing tooth root. The abutment is placed in the body of the implant and is long enough to extend through the gums and support the artificial tooth. You may experience swelling and discomfort for a few days post-surgery but without interference in your daily life.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants are indistinguishable from natural teeth in appearance and function. With proper care, these should last for several years. However, some implants may get loose from the bone in rare cases, especially in the upper jaw. This is usually apparent in patients during the healing phase and is easily remedied. The implant is removed, and another one is placed in. With maintenance, the implant should last for more than 20 years.

How Long Does A Dental Implant Surgery Take?

The duration depends on several factors. These include your oral health, which teeth need to be replaced, how many, and if you need a tooth extraction beforehand. The procedure has two phases and can take a single day or several months, depending on these factors. For instance, if an extraction has to heal or if you require bone grafts before the implant can be put in, the entire process can last for a few months.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

A dental implant is a biocompatible titanium post that is placed into the jawbone. As the surgery site heals, the bone attaches to it via osseointegration. This can take anywhere from 10 to 16 weeks. The crown is then placed over the implant when fully healed.

Can You Get Dental Implants If You Have Receding Gums?

A receding gum line is usually a sign of gum disease, which can lead to bone loss and, eventually, tooth loss. Treatments can prevent it, but some people are more prone to the disease than others. Gum disease can impact the viability of a dental implant by causing peri-implantitis, which can lead to fast bone loss. Before getting implants it is necessary to treat the gum disease.

What Is The Difference Between Implants And Dentures?

Dentures can be removed, while dental implants are fixed permanently onto the jawbone. Dentures are partial sets of teeth that require special care and maintenance to last and can feel bulky in the mouth. On the other hand, dental implants only require normal oral care, so you may not even remember having them, as they feel like natural teeth.

What Should I Not Do After Dental Implant Surgery?

After the implant is placed, you need to give your teeth sufficient time and care so they can heal without developing infections. Harmful habits that can cause this include smoking and chewing tobacco. Plus, don't apply any heat to the face until you are allowed to by your dentist. It may otherwise make the swelling worse and prolong healing.

Additionally, avoid drinking through straws. The pressure required may dislodge a blood clot covering the wound, which can lead to bleeding and cause infections.

If you are searching for a reliable dentist in Pontotoc, look no further than Dr. Black at South Main Dental. Book a consultation by calling (662) 489-7768. We will thoroughly evaluate your oral and physical health before the procedure to ensure the best results.