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Questions About Implant Dentistry

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

 

You will need an examination by Dr. Firouzi to know for sure whether you are a candidate for dental implants. Generally speaking, if you are missing one or more teeth and have sufficient jawbone structure to support dental implants, then you are most likely a suitable candidate.

 

The sooner you seek treatment after losing a tooth, the better. The longer you wait, the less likely your jawbone will be healthy enough to support a dental implant. Some pre-existing medical conditions may prohibit you from getting dental implants. Be sure to inform Dr. Firouzi of any chronic health problems you may have or medications you are taking.

 

If I am not a good candidate for dental implants, what other options do I have?

 

If you are not a good candidate now, it is still possible that you could become a good candidate as long as any pre-existing health problems are cleared up. If it is determined that you are not a good candidate for dental implants, then traditional treatments such as dental bridges and dentures may be right for you.

 

How long does the dental implant procedure take?

 

Unlike most cosmetic dentistry procedures which can be completed in a matter of weeks or less, dental implants can take as long as 4-12 months to complete. Most of this time is spent waiting for the successful completion of a process called osseointegration. The titanium screw that is installed in your jawbone needs to anchor to the jawbone in order for the dental implant to work properly. If the jawbone is not healthy enough or if there is not enough jawbone tissue to support the implant, it will fail. The osseointegration process happens faster given a healthy jaw structure.

 

How painful is the dental implant procedure?

 

We offer several anesthesia options to ensure you have a comfortable experience. We will also prescribe pain medication to manage any discomfort you may have the few days after placement of the dental implant. Most post-op pain goes away within a few days.

 

Can my body reject the implant?

 

Your body will not reject the dental implant. Titanium is used throughout the medical field with a high success rate. Although it is impossible for your body to reject the dental implant, the procedure may fail due to incomplete osseointegration.

 

If you live in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area and are interested in learning more about dental implants, please contact Pittsburgh implant dentist Dr. Babak Firouzi at the Center for Aesthetic Dentistry today to schedule your complimentary consultation.