What Do I Need to Know About Dental Implants?

For patients who are missing teeth, it can be difficult to know which dental restoration is right for them. We’ve put together a short list of what you need to know if you’re considering dental implants.

Who Gets Implants?

Implants replace missing teeth. Many patients prefer dental implants to dentures and bridges, because implants function most like real teeth. Dental implant preserve function and bone at the site. Additionally, there is no age limit—you are never “too old” to get implants.

Who Can’t Get Implants?

Some health conditions and lifestyle choices may cause implants to be less successful. Patients with these issues should consult with Dr. Kania to see if they are good candidates for implants. These conditions include, but are not limited to:

  • People who smoke or use chewing tobacco
  • Patients who have received extensive radiation therapy for cancers of the head and neck
  • People whose diabetes is not well managed or who have diabetes-related health complications
  • Older patients with advanced osteoporosis
  • Patients with severe gum disease or osteonecrosis (dead bone) due to gum disease
  • People who have heart disease or high blood pressure

Talk to Dr. Kania about your overall health and ask whether you have any health conditions that would prevent you from getting implants.

How Long Do They Last?

Implants can last decades. The patient who received the first modern titanium implant in 1965 still has it today. How long your implants will last depends on your unique situation, but the best thing you can do is take good care of your entire mouth.

What’s the Surgery Like?

You do not need to be under general anesthesia during the surgery. Dr. Kania will numb the site using local anesthetic, and most patients rate the experience as more comfortable than a tooth extraction. We will prescribe pain medication if you experience lingering discomfort after the surgery.

Dr. Kania wants to help you restore your beautiful, healthy smile. Set up your consultation today by calling (760) 642-0711. We are accepting patients from Encinitas, Leucadia, Oceanside, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, and the surrounding communities in the San Diego area.

 

Dr. Ann Kania

Share
Published by
Dr. Ann Kania

Recent Posts

Correcting Hard And Soft Tissue Concerns

When you have issues like periodontal disease, or if we need to prepare your smile…

1 week ago

Lasers Offer Dermal Filler Alternatives

When we talk about dental lasers, we often focus on how we use this advanced…

2 weeks ago

Laser Dentistry Can Help You Sleep Easier

Do you often struggle with chronic snoring and daytime drowsiness? If so, this could be…

3 weeks ago

Helping Your Gums With REPAIR With WaterLase

In our previous blog, we looked at how the LANAP system can use dental lasers…

4 weeks ago

Fighting Gum Disease With The LANAP System

When you have periodontal disease, this could lead to discomfort, including sore and bleeding gums.…

1 month ago

Holistic Solutions For Your Periodontal Disease

When possible, we strive to manage periodontal disease with holistic and preventive treatments, which can…

1 month ago