Dental Implants FAQ
Get answers to common dental implant questions from Dr. Eugene Bernstein in Newark, NJ. Learn about healing time, pain, safety, procedure duration, and what to expect.
Understanding Dental Implants
Q:
are dental implants safe?
A:
Yes, they are proven to be safe for decades. We have been placing them for the last 24 years in our practice, and there is research showing they have the best possible outcomes and longevity.
Q:
how do dental implants work?
A:
Dental implants are basically screws that are inserted into the jawbone. They act like the root of a natural tooth, and then we attach a crown to the implant. It functions exactly like a natural tooth.
Q:
what don't they tell you about dental implants?
A:
In our practice, we inform patients of everything they can expect after the procedure. We describe all possible situations before placing any dental implants.
Am I a Candidate? The Procedure Experience
Q:
when is it too late to get dental implants?
A:
It’s never too late. Age doesn’t matter. If a patient wants to have their teeth replaced, dental implants are the best option.
Q:
do dental implants hurt?
A:
Not really. In some cases, you can do it with general anesthesia, so it’s not painful at all. Extraction of teeth is more painful than implant placement.
Q:
how long does it take to install dental implants
A:
If you have enough bone, it takes 15 to 20 minutes for one implant. For multiple implants, it may take around 40 minutes.
Recovery & Healing
Q:
how long does it take for dental implants to heal?
A:
On the lower jaw, it takes about two and a half to three months. We recommend waiting at least three months. On the upper jaw, it takes a bit longer—around four to five months. In some cases, with softer bone, we recommend waiting six months.
Q:
how to relieve pain from dental implants?
A:
There isn’t usually significant pain. We prescribe antibiotics and painkillers, but most people don’t need painkillers after the second or third day.
Q:
why no dairy after dental implants?
A:
You can consume dairy products. There is no contraindication for any kind of food, except for alcohol because patients are on antibiotics.
Q:
what to eat after dental implant surgery?
A:
Just follow a common-sense diet. It’s a very simple procedure, less invasive than tooth extraction.
Q:
how long after dental implants can i eat normally?
A:
You can eat normally once the implant is restored with a crown. After placing the implant, we usually wait three months for the lower jaw and four to five months for the upper jaw before placing the crown.
Long-Term Results
Q:
how long can a dental implant last?
A:
If the implant integrates well, it can last for decades. We have patients with implants that have lasted for 25 years without any problems. Implants can fail if there’s an infection, disease, or poor control of conditions like diabetes, but the success rate is about 98%.
Q:
can dental implants be removed?
A:
Yes, dental implants can be removed if necessary, but it’s very rare. It’s usually only done if there’s a problem with the implant itself.
Living With Dental Implants
Q:
can you get an mri with dental implants?
A:
Yes, absolutely. Just inform the technician that you have dental implants. It’s not a contraindication.