You will likely experience some discomfort after your dental implant procedure, but short-term pain medications and over-the-counter drugs can help you manage this discomfort while you heal.

No, you cannot be too old for dental implants. Dental implants may be the best way to improve your oral and overall health in your golden years. Dentures can be a nuisance and they don’t stop jawbone resorption.

Implant-supported bridges, implant-supported dentures and All-on-4® dental implants are excellent ways to restore a healthy mouth at any age. You’ll be able to enjoy your favorite foods and laugh, smile and chew without having to think about your dentures slipping.

To learn more about dental implants, schedule an appointment with experienced southwestern Ohio dentist Dr. Troy Pearce by contacting our Cincinnati office today.

Though the placement of your dental implant usually only takes a day, the full dental implant process requires 3-6 months, including preparation, healing, and placement of the abutment and crown. Sometimes additional procedures such as extraction and bone grafting are required, which contributes to a longer timeline. Once the titanium screws are implanted in the jaw, the new artificial roots take time to fuse with the bone. After healing, a customized artificial tooth will be affixed to the top of the implant post.

The process of dental implants begins with the removal of the natural tooth. Often we are able to place the implant in this site on the same day. If the area has an infection or has been depleted by bone loss, a graft may be required to strengthen the area. The follow-up appointments for the implant are usually much less invasive and are tolerated very well. Approximately 75 percent of our implants are placed with just local anesthetic, but we also offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral sedation to aid in patient comfort.

Dental implants have been used for decades and are safe and effective. However, there are some restrictions based on age and health to mitigate risks. Some of the reasons we may not recommend dental implants for patients are:

• Age restrictions for patients 17 and younger

• Osteoporosis

• Smoking

• Uncontrolled diabetes

• Gum disease

• Jaw irradiation

You can reduce your chances of dental implant complications by picking a skilled prosthodontist with additional years of training and education, such as Dr. Pearce. He will review your medical history and determine if dental implants are a good option for your oral health.

Overall, dental implant complications are rare and can often be treated easily. These risks include infection and trauma to surrounding tissues and structures. Nerve damage may occur, such as tingling, numbness or pain in the surrounding teeth, lips, gums or chin. Some patients may experience sinus problems with dental implants in the upper jaw that extend into the sinus cavities. However, these risks are mitigated by choosing an experienced implant dentist, such as Dr. Pearce.

Recovery following the initial dental implant surgery ranges from 2 to 6 months, with full integration taking from 6 to 8 months.

Some discomfort is expected after dental implant surgery. The procedure is performed in stages and may have an additional recovery period if bone grafting is involved. Dr. Pearce will provide recovery instructions after each appointment, as well as options for pain relief. These issues may include some bleeding and pain where the implant was placed. Facial swelling and swollen gums or bruised tissues may occur. Stitches typically dissolve on their own but may need to be removed later on.

Antibiotics or pain medications may be necessary after a dental implant procedure. Stick with eating soft foods that are easy on your mouth and palate while you heal. If you experience worsening pain or swelling after oral surgery, contact Pearce Dental Group immediately to prevent complications and ensure you’re healing as expected.

Once your implants are in place, you essentially have a new set of permanent teeth. You brush and floss them just like your natural teeth; you eat the foods you want; you speak and smile with confidence.

Unlike dentures, you won’t have to worry about the embarrassment of slippage. And unlike dentures, your jaw benefits from the stimulation of the titanium posts, which preserve the integrity of the jaw bone with the same type of stimulation natural roots provide. This is an extremely important benefit, for without this natural stimulation your bone will atrophy, changing the look of your jaw and your entire facial profile.

A 2017 study shows dental implants have a 90 to 95 percent success rate over 10 years. When you will see dental implant results depends on your circumstances, as some patients must have a bone graft to provide enough stability for the implanted post to fuse to the bone.

In rare cases, the titanium post may fail to merge with the jawbone. Implant failure is more common in smokers because smoking inhibits the healing process. The dental implant is removed in these cases, and we may attempt the procedure again three months later.

Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper oral hygiene, regular dental exams and teeth cleanings.

Dental implants are the ideal cosmetic dental procedure to restore oral health and mouth function. However, some patients may wish for alternative options due to comfort or cost. Dental bridges are a popular alternative that “bridge” the gap left by a missing tooth using dental crowns placed on the teeth on either side of the space. A “pontic” or artificial tooth fills the hole, and the dental crowns hold it in place. The adjacent teeth must be healthy and strong to support a dental bridge.

Those missing multiple teeth may be interested in partial dentures or implant-supported dentures. An entire arch can be restored with full dentures or implant-supported dentures.