Dental implants are artificial structures that can be inserted into your jawbone to replace a lost tooth or teeth. Whether you lost a tooth after an injury or due to disease, custom dental implants in Berkeley can act as an anchor to secure an artificial tooth. A crown can be attached to match the natural tooth color.
Dental implants fall under the umbrella of restorative dentistry, as they are designed to restore oral health and function.
Here at Ashby Dental in Elmwood, we get a lot of questions regarding the dental implant process. Keep reading for some helpful FAQs.
Q: What are the advantages of dental implants over dentures (removable artificial teeth)?
A: Dental implants are more comfortable and natural, have a higher success rate, have a lower risk of cavity development in nearby teeth, improve chewing function, and are easier to maintain. They also don’t have to be taken out and cleaned each night like dentures do.
Q: What are the disadvantages of dental implants?
A: As with any minor oral surgical procedure, infection, pain and inflammation are always a risk.
Q: Do implants hurt?
A: The procedure itself is not painful because you will receive local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. The only discomfort you may have during the procedure is keeping your mouth wide open for a long period of time. As long as you adhere to our post-op instructions at home, you will see that dental implant surgery is minimally disruptive and quick.
Q: How long does it take?
A: A single tooth implant will take less than an hour, but more complex procedures involving more teeth can take between two to four hours. Your dentist will be able to give you a more accurate estimate during your initial consultation.
Q: Will insurance cover dental implants?
A: Sometimes. It depends on whether the insurance company views dental implants as a cosmetic procedure or a restorative dentistry procedure. Most times, insurance will pay for a portion of the cost, while you may have to pay out of pocket for the rest. We can address any insurance questions at the time of your consultation so you know what to budget for.
Q: What are dental implants?
A: A dental implant, a small post made out of titanium, is inserted in the jaw bone to act as a substitute for the tooth root. An abutment is placed on the top of the implant, which is what connects it to your replacement tooth. A crown, essentially a replacement tooth, is custom made to fit your tooth and match the natural color.
Q: Can kids get dental implants?
A: Yes, they can. Dental implants can be a smart long-term solution for kids who lost their permanent teeth due to accident or injury. Of course, you will want to consult with a dental implant expert as soon as you can after the incident for the best course of action. Sometimes, dentists wait until the child’s facial development is complete – usually age 16 for girls and 18 for boys.
Q: How do I care for my dental implants?
A: Well-placed dental implants can last decades. Care for them just as you would with your natural teeth. Brush and floss regularly and see your dentist twice a year for cleanings.
Q: How do I know I’m a good candidate for implants?
A: The only way to know for sure is to have a consultation with your dentist. During this meeting, your dentist will give you a full oral exam (including x-rays) and determine if you are indeed a good candidate for dental implants.
Q: Do I have to take off a day from work to get dental implants?
A: You may have to take half a day off at least depending on what kind of sedation was used, how many teeth the procedure involved, and your overall health. Sometimes you may have to take a couple of days off. Your dentist will let you know, as everyone’s response is different.
Q: How long can dental implants last?
A: If you care for your implants well, they can last up to 25 years or more thanks to advanced technology and high-quality materials. Just be sure to keep up with your regular oral routine. Brush and floss, and don’t skip your twice-yearly cleanings.
Schedule Your Dental Implants Consultation at Ashby Dental in Elmwood Today
We hope you found these dental implant FAQs helpful. To learn more about dental implants and if they’re right for you, book a consultation at our convenient location at 2507 Ashby Ave. in Berkeley, CA. Feel free to call us at (510) 549-0133 and ask any questions you would like. Our hours are Mon – Thu 8am to 4pm and Fridays 8am to 1pm.