Is a Dental Implant Right for Me?
At Black Hills Area Dental, we believe that no one should have to lose confidence in their smile due to a missing tooth. At our office, we provide exceptional dental implant services to patients looking to restore their smile and confidence.
Implants are surgical grade titanium posts that are surgically placed beneath your gums to replace the roots of teeth that have been extracted in the past. After placement, the implants fuse to the bone and act as artificial tooth roots. Replacement teeth – that can be either removable or non-removable – are then attached to the implants.
What are the benefits of implants?
As part of a thorough evaluation, Dr. Samuelson will check the condition of your mouth, the supporting bone in your jaws and the way your upper and lower teeth fit together. He may gather additional information by taking dental X-rays or making models of your teeth to make sure that dental implants are the best treatment plan for you.
We find that patients have many questions about dental implants, and we are happy to answer them! Please give our office a call to learn more about the dental implant process and if a dental implant may be right for you.
What might prevent me from being a candidate?
There are some medical factors that might prevent a person from being a good candidate for dental implants. Some of these may be uncontrolled diabetes, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, parathyroid disorders, blood disorders, rare bone disorders or bone marrow cancer. Some physical factors may include insufficient or poor quality bone, low sinuses or nerve bundles.
Since smoking can hinder the healing process, this can also prevent you from being a candidate. Dr. Samuelson will work with you to determine if this is the case.
Is there an age limit for dental implants?
No. Any person at any age can have dental implants as long as there is enough bone available in which to place the implants. The office will not place implants on a child unless they have adult dentition.
How often do the implants need to be checked?
Our staff will provide you the care you need to maintain your implants. The hygienists at our office are trained in the specific procedure of cleaning and caring for implants. Also, brushing and flossing daily is absolutely necessary for long-term success.
Is the dental implant surgery painful?
No. An effective local anesthetic is used during the surgery so that you do not have any discomfort during the placement of the implants. The mild discomfort you might experience after surgery can be controlled with medications.
When can I return to work after surgery?
You can go to work the next day, unless some particular surgical circumstance arises. The staff & Dr Samuelson will discuss all postoperative instructions with you.