Questions for Your Huntsville Dentist
Dr. Brian Cook knows that patients who are more involved with their dental care tend to experience fewer problems and better oral health. Patient education plays a large part in the services and treatments we offer, and answering your questions is part of that.
Anytime you have a question, don't hesitate to call us. There is a lot to know about your oral health care, and you deserve to have all the information you need to make confident, informed decisions. Our dental team is experienced and knowledgeable and always happy to find the answers you need.
Here are a few of the questions our patients ask most frequently, but you may have others you don't see here. Please call us at (256) 539-4079, and we'll be happy to assist you.
Dental Implants
Updated in October 2025
Dental implant placement is not painful because your dentist thoroughly anesthetizes the area before starting work. After the anesthesia wears off, you may notice mild swelling and discomfort, but this is short-lived and easily treatable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Why Dental Implants Are Worth It
When it comes to tooth replacement, dental implants are the preferred choice of most dentists and patients. Unlike bridges or dentures, implants replace both the tooth root and the crown, providing unmatched stability, strength, and longevity.
A dental implant in Huntsville, AL, is a small post made from biocompatible titanium that integrates naturally with your jawbone. Once the implant has fused and healed, your dentist attaches a custom-made dental crown, creating a restoration that looks, feels, and functions like a real tooth.
If you have several missing teeth, implant-supported dentures or bridges can restore your bite and appearance with the same secure foundation.
What to Expect After Dental Implant Surgery
- Day 1–2: Mild soreness and swelling are normal. Follow your dentist’s instructions, take any prescribed or over-the-counter medications, and stick to soft foods.
- Week 1: Most patients feel back to normal. You can return to your usual diet and activities.
- After Healing: Once the implant fully integrates with your jawbone, it becomes as strong and comfortable as a natural tooth.
Over time, you may even forget you have a dental implant—it feels that natural.
Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation in Huntsville, AL
If you’re wondering, “Do dental implants hurt?”, the answer is no — but the results are life-changing. At Twickenham Family Dentistry, we make your comfort and confidence our top priorities.
Call us today to schedule a dental implant consultation and learn more about how implants can restore your smile and oral health. Our friendly team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Dental implants are an excellent tooth replacement option for a variety of reasons. Dental implants are easy to maintain, they look and feel natural, and they provide the same function as a natural tooth, which keeps your jawbone healthy.
Dental implants are also a long-lasting tooth replacement option. But how much life will you really get out of a dental implant? The answer is one reason why we love dental implants! With proper care and maintenance, the dental implant itself can last a lifetime.
To fully answer this question, however, we need to address the parts of your dental implant: the dental crown, which is the “tooth” or the visible portion of the tooth replacement, and the abutment, which attaches the implant to the crown.
Since the crown functions as the tooth, it is exposed to more damage than the implant, which means it may need replacement at some point. However, with an excellent oral hygiene routine and adherence to some precautions, like avoiding hard or chewy foods, even the dental crown can last over a decade.
How Do I Care for a Dental Implant?
Fortunately, caring for dental implants is simple. Care for them as you care for your natural teeth.
At Twickenham Family Dentistry, we recommend that you brush and floss your teeth at least twice every day. Also, for the benefit of your natural teeth and your dental implant, you should visit our dental office at least twice a year for a checkup and dental cleaning. Regular dental cleanings are a vital part of maintaining your oral health and prolonging the life of your dental implant.
Additionally, try to avoid eating hard or sticky foods, as mentioned above, and try to break habits that could damage the dental crown attached to your implant, like chewing on your fingernails.
If you grind your teeth, Dr. Cook may also recommend a nightguard to help protect your teeth from pressure and wear.
Other Factors That Affect the Lifespan of a Dental Implant
In addition to proper care and maintenance, other factors can affect the lifespan of your dental implant.
Location of the Implant
Implants at the back of the mouth generally do not enjoy the same longevity as implants near the front of the mouth. This is due to the intense pressure that your back teeth undergo when chewing.
