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Dental Implants
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a tiny titanium screw that acts like a natural tooth root. Implants can replace a single lost tooth or multiple missing teeth.
They can offer a long-lasting solution to restore your smile and improve your overall oral health.
Dental implants fill the spaces left by missing teeth, helping to prevent the teeth surrounding the gap from shifting. They also introduce new tooth roots to the jaw, which can help prevent the loss of jaw bone volume and strength.
Why Replace Missing Teeth
If a tooth is missing, the teeth surrounding the gap may begin to shift out of place, resulting in misalignment. The jaw bone around the area may also begin to deteriorate, negatively affecting your ability to eat and talk.
The Dental Implant Process
The dental implant process requires a dental implant (titanium screw) and a tooth replacement.
Your dentist will begin by surgically placing the implant into your jaw bone, below the gum tissue. During the tissue's healing process, the implant bonds with the bone and attaches to the gums.
After three to six months post-surgery, the healing process will be complete and patients can return to our office to complete the process.
During this final appointment, your dentist will attach a tooth replacement, such as a dental crown, bridge or denture, to the implant to create the appearance and function of a natural tooth.
Dental Implant FAQs
Read the answers to some of our frequently asked questions about dental implants at Centre Dentaire de l'Ouest.
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How long does a dental implant last?
Dental implants are durable and strong. If you take good care for your implant, it can last a lifetime. Proper oral hygiene at home, as well as regular cleanings and exams at your dental clinic, are essential.
Additionally, the longevity of a dental implant may also depend on other factors including nutrition, genetics, or the development of dental diseases.
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How do I care for my dental implants?
Caring for a dental implant is just like caring for your natural teeth.
Visiting your dentist for regular hygiene appointments and maintaining a proper brushing and flossing routine at home can help prevent decay or diseases that negatively affect your dental implants.
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Does getting a dental implant hurt?
Dental implant surgery lasts about an hour and is performed under local anesthesia so you won't feel pain during the procedure.
Sensitivity varies from patient to patient following the procedure. Most patients can manage their pain with an over-the-counter pain medication.
You will also need to eat a soft diet for the first couple of weeks after the implant surgery to avoid pain or irritation.
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How long does the dental implant process take?
The entire dental implant process usually lasts about three to six months, depending on your treatment plan.
Your dentist can provide you with a more accurate estimate based on your individual case.
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Will my insurance cover dental implants?
Depending on your insurance, the cost of dental implants may be fully covered, partially covered, or not covered at all.
To determine what part, if any, of your dental implant treatment will be covered by your insurance, check with your insurance provider.