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Can I have the new teeth straight away?
No. The implants need to bond (integrate) with the bone after they have been placed. This takes at least 3 months in the lower jaw and 6 months in the upper jaw. If you are having one, two or three teeth replaced, you will have a temporary restoration in the meantime. If you have complete dentures, then you can wear them throughout the healing period once they have been adjusted after the surgery.
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What happens if the implant does not bond (integrate) with the bone?
This happens very rarely. If the implant becomes loose during the healing period or just after, then it is easily removed and healing takes place in the normal way. Once the jaw has healed, another implant can be placed there. Or, the dentist can make a bridge, using the implanted false teeth that have 'taken'.
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Do gaps between teeth make your smile unimpressive
The Nicotine and Tar in cigarettes accumulate as plaque on the teeth of smokers and once bacteria settles in the plaque, severe dental problems follow. Similarly, in the case of tobacco chewers and those who consume pan masala etc., the lime and other hazardous ingredients damage the sensitive membrane in the mouth and create oral sub-mucus (fibrosis). As a consequence, the tender oral skin gets hardened. This enhances the possibility of acquiring oral cancer by 3%. These people have multiplied possibility of gum diseases and oral infections. Hence one should quit smoking and chewing tobacco products immediately.
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Is cosmetic dentistry only referring to teeth whitening?
Cosmetic dentistry can be used for many purposes such as gaps between teeth, cracks or cavities, broken or crooked teeth, stained or discoloured teeth, uneven teeth, and chips or rough spots. Teeth whitening is just one part of cosmetic dentistry which also includes veneers, implants, crowns, orthodontics, shaping, etc.
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Are implants an emergency procedure?
Dental implants are used to fill empty spaces in the mouth caused by missing teeth. It can be used for aesthetics, comfort and also to prevent many problems including decay, periodontal disease, stress on the remaining teeth, etc. Implants are titanium screws surgically placed in the bone of the mouth to which a tooth, bridge or a denture can attach to make a stable restoration.
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Are Implants only for young adults?
No! Implants are possible for everyone as long as you have enough bone in the area of the missing tooth to facilitate the anchorage of the implants. If you are missing one tooth or all your teeth, implants may be for you. If you don't have enough bone, a graft may be necessary.
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Does implant surgery involve a lot of pain?
No! Most people experience mild to moderate discomfort following dental implant placement. In more rare cases there are cases of moderate severe discomfort lasting a few days. Most describe the implant as less painful afterward than having a tooth extracted. The procedure can be done either under local anesthetic or intravenous sedation. During the procedure there should be NO discomfort.