Dental Implant Specialists Of
La Verne

Dental Implants Frequently Asked Questions

• How Do I Know if Dental Implants are Right for Me?

  How can you be sure that you are a good candidate for dental implants? First, if you have lost teeth or are about to lose teeth, you should talk with your dentist about implants. And, if you are looking for a more comfortable and more permanent alternative to your dentures, you might consider getting dental implants. Ultimately, implants can be a great way to address tooth loss for anyone who practices good oral hygiene and who seeks natural-looking results.

• Are Dental Implants Safe?

  Dental implants have been around for decades, and they have been used to provide restorative care for countless patients. When performed by a trained and qualified dentist, they have an extremely high success rate. Complications are rare, and during your consultation, your dentist will explain them in greater detail, while also verifying that you are not in a high-risk group for these complications.

• Is Dental Implant Surgery Painful?

  Dental implant surgery can have some discomfort, but is generally limited to just a few days. To make sure you are as comfortable as possible, we will use a localized numbing agent. For patients with a high level of anxiety or with more complicated surgical needs, we may recommend full anesthesia. Either way, you will not feel pain during the surgery itself, though a little soreness can be expected when your surgery is through.

• Implant Retained Dentures vs. Traditional Dentures: Which is Better?

  Implant retained dentures are considered a more permanent and functional alternative to traditional dentures. They are sturdier and will not offer nearly as much impediment to your speech, chewing, and eating. With that said, there are some patients who prefer traditional dentures, whether because they are less expensive or simply because they are more familiar. When you join us at In Motion Dentists, we will be happy to outline all the treatment options available to you, walking you through the pros and cons of each.

• How Long Does it Take to Heal After Getting Dental Implants?

  It may take four to six months for the implants to fully heal. And, if you have any underlying conditions, the process could take longer. That may sound discouraging, but keep in mind that much of this healing is done “behind the scenes.” You will feel normal, though you will need to stay away from hard foods (like nuts), as well as hard-to-chew meats.

• How Long After Dental Implants Can I Eat Normally?

  Patients often want to know how long it will be before they can resume their normal diet. For the first 24 hours, we recommend sticking to soft foods and liquids. We would also advise staying away from hot foods and drinks for one week. And, we would caution against drinking from a straw. After 5-7 days, you can start eating more normally, though we would still advise steering clear of anything hard, crunchy, or sticky.

• How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

  So long as you practice basic oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, your actual implant should last you a lifetime. However, your crown, bridge, or denture may eventually need to be replaced. These prostheses can last anywhere from five years to 20, just depending on how well you take care of them.