Dentist in Upland, CA – Questions About Dental Implants

If you want to permanently replace missing or broken teeth, dental implants may be the perfect solution! A dental implant is an artificial tooth root with a crown attached at the top that fills in the gap from a missing tooth. Implants are effective in preventing jaw bone loss and can preserve facial features by filling out hollow spaces in the cheeks. Our dentist in Upland, CA, outlines some commonly asked questions below.

Are Dental Implants Painful?

Getting dental implants should not be painful, as a local anesthetic or sedation method will be used during the procedure — though you may experience some discomfort and swelling during the healing process. There may be bruising around the implant site as well, but that should subside within a week. To combat any potential pain after your surgery, you can take NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen or Advil), or discuss other pain management options with our dentist.

Who Can Get Dental Implants?

There are a few criteria that you have to meet in order to get dental implants. We will look at the health of your teeth, gums, and bones during your evaluation. You must have adequate bone density, which will be analyzed with x-rays, to ensure that there is enough bone to anchor the implant. If your bone isn’t dense enough, we will discuss the possibility of bone grafts to ensure that the implant is successful.

Additionally, any cavities or dental health issues will need to be resolved before implants are placed.

How Long Does Healing Take?

Healing can take up to six months after your procedure. It’s advisable to quit smoking. During the first week of healing, you will only be able to eat soft foods. It’s critical to keep the implant clean during healing and brush and floss normally to ensure that the implant fuses to the bone.

If these guidelines are followed and you maintain proper hygiene, implants can last for decades!