Dental Implants FAQ
Richardson, TX
 If you or a loved one are considering getting a dental implant, but currently lack enough information on them, then you’re in luck. At Dr. Xixi Wu, we pride ourselves on making sure potential future patients have everything they need to make an informed decision on how best to restore their dental health. Below, we’ll answer a few of the most commonly asked implant-related questions and hopefully help give you a better understanding of the subject.
For any further questions you may have about implants or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wu, please call to make an appointment today at (972) 669-9444.
What Is A Dental Implant?
An implant basically replaces a lost tooth to fulfill the same job of that tooth’s roots. How Are Implants Made?
It is made up of a metal (usually titanium) post called an abutment, with the crown positioned on top. This design is meant to grant a strong foundation for erupting permanent teeth or removable restorations. The crown is modeled off of your remaining natural teeth to resemble the real thing as closely as possible. What Is The Best Implant Material?
As said, the standard material used is titanium and has been since 1965. In dentistry’s osseointegration use of implants, materials such as cobalt-chromium and stainless steel were sometimes utilized. Unfortunately, their success rate was low, and the materials’ osseointegrative properties (how effectively an implant naturally fuses into living bone) made them a poor choice for long-term bonding.
With the discovery of titanium in 1950, however, its lower toxicity was a major positive turning point for the industry. Today, no other material is more highly requested among patients or better suited for a successful restoration (especially long-term). Titanium is proven to boast superior biocompatibility, integrates efficiently into bone without disrupting its natural growth, and is generally fairly affordable.
It’s important to note that a certain implant type working for one or even several patients does not necessarily mean it will work for you. All cases vary to an extent, and different mouths have varying reactions to specific materials (Ex- The bone in your mouth may integrate better with one implant compared to another patient with the same one, or vice versa). This is one reason it’s crucial to discuss all your options first in a consultation to decide which material is most appropriate ahead of time. Who Makes A Good Candidate For Implants?
The ideal candidate must have good dental and overall health. You should meet these qualifications, including but not limited to: Competent jawbone strength and density to support the implant abutment and healthy periodontal tissue free of gum disease. However, even in cases of edentulous patients (patients missing most or all of their teeth), all hope is not lost so long as you have quality jawbone. Can You Get Implants If You Already Have Dentures?
Yes, you can. If you already own dentures, we can insert two implants underneath them for greater support. This is known as an overdenture. Because implants keep your surrounding bone together and prevent ridges from flattening (This often happens after losing a tooth), these dentures won’t slip, slide, or fall out as can sometimes happen with a removable denture. How Do I Take Care Of An Implant?
Commit yourself to giving your implant/implants the same attention you’d give your other teeth. Proper oral hygiene is paramount for implants to last, both at home and through annual professional cleanings. It’s generally recommended that you visit for an exam and cleaning every 3-6 months, during which your implants are examined with an X-ray to check what shape they’re currently in. |
