What questions should you ask your doctor about full-arch dental implants?
Across the United States, thousands of people find themselves ashamed of their smiles because of a combination of problems. Whether you have missing teeth or you’re just tired of dentures, dental implants could be the answer. They can do more than restore your smile, too. People with missing teeth, bone loss or other chronic oral issues face health concerns related to their poor dental health. Fortunately, an array of advancements in dental implants are making it easier and more affordable to ensure your smile remains healthy and happy for years to come.
For people awaiting their dental implant procedure, or for those considering one, it’s only natural to have some questions about the specifics. Here are some of the most common questions that patients wonder about when exploring the dental implant process.
Who is a good candidate for full-arch dental implants?
For people who haven’t spoken to an experienced dental implant professional, the first natural question on potential patients’ minds is, “Are dental implants right for me?”
While an oral health professional will best be able to answer that question, there are some factors to consider leading up to your appointment:
- Extensive dental history: If you’ve spent a lot of time in the dentist’s chair without much improvement in your smile, dental implants could be the right solution.
- Expansive oral issues: If you have severe dental issues, such as several missing teeth or notable bone loss, dental implants could correct your problems in one fell swoop.
- Denture complications: Patients who want to skip the hassle of day-in, day-out denture care will find a whole lot to love in dental implants.
- Your bite is compromising your health: People underestimate the critical importance of a strong bite in healthy digestion. For people with digestive problems, teeth correction can go a long way toward improving any issues.
If you feel like your bite could be stronger or your smile healthier, contact your Esteem oral health professional today about the upside to dental implants.
What are my financing options for this treatment?
If you’re living on a fixed income or supporting a family, you might inevitably wonder what kind of toll dental implant surgery will take on your bank account. But before you reconsider the procedure, you should know that dental implants can be shockingly affordable, especially when you consider the myriad financing options that are available.
First, check your dental insurance. It may cover part of the process. If you have long-standing dental insurance, your oral health professional may be able to help you make the most of it.
A flexible spending account (FSA) or a health savings account (HSA) might prove beneficial. At present, the federal government allows people to deposit pre-tax income into either of those accounts. These funds can be used to cover the cost of uninsured dental implant surgeries.
The options don’t stop there, though. Patients with a strong credit score can finance their procedure with a small dental loan, medical credit card and more. When you speak to your Esteem oral health expert, they can often find ways to ensure you can afford dental implants without fear of breaking your budget.
Do dental implants look like real teeth?
When you decide to get full-arch dental implants, you’ll be getting strong new teeth that look great, too. When done by a skilled professional, dental implants are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.
By comparison, dentures are often easy to spot because they can shift or become detached from your gums. Dental implants don’t have these issues.
Not only will implants fool other people, but they will also likely have you believing you’ve been given a fresh set of real teeth.
How long do full-arch dental implants last?
When installed, dental implants are meant to serve as replacement teeth. In other words, they’ll last forever — but not without proper care. Right after your procedure, your oral health professional will have a list of instructions to follow for short-term care.
You must follow those guidelines for as long as is required.
How long does the entire full-arch dental implant process take?
Though it’s not a pop-in-pop-out procedure, dental implants can be completed in a surprisingly short amount of time. The entire process typically takes a few months, from the first consultation to the final placement.
During your first visit, your Esteem dental expert will offer a thorough examination of your oral hygiene, checking for damaged or missing teeth, bone loss, etc. After explaining your options, your doctor will craft a treatment plan specifically for you. Your first procedure will involve your doctor removing any troublesome teeth and inserting the new implant posts into your jaw. These posts will support your new temporary teeth.
You’ll wear these temporary teeth over the next 3-6 months to allow your jaw bone to adjust to your new full-arch implants. Once you’ve completed your healing regimen, your oral health professional will then install your permanent teeth.
Is dental implant surgery painful?
When the procedure is described to them, some patients can become anxious about the pain. This is natural. However, during the surgery, patients are sedated, so there’s no pain involved.
Afterward, the amount of pain you experience will depend on your threshold for discomfort. You’ll indeed feel some pain during your recovery process — but the amount will depend on you. If you’re worried about the pain, express your discomfort to your doctor. They will work to mitigate it as much as possible.
How long does it take to recover from the full-arch dental implant procedure?
Once the procedure is complete, it’s important to remain patient during the healing process. For the first three days, patients may experience bleeding and swelling at the surgery site. Patients are encouraged to stick to a liquid diet during this time.
After the initial healing period, you should be able to consume soft foods. Then, when your final bridges are attached, you should be able to eat all the foods you enjoyed before.
How do you care for dental implants long-term?
Once they’ve had a chance to set, long-term care of your dental implants will likely resemble the same steps one should take in caring for your natural teeth. Brushing, flossing, frequent use of a Water-Pik, and regular check-ups should ensure your dental implants last for years to come.
Schedule an Esteem Dental Implants Consultation Near You Today
Don’t take chances with a second-rate dental professional. At Esteem Dental, we have a network of experts who will walk you through the dental implant process step-by-step. You can count on our veteran surgeons for state-of-the-art service and compassionate care, whether we’re replacing a single tooth or providing full-arch dental implants.
At Esteem Dental Implants, we’re ready to provide the permanent teeth you deserve. Schedule an appointment today.