If you have a missing tooth that you are looking to repair, you're likely considering getting a dental implant to fix it. Here are some common questions you'll have before you decide to move forward.

Will Others Be Able To Notice The Dental Implant?

One of the nice things about having a dental implant is that nobody will be able to tell that you have one. While you'll be able to show it off if you pull back your upper or lower lip to show the gum line and where it meets the implant, others won't be able to tell in everyday interactions. The tooth itself that is placed on the implant looks realistic, and it will never move out of place like a partial denture. 

How Long Will The Dental Implant Last?

Dental implants have the potential to last a lifetime, which makes it a permanent solution to fix your missing tooth. The same cannot be said of other methods, such as a bridge or partial denture, which can break down easier and require repair or replacement. For example, a dental bridge relies on the surrounding teeth to support the artificial tooth. If anything happens to those healthy teeth, the bridge will fail. As long as you continue to take care of your oral health, the implant should last the rest of your life.

Can Certain Behaviors Cause An Implant To Fail? 

Since the health of your gums plays a key role in maintaining your implant, anything that can cause gum disease will lead to an implant potentially failing. For example, if you are a smoker, that puts you more at risk of having gum disease. Try to break those habits that can harm your gums over time to prevent the implant from failing prematurely. 

How Long Does It Take To Recover From The Surgery? 

The main procedure of implanting the titanium into post into your gums will require a whole day. There will be some downtime immediately after the procedure where you need to rest at home. However, many people return to work soon afterwards, which really depends on your comfort level. The titanium post itself takes several months for it to integrate with your jawbone. Once it fully heals, a temporary crown will be replaced with a real one. 

Still have more questions about dental implants? Reach to a dentist in your area that specializes in the procedure for a consultation.