Dr. Robbie J. Harris, III
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are, in essence, threaded titanium screws that fuse to the bone to provide support for a future tooth or even teeth.
How long after receiving dental implants can I get a tooth/teeth on them?
It all depends on the area where implants are needed. When in the top part of the mouth, you can expect the implant site to heal more slowly, as the bone in this area is softer. In your jaw, where teeth are missing, you can expect to wait 2-2.5 months for the implant to heal.
Do implants work for dentures?
Dental implants work wonderfully to help keep dentures secure and can even be used to support a denture that stays in all the time. Believe it or not, you would be surprised at how many times I’ve heard about someone’s dentures falling out into a drink or while talking. Implants can certainly help to resolve this issue too.
Can I get an implant the same day I have a tooth removed, and how does that work?
The vast majority of situations allow me to put an implant in the day the tooth is removed. Still, it is largely dependent on the quality of the bone and how much is available to place into an implant once the tooth is removed. While every case is different, if an implant can be placed the day the tooth is removed, the wait time until you are ready for the tooth is essentially cut in half.
How long do implants usually last?
While no one can guarantee that an implant will last the rest of your life, it is certainly expected that an implant, done correctly and taken care of appropriately, should last years upon years. I have a dental implant for my front right tooth, so I’m speaking not just professionally but based on having gone through the treatment experience myself.
