Dental Implants FAQ
Frequently Asked Dental Implant Questions in Seattle WA
Will I have temporary teeth during the healing phase?
If the implant site is near the front of your mouth, we have a variety of temporary options such as bridges and transitional implants to get you through the healing phase. In some cases, the permanent tooth can even be placed onto the implant at the same time as surgery.
Do dental implants hurt?
During the surgery, you will be properly anesthetized at all times you will not feel a thing! And after surgery, you will be relieved to know that most of our patients experience very little, if any, pain that is usually managed well with over-the-counter pain medications. Any necessary prescriptions will be discussed during your visit.
Do dental implants feel like real teeth?
Yes! Your dental implant will feel, look and operate just like your natural teeth. You will be eating all of the foods that you used to enjoy with your new, permanent tooth before you know it!
Will I need to miss work for dental implant surgery?
Patients typically take anywhere from a few hours to a few days off of work, depending on the type of sedation, the implant site, and their pre-op health.
What are single-stage implants?
In some cases, we are able to place the implant and leave the soft tissue surrounding it as is. This way, we can avoid a second surgical procedure to uncover the dental implant during the abutment/restoration stage.
What if I am missing a lot of teeth?
If you are missing many teeth, implant-supported dentures can give you a full arch of prosthetic teeth attached to just a few implants. This option is a great solution for those who need the number of teeth provided by a denture, but do not want the hassle associated with it.
What are the risks and complications associated with dental implants?
Dental implants have a success rate of up to 98% and the procedure has been around for decades, with continual improvements and discoveries made all along the way. The risks are very low, and closely resemble those of other minor surgical procedures (infection, injury to adjacent teeth, etc.)
When will I have my permanent teeth?
Permanent restorations are placed as early as 1 and as late as 12 months following implant surgery, depending on your case.
How do I care for my implants?
Care for your implants just like you do your natural teeth: by brushing twice and flossing once daily. Regular checkup visit is also the key. Take good care of them and they will take care of you!