Gum Disease
With gum disease, the gums may recede, causing damage to your natural teeth and your dental implant. A good oral hygiene routine and regular visits to the dentist can help prevent gum disease. Also, we highly recommend avoiding tobacco products, such as cigarettes, to keep your gums healthy.
We want our patients to enjoy a lifetime of use out of their dental implants, and we want you to enjoy the best oral health possible. If you have any questions about properly caring for your dental implants, reach out to the dental team at Twickenham Family Dentistry.
Dental Implants in Huntsville, AL
When it comes to providing dental care, Twickenham Family Dentistry is among the best. We provide excellent dental care and a wide range of dental services to patients in the Huntsville area.
If you need a tooth replacement option that lasts, call our team today to discuss dental implants.
Twickenham Family Dentistry offers full, partial, and implant-supported dentures in Huntsville, AL.
Types of Dentures We Offer
Full Dentures
Full or complete dentures replace all lower or upper teeth and fit gently against the gums. You can remove complete dentures for cleaning and sleeping. Full dentures usually stay in place by natural suction to the gums or denture adhesive.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures replace a few missing teeth and fill in the gaps in your smile. Partial dentures stay secure through the use of clips and are removable.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported, or implant-retained, dentures involve placing a few dental implants and snapping or clipping dentures into place. The denture is removable, but the dental implants are not, as they’re surgically placed into the jawbone. Implant-supported dentures are also called “overdentures” and “snap-in dentures.”
We Replace Missing Teeth in Huntsville, AL
Dr. Brian Cook is a skilled dentist who can help you resolve tooth loss and restore your oral function and appearance. Dr. Cook partners with a local oral surgeon who places the dental implants before we attach the final restoration.
If you have tooth loss, please contact us today to schedule a consultation with our tooth replacement dentist.
At Twickenham Family Dentistry, we’re proud to offer a wide range of denture solutions to meet the diverse needs of our patients in Huntsville, AL. These denture solutions include traditional and implant dentures. We provide personalized care and attention to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.
Traditional Dentures in Huntsville, AL
Our traditional dentures are a classic choice for those needing full or partial tooth replacement. These dentures are custom-made to fit comfortably and look natural, providing both functional and aesthetic benefits. They’re an affordable and time-tested solution for restoring your smile and improving your ability to chew and speak with confidence.
Implant Dentures in Huntsville, AL
We offer implant dentures for those seeking a more stable and permanent solution. This innovative option involves anchoring the denture to dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone. This ensures a secure fit and helps maintain jawbone integrity, preventing the bone loss commonly associated with traditional dentures. Implant dentures are an excellent choice for enhanced comfort and functionality.
Contact Our Huntsville Dentist Today
Our experienced dental team will guide you through the process, from initial consultation to final fitting, ensuring you receive dentures that are comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.
Please call us today at (256) 539-4079 to schedule your dental appointment.
While dental implants work well for most patients, they do require a couple of things to be successful:
- The patient to be in good general health
- Enough healthy bone structure to support the tooth implant
Our dentists use 3-D imaging, x-rays, and a thorough exam to determine if dental implants are the right treatment to restore your missing tooth. If you lack enough healthy bone to support a dental implant successfully, we may recommend bone grafting to rebuild your jawbone and lend the support a dental implant needs.
How Can I Get Started?
If you're considering tooth replacement with dental implants, the first step is to schedule an evaluation with one of our dentists to confirm that you're a good candidate for dental implants in Huntsville.
Our team can guide you through the process of restoring your smile with dental implants from start to finish.
What Are the Advantages of Choosing Dental Implants?
Tooth implants offer several advantages our patients appreciate:
- Natural look and feel
- Bite stabilization
- Restored aesthetics
- Excellent longevity
- Jawbone stimulation, which prevents deterioration
- Easy home care with routine brushing and flossing
If you'd like to learn more about dental implants and if they're right for you, contact our team at (256) 539-4079 to book an evaluation with one of our dentists.