Dental Implants FAQ – Orsatti Dental in San Antonio

As you consider dental implants, it’s important to understand exactly what’s involved and how this procedure can truly change your life. We will walk you through the entire process and answer your questions along the way, making sure you’re completely comfortable from the minute you arrive at our office. We wanted to share this FAQ of some regular questions we get from our patients as it pertains to dental implants.

Is a dental implant procedure painful?

Our doctors do everything they can to make you as comfortable as possible. Depending on the procedure, you can elect to have a variety of pain management options. Afterward, most of our patients report that they experienced far less pain than anticipated.

If my teeth are in really bad shape, am I still a candidate for dental implants?

In our experience, most people can safely receive dental implants. Even age is not necessarily a factor when determining dental implant placement. Whether you’re missing one tooth or many, dental implants may be the best choice for you. Plus, at Orsatti Dental, our doctors are experienced in treating patients with complex cases that may even have been turned away by others. The best way to find out if you’re a candidate is to visit us for a consultation.

What Are the Advantages of Dental Implants?

There are many advantages to dental implants, including:

Improved appearance. Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. And because they are designed to fuse with bone, they become permanent.

Improved speech. With poor-fitting dentures, the teeth can slip within the mouth causing you to mumble or slur your words. Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that teeth might slip.

Improved comfort. Because they become part of you, implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.

Easier eating. Sliding dentures can make chewing difficult. Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain.

Improved self-esteem. Dental implants can give you back your smile and help you feel better about yourself.

Improved oral health. Dental implants don’t require reducing other teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. Because nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant, more of your own teeth are left intact, improving long-term oral health. Individual implants also allow easier access between teeth, improving oral hygiene.
Durability. Implants are very durable and will last many years. With good care, many implants last a lifetime.

Convenience. Removable dentures are just that; removable. Dental implants eliminate the embarrassing inconvenience of removing dentures, as well as the need for messy adhesives to keep them in place.

Can Anyone Get Dental Implants?

In most cases, anyone healthy enough to undergo a routine dental extraction or oral surgery can be considered for a dental implant. Patients should have healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implant. They also must be committed to good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Heavy smokers, people suffering from uncontrolled chronic disorders — such as diabetes or heart disease — or patients who have had radiation therapy to the head/neck area need to be evaluated on an individual basis. If you are considering implants, talk to your dentist to see if they are right for you.

I don’t want people to know I have implants. Will my smile look like I have real teeth?

Believe it or not, dental implants actually become an integrated part of your mouth because they adhere to the jawbone, just like “real” teeth. You’ll be able to brush, floss, eat and smile as if you’d had these teeth your entire life. You can even work with your Orsatti dentist to determine the shape, color, and size of your teeth to make them look completely natural. You will take great comfort in knowing our doctors are proven experts in their field, but are also great listeners and know how to take care of you. So you’ll be guided through every step of the procedure before it happens. The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel about getting this life-changing procedure.

How long is the recovery period?

As you can imagine, this differs for every patient. Many patients say they don’t experience significant discomfort beyond swelling and don’t even need pain medication after the procedure. You will be on a soft food diet for a few weeks, which allows your implants to heal. After that, you’ll be able to enjoy all your favorite foods again.

How Successful Are Dental Implants?

Success rates of dental implants vary, depending on where in the jaw the implants are placed but, in general, dental implants have a success rate of up to 98%. With proper care, implants can last a lifetime.

Is the procedure expensive? What are my financing options?

Thanks to precise technology, the cost of dental implants is much less than it was even a few years ago. However, many of our patients still need financing options to help pay for the procedure. At Orsatti Dental, we will always work closely with you as well as other financing companies to provide payment plans for those who qualify. During your consultation, our team can help figure out a financing strategy that fits your budget. Together, we’ll explore all the options available. Currently, dental implants are not covered by most dental insurance plans, but in some cases they can be covered by your health plan.

Can I bring someone with me for support?

Yes. In fact, we recommend that you bring family or a friend. They’ll help you feel more at ease before the procedure and afterward, you’ll be able to show them the new you! Plus they can drive you home safely.

How long does the actual procedure take? Is it really all done in one day?

Yes, most of our patients walk into our office in the morning and leave later that same day with a new smile they are extremely proud of. Here’s a basic idea of what happens during your procedure: Your doctors will sedate you, perform the implant procedure and then you’ll rest in our recovery room until the anesthesia fully wears off. The teeth you leave with are your temporary teeth that allow you to eat and enjoy your everyday life. Six months later, you’ll come back to Orsatti and we’ll replace your temporary teeth with your new, permanent teeth.

How do I know Orsatti Dental is the best San Antonio Implant Dentist?

Getting dental implants is a big decision, and it’s smart to do your research and make sure you’re getting the best quality and value for your money. Orsatti Dental stands out in two very distinct ways: we only use high-quality materials, such as titanium support bars, and our doctors focus on one thing…you. Our dedication to our patients is why so many people have chosen Orsatti Dental as the place people in San Antonio come to get their dental implants.

Will my dental implants function just like real teeth?

Short answer, yes. Your new teeth will not only look and feel like natural teeth, but they’ll also function like healthy, strong teeth. With dental implants from Orsatti Dental, you’ll be able to bite into all your favorite foods again with and smile with all the confidence in the world.

 

San Antonio Dentist – Orsatti Dental

Located in San Antonio, the dental experts at Orsatti Dental have many years of experience in both dental implants, routine dentistry and dental restoration. If you’d like more information about what dental implants can do for you, contact Orsatti Dental in San Antonio today. The smile of your dreams is just a phone call away.