Q: How do I know if I
am a candidate for dental implant treatment?
A: Almost everyone who is missing one or more teeth and is
in general good health is a candidate for dental implant treatment. There are a
few medical conditions that can undermine the success of implant treatment,
such as uncontrolled diabetes. However, there are a few conditions that would
keep someone from having implant treatment altogether.
Quality and
quantity of available bone for implant placement is more often a factor in
qualifying for dental implants than medical conditions. However, even people who have lost
significant amounts of bone can qualify for dental implant treatment with
additional procedures to add or create new bone. Advances in the type of
treatment have made it possible for thousands who would not previously have
been considered candidates to have successful implant procedures.
Q: How painful is
getting dental implants?
A: Most of our patients report that they feel very little,
if any, pain during procedure. In fact, many patients do not have to use any
pain medications afterwards. Your decision to use implants will help you to
avoid much pain and discomfort in the long term.
Given the overall
health care benefits, you should not deny yourself proper treatment out of fear
of pain. As with any medical or dental procedure, your dentist is equipped to
provide you with appropriate treatment, including any pain medicines you need.
During the
treatment, you can listen to music on headphones, and you can relax with
soothing nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas, if preferred. Also, if you are especially fearful, phobic
or pain sensitive you have the option of doing the procedures with sedationdentistry. If you are a candidate for sedation you take a small pill before you
come into the office and you rest peacefully as we do our work. With this
option you remember little to nothing about the procedure the next day, and we
can comfortably get more work done that visit.
Q: How long will it
take to complete the treatment?
A: You will notice a difference almost immediately. However,
the entire process can take anywhere between 3-12 months to complete. This
depends on the type and quantity of implants you need, along with the quality
of bone in which the implants are placed.
Visit Paducah Dental Care to learn more!
