Dental Implants FAQ
Dental Implants FAQ
Have you recently lost a tooth? If so, ask Dr. Nichols if you’re a candidate for dental implants. Our dental implant dentist in Grand Rapids, MI, would be more than happy to help you explore your treatment options. Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth. That way, you’re able to eat, smile, and talk with confidence.
Dental implants are also long-lasting and can last for several decades as long as you practice good oral hygiene.
Here’s what else you need to know about dental implant treatment.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth root that’s made out of a titanium alloy. This titanium alloy is biocompatible and will bond to your jawbone over the course of several months. This is a process called osseointegration.
Once the tooth implant has fused, Dr. Nichols will place the permanent crown over top to give you both the function and appearance of a natural tooth.
Are Dental Implants Better Than Dentures?
Unlike dentures, dental implants will never slip if you happen to sneeze, cough, or make any other sudden movement. Instead, dental implants are embedded deep in the jawbone to provide the ultimate support for your crown.
Dental implants also exert pressure on your jawbone like natural tooth roots would. This prevents your body from absorbing the minerals in your jaw to use elsewhere after tooth loss. Since dentures only sit on top of your gums, they don’t offer this same benefit.
Learn More: Health Benefits of Dental Implants ->
Patients with dental implants tend to experience better confidence than those with dentures. But it’s important to consider all your before making a decision. For some patients, dentures may make more sense. It all depends on your current oral health condition, insurance coverage, and budget.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
You may be a candidate for dental implants if you have sufficient bone density in your jaw to support the implant. Otherwise, Dr. Nichols may recommend that you get a bone graft so the implant has enough tissue to support it. In general, it’s also preferred that be non-smokers. This is because smoking inhibits the body’s natural ability to heal itself, especially after the dental implant procedure.
When Should I Ask My Dentist About Dental Implants?
In general, it’s best to ask our dentist about dental implant surgery as soon as you experience tooth loss. That way, we’re able to prevent bone loss in the jaw and other health complications that can happen after losing a tooth.
For example, sometimes the teeth next to the empty socket can start to loosen and may even fall out. Dental implants help protect the rest of the teeth in your mouth and stop jawbone deterioration.
Even if it’s been a few months or years since you lost a tooth, it’s never too late to schedule an appointment with our dentist. Dr. Nichols can help you evaluate your options for tooth replacement, including dental implants.
If you’re not a candidate for dental implants, Dr. Nichols will recommend other treatments to restore your smile and oral health.
Book a Dental Implant Consultation
Dr. Michael Nichols is an experienced dental implant dentist in Grand Rapids, MI. He’s also accepting new patients! To request an appointment, please call Nichols Family Dentistry at (616) 333-8496. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.
This blog post has been updated.