Dental Implants to Restore Oral Health
Dental implants may be a good option if you have gaps where teeth are missing or if you experience oral health issues due to missing teeth. Dental implants can provide a long-term solution and are both aesthetically and functionally equivalent to natural teeth.
Dental implant surgery involves the placement of a tiny titanium screw into the jaw bone. After the implant has healed, it will be covered with a tooth replacement option, such as a crown.
Once in place, your new dental implant and restoration will help prevent surrounding teeth from shifting, resolve bite issues or jaw joint pain, and restore facial tissues and appearance.
Will I Be Able to Eat My Favourite Foods Again?
While you'll need to eat soft foods during the first few weeks after your surgery, dental implants can help restore the full force of your bite. You'll soon be able to eat all the foods you may have missed after losing your teeth.
The Dental Implant Process
This dental process is used to replace one or more missing teeth. There are two separate steps to this process, and each will be completed in its own visit, which means that it will take at least two appointments.
During the first visit, your dentist surgically places the implant into your jaw bone beneath the gum tissue. As the tissue heals, the implant bonds with the jaw bone and your gums attach to it. It will take three to six months for the dental implant to heal.
Once the implant has fully healed, you will return for the second part of the implant process. During this appointment, we will attach a tooth replacement, such as a dental crown, bridge or denture, creating the look and function of a natural tooth.
Dental Implant FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about dental implants.
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How long does a dental implant last?
With proper care, dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. To