What is a Dental Implant?
Missing teeth create far more than just cosmetic issues, as they can lead to multiple problems such as tooth misalignment and facial collapse.
Dental implants offer a permanent, fixed solution to missing teeth, and can protect your dental health while giving you the confidence to show off your smile.
A dental implant is a small titanium screw that creates a strong base for a tooth replacement. Implants can be used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth.
Dental implants can help prevent teeth surrounding the gap from shifting while improving bite issues or jaw joint pain and helping to restore facial tissues and appearance.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
If a tooth is missing, the teeth surrounding the gap may begin to shift out of place and cause misalignment issues. Misaligned teeth are harder to keep clean, leading to oral hygiene issues. The bone around the area may also begin to deteriorate, resulting in loss of support for the adjacent teeth and could lead to further tooth loss.
The Dental Implant Process
The process of getting implants requires two to three visits over several months.
During your initial consultation, X-rays are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine bone and gum tissue quality. If it is determined that dental implants are the right choice for you, you will come back for surgery.
Your dentist will place the implant into your jaw bone and allow it to heal and integrate itself over the next six months. Depending on the type of implant, a second surgery may be required in order to place the 'post' that will hold an artificial tooth in place. With other implants, the post and anchor are attached and placed at the same time.
After several months of healing, the artificial teeth are fitted to the implant. Because several fittings may be required, this step may take one to two months to complete. After a healing period, the artificial teeth are securely attached to the implant.
You will receive care instructions when your treatment is completed. Good oral hygiene and eating habits, alongside regular dental visits, will aid in the life of your new implant.
Dental Implant FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about dental implants at Tall Pines Dental Centre.
-
Why would I need a dental implant?
There are a number of reasons that your dentist may recommend dental implants, including:
- Replacing one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
- Resolving joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.
- Restoring your confident smile.
- Restoring chewing and speech and improving digestion.
- Restoring or enhancing facial tissues.
- Supporting a bridge or denture, making it more secure and comfortable.
-
How long does a dental implant last?
A well-cared-for dental implant can last a lifetime. This care includes proper brushing and flossing at home, as well as regular hygiene cleanings and exams at Tall Pines Dental Centre.
Other factors that may affect your dental implant include medical conditions, nutrition, genetics or the development of any dental diseases.
-
How do I care for my dental implants?
Caring for your dental implant is much like caring for your natural teeth.
Take care of your dental implant by regularly visiting our office in Tall Pines Dental Centre for hygiene visits and exams and by maintaining a proper brushing and flossing routine at home.
Proper oral hygiene can also help prevent diseases from developing in the surrounding teeth and gums, eventually negatively affecting your implant.
-
Does getting a dental implant hurt?
Your dentist will administer anesthesia, so you shouldn't feel pain during the implant procedure.
Afterward, any discomfort or pain can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication for a few days if necessary.
You will also need to eat a soft diet for the first couple of weeks after the implant procedure to avoid pain or irritation at the surgery site.
-
How long does the dental implant process take?
Depending on your treatment plan, the entire dental implant process can take three to nine months to complete.
Your dentist can provide you with a more specific timeline based on your case.
-
Will my insurance cover dental implants?
Much like every dental case is different, every insurance plan is different. Some insurance companies will cover dental implants, and some will not.
To determine what part, if any, of your dental implant treatment will be covered by your insurance, check with your insurance provider.