At Island Dental we answer a lot of questions from our patients about dental implants. To make it easier for our patients, we have dedicated an entire page to the most frequently asked questions we have been asked. Even so, there are some questions that are not listed on the page and we want to share them with you:

• Can you go through a metal detector with dental implants?
  Yes, you can go through a metal detector without setting it off because the root of your dental implant is composed of titanium. And, because titanium implants are not magnetic they won’t set off a metal detector and sound an alarm.
• Can dental implants leave a taste in my mouth?
  The root of your dental implants are composed of titanium and are non-corrosive which means they will not leave a metallic taste behind. Before you had your dental implant you were probably tasting the aftereffects of infection from your decaying or unhealthy teeth. With your new dental implants, you will be able to enjoy the taste of your food once again without any aftertaste.
• Will dental implants change the shape of my face?
  Dental implants will improve your teeth’ alignment, which can change your face’s shape, especially if you have had more than one dental implant placed. With one dental implant, your bite may change but it is less likely to alter your facial appearance.
• Can athletes get dental implants?
  Yes, they can, especially if they are in contact sports. A fully healed and osseointegrated dental implant is an option when you play contact sports. Of course, you should take care to wear protective gear in order to protect your dental health.
• Will my dental implants be sensitive to hot or cold food or drink?
  No, they will not because there is no connection from your dental implant to the nerves of your tooth.
• Who should be getting dental implants?
  A lot of people who get dental implants are those who:
  • Are missing teeth
  • Unable to wear dentures
  • Want a more permanent solution to tooth replacement
  • Experience damaged teeth that require an extraction
• Who should not get dental implants?
  If your jawbone has not completely developed, you have other oral health issues, you have a bone or health condition that prevents you from healing, or you are a smoker. Smoking impacts your ability to heal and affects the osseointegration process.
• Will people be able to notice my dental implant?
  It is nearly impossible for people to notice that you have a dental implant unless you tell them. The crown of your implant will be made to match the color and shape of your surrounding teeth.
• Will I ever need a root canal with my dental implant?
  No. Your dental implant has a titanium root. A root canal procedure is only done to preserve the function of your natural teeth.
• What should I not do after my dental implant surgery procedure?
  First thing – don’t smoke or chew tobacco. Not only does smoking cause gum disease and gum recession, but over time it will weaken the structure of your dental implant. Don’t apply heat to your face unless your Island Dental dentist directs you. Heat can increase swelling in the area. Do not use straws to drink beverages. It can put pressure on your mouth and dislodge the blood clot that is keeping the wound closed. This can cause more bleeding and delay the healing process.

If you have any questions about the dental implant process or procedure, or if you would like to know if you are a candidate for dental implants, you can contact our dentists at Island Dental Associates in Franklin Square to schedule an appointment. You can give us a call at 516-271-0765. Or, you can contact us online to schedule an appointment.