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Dental implants are becoming more and more common, yet many people have questions regarding dental implants. It’s good to know some of the facts before making the decision to move forward with this procedure.

1. How do dental implants work?
Dental implants are usually a cylindrical and/or tapered post made of titanium. The implant is surgically placed into your jawbone. As you heal, the implant fuses with your own jawbone. They begin to grow together to form a strong and long-lasting foundation for your replacement teeth.

2. Are dental implants safe?
Dental implants are typically made of titanium, which is a biocompatible material, therefore dental implants are accepted by the body quite well. Your natural bone fuses itself to the implant and locks into place creating a strong, long-lasting, and natural bond.

3. How long can dental implants last?
Most dental implants can last about 10 to 15 years before normal wear can cause the need to replace the tooth. With proper care, they can last up to 25 years but you must floss and brush regularly, see your dentist every 6 months and avoid careless biting down on hard objects like pens or hard candies. Dental hygiene is key with implants just as it is with your natural teeth. Mouth location is also a factor in the expected longevity of a dental implant. Teeth that do a lot of the work, will wear out sooner than others.

4. How successful are dental implants?
Dental implants are very common now and can have a success rate of up to 98%. Success rates vary, depending on where in the jaw the implants are placed but, in general, with proper care, implants can be very successful and give the patient comfortable, natural looking and feeling teeth. Success depends greatly on how serious you are about caring for your new teeth.

5. Are dental implants painful to have done?
It’s natural to be concerned about how much pain dental implants will cause afterward? It’s a common fear. However, most dental implant patients say the procedure doesn’t hurt and the discomfort is minimal. A period of adjustment should be expected but, if all goes well, pain should be quite minimal.

If you’re considering implants and seeking a dentist in the North Pinellas area of Florida, contact us at Breezy Bay Dental. Dr. Phil Sherman is an expert in the field and his friendly staff will be happy to set up a time for a consultation.