Dental Implant FAQs Pittsburg CA

Dental implant placement procedures are a team effort between the surgeons at Pittsburg Dental Specialists and your restorative dentist. Our specialists perform the extractions, bone grafting when necessary, and implant placement. In the meantime, your restorative dentist creates a temporary and permanent dental prosthesis to replace the visible part of your replacement teeth.

Common Questions for Dental Implants

Dental implants are unique in how they work to restore your oral function and replace missing teeth. Call our office to speak with a team member if you have questions about dental implants or other tooth replacement options. Read below for answers to some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQ) about dental implants:

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Can you get a full set of teeth with dental implants?

Full-mouth dental implant procedures replace your entire top or bottom row of teeth at once. When replacing all teeth on your top or bottom jaw, a full-arch prosthesis or permanent denture is fixed to four or six dental implants. The result is a new set of artificial teeth that look, feel and function like your natural teeth.

What are dental implants made of?

Dental implants are made of titanium, which is biocompatible with your bone tissue. After the implant is placed, the titanium bonds with your jawbone through osseointegration. In many cases, the other material used to make your artificial crown or dental prosthesis is zirconia or porcelain.

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants can last over 25 years with proper dental care and hygiene. The same is not always true of your dental prosthesis. Your oral surgeon can replace damaged dental crowns without needing to replace the dental implant. Once the titanium implant screw bonds with your jawbone, it is there for life.

Are dental implants painful?

Patients do not experience any pain or discomfort during the extraction or implant placement surgery. During your procedure, your mouth is numbed with a local anesthetic. Once the anesthetic wears off, soreness and swelling around the implant placement sites are typical following your procedure. IV sedation or general anesthesia will ensure that you are anxiety and pain-free for the duration of your procedure.

Are dental implants permanent?

As mentioned above, dental implants are permanent supports for a dental prosthesis or artificial crown. Even if the artificial teeth break, you don’t have to replace the implants. Dental implants can last over 20 years with good oral care and proper hygiene.

How long does the dental implant procedure take?

An implant placement procedure only takes about an hour or two. The most extended portion of the process, however, is the healing phase. Once the dental implant is placed into your jawbone, it must osseointegrate over the course of three to six months. The titanium fuses with your jawbone tissue during this time, forming a solid bond. The more dental implant placements involved in your procedure, the more recovery time necessary for osseointegration to be successful.

What are the different types of dental implants?

The three most common types are endosteal, subperiosteal, and zygomatic dental implants. Most patients receive endosteal dental implants, whereas very few receive zygomatic dental implants. Subperiosteal dental implants may be used in cases where an oral surgeon deems it necessary.

What are the signs of dental implant failure? How often do they fail?

Between 90% to 95% of dental implants are successful after 20 years, but complications can arise in some cases. In 5% to 10% of patients, a dental implant fails to create a strong bond with the jawbone. The signs of failing dental implants include:

  • Sharp pain around the implants
  • Wiggly or loose implant tooth
  • Receding gumline around implants
  • Gum inflammation
  • Discomfort or difficulty chewing with implant teeth

What are all-on-4 dental implants?

All-on-4 dental implants replace all or most of the teeth on your top or bottom jaw. Four dental implants are placed in your jaw to support a full-arch dental prosthesis. All-on-4 procedures give a new and permanent set of teeth to patients with many missing or damaged teeth. And, unlike traditional dentures and dental bridges, All-on-4 permanent dentures enable you to eat a restriction-free diet.

What are the downsides of dental implants?

Dental implants help you retain the natural bone structure of your face and the rest of your healthy teeth. For most patients, the most significant downside of dental implants is the cost compared to less expensive tooth replacement options, like dentures and dental bridges. But these other options don’t last as long as dental implants and don’t stop your jawbone from resorbing. Following the implant placement procedure, complications can occur, including oral infection, nerve damage, or excessive bleeding. Any surgery involves the risk of complications, but the occurrence of these risks is extremely rare. Our oral surgeons will review your case, take detailed scans of your oral structure, and discuss individual risks during your consultation.

For patients with missing teeth, dental implants restore their natural ability to speak, laugh, and eat without restrictions. Call our office to schedule your consultation with one of our oral surgeons and determine if dental implants are right for you.

Have Further Questions?

Call us: (925) 526-7177