Dental Implants – Centennial, CO

Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?

Thankfully enough, no – getting dental implants doesn’t hurt. The process is smooth, easy, and painless, so you don’t need to worry about potential discomfort.

Keep in mind that your dentist will take precautions for your treatment. They’ll numb your mouth with an anesthetic before the procedure starts, ensuring their work doesn’t cause aches. The most you’ll sense from the implant placement is a slight pressure. (Your jaw having few nerve endings reinforces this effect.)

Of course, your mouth may feel a bit sore after the surgery. The good news is that such aches are temporary and fade quickly; they’ll only last a few days. In the meantime, you can manage them with over-the-counter pain medications, cold compresses, etc.

Can I Take Dental Implants Out?

Unlike other tooth replacements, dental implants can’t simply be “taken out.” They become permanent parts of your mouth once placed, meaning only a dentist can remove them.

You see, dental implants don’t just sit on your gums like dentures (or dental bridges) do. They fuse with your jaw’s bone tissue, so they’re held firmly in place and remain stable. They can’t be removed with mere tugging or pulling; only professional dental work could safely get them out.

The only exceptions to this rule are some types of implant dentures. Depending on their model, you may be able to “unfasten” them from their implant posts.

What Can Cause Dental Implants to Fail?

Though rare, dental implant failure can happen at times. It usually stems from one of two causes: peri-implantitis or failed osseointegration.

The first cause (peri-implantitis) is a specific type of gum disease. Often triggered by poor oral care, it damages the bone and gum tissues supporting a dental implant. This damage slowly loosens the implant post, putting it at a much higher risk of failure.

Meanwhile, “failed osseointegration” refers to when an implant doesn’t fuse with your jaw. It tends to happen when a patient’s jaw already has low bone density. Due to this latter issue, tissue struggles to grow around an implant post and hold it steady.

Am I Too Old to Get Dental Implants?

Honestly, no – you’re never too old to get dental implants. The implant placement process has no upper age limit for potential patients; even the most elderly can get treatment.

Whether you qualify for dental implants has more to do with health, not “years lived.” An adult just needs a strong smile and a dense jawbone to get the posts. Otherwise, they could be in their 30s, 40s, or even their 80s and still be a strong treatment candidate.

That said, seniors are more likely to have health issues that could complicate dental implant work. You should consult your dentist before you commit to anything.

How Long Do Dental Implants Usually Last?

Dental implants tend to last longer than alternative treatments like dentures or dental bridges because of their unique placement in your jawbone. Once your bone fuses with the titanium rod of your new tooth, it becomes a permanent part of your smile that can potentially last for the remainder of your natural life.

The restoration it’s capped with is more likely to require replacement or repair over time. Typically, you can expect your dental implant to last 10 to 20+ years, though it depends significantly on how well you care for it. You can extend their lifespan by:

• Brushing and flossing twice daily.
• Avoiding overly hard or sticky foods.
• Not using your new teeth as tools to open mail or packages.
• Scheduling routine checkups with our team so we can monitor your condition.

Are Dental Implants Safe?

Many experts consider these restorations the ideal way to replace missing teeth, but that doesn’t make them the best solution for everyone’s unique circumstances. You must consult with one of our dentists near Centennial to determine whether you’re a good candidate before proceeding.

Generally, this treatment is considered safe as long as a qualified practitioner provides it. However, you might not be approved to move forward, as pre-existing issues might negatively affect the results. For instance, if your jawbone is too thin or you have diabetes, you are less likely to recover effectively and are at a higher risk of experiencing implant failure.

How Long Does it Take to Recover from Dental Implant Surgery?

You’re not alone if you’re curious about what to expect after your procedure. Many people want to know how long it usually takes to recover after their surgery, so they can plan accordingly. In many cases, you can resume normal activities the day after your surgery. However, it’s best to avoid strenuous exercise for the first week or two, because it can hinder your healing.

Bleeding should stop after the first couple of days, and aches and inflammation tend to peak on the third day after your appointment before gradually subsiding. That said, it takes anywhere from three to six months for your jaw to produce enough new bone growth to fuse with the metal rod of your implant in a process called osseointegration.

Can I Get Dental Implants if I Smoke?

Technically, smokers can undergo the implant procedure, but this unhealthy habit significantly increases the risk of failure. Tobacco products contain nicotine, an incredibly addictive ingredient that also restricts your blood oxygen levels and flow. This suppresses your immune system, rendering your body incapable to sending essential nutrients and infection-fighting cells to your teeth and gums after your surgery.

You’ll have better chances of success if you wait at least two weeks after your procedure to have a cigarette or vape. Still, tobacco products can lead to implant failure even up to 10 years after their initial placement.