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Dental Implant FAQ - LaGrange, GA

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Answers to Common Dental Implant Questions

A good deal of misleading dental information is available online, especially about dental implants. This can lead to confusion and even causes some patients to postpone getting the transformative treatment they need. At Refresh Me Dental Center, we’re dedicated to providing customized tooth replacement solutions including single dental implants, full arch dental implants and preliminary treatments—under one roof. In addition to answering questions at your first complimentary consultation, we developed this dental implant FAQ in LaGrange, GA to help you prepare for your first visit. Our caring implant dentist Dr. Chuck Pitts welcomes questions because he believes you should be an informed partner on your journey to a restored smile and better health!

Common Questions About Dental Implants

The three-part dental implant is made up of a titanium post/screw that assumes the role of the natural tooth root, an abutment that connects the post to the restoration and the prosthesis that replaces the missing tooth crown.
Dental implants are the only permanent option that restore function and aesthetics after tooth loss. In addition to offering unsurpassed durability, dental implants are incredibly versatile because they can replace a single missing tooth, support a bridge or secure fixed or removable full arch dental implants.
Dental implants have achieved a consistent success rate as high as 98% since their introduction decades ago. A combination of advanced surgical technology, high-quality materials, clinical experience and long-term maintenance increase the likelihood of achieving a superb outcome.
The underlying bone needs to reach skeletal maturity, therefore, dental implants are a potentially viable option for anyone in their mid-20s or older. In short, adults with missing or failing teeth in otherwise good oral health (including no active gum disease) are typically good candidates for dental implants. Full mouth dental implants in LaGrange, GA are the best option for adults who are completely edentulous (toothless).
Because every patient has unique needs that require customized dental implant treatment, dental implant costs vary considerably. Implant fees are based on the type and complexity of the work, necessity for preliminary treatments, lab costs and other practice overhead.
With advanced surgical technology, modern dental implant placement is efficient and precise. A single dental implant typically takes one to two hours to place, although administration of IV sedation adds additional recovery time in the office.

In addition to a local anesthetic, IV sedation or nitrous oxide can make the procedure more comfortable, especially if you have dental anxiety. Once the numbness wears off, most patients experience mild pain that is typically less than tooth extraction.

On average, most people feel discomfort in the treated area, face and jaw for 10–14 days. Swelling and pain start to decrease starting the third day after your procedure. The majority of patients resume normal activities after one week, although a soft food diet is required for the next several months as the implants integrate with your jawbone. Rarely, pain and swelling can persist after 14 days, which may be a sign of infection. Should you experience this, call our office to schedule an emergency appointment.

Dental implant treatment can range from a few months to over a year. In many cases, implants are surgically placed soon after the consultation and treatment plan are complete. If you need bone grafting, it may take several months for the sites to heal before dental implant surgery. After the implant is placed, it takes three to six months to fuse with the bone. Soon thereafter, the abutment and then the crown are placed. All-on-4™ enables getting implants and temporary teeth in one day!

Dental implants require the same oral hygiene as natural teeth—brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. In some cases, we recommend a water flosser to ensure all food debris is removed. In addition, it’s important to schedule follow-up visits and regular preventive dental visits every six months.
Dental implants are designed to last for decades and have the potential to last a lifetime. Factors that impact the longevity of dental implants include clinician experience, implant technology and your commitment to good oral hygiene. Choosing a highly experienced implant dentist like Dr. Pitts increases the chance of an excellent outcome and long-term success.

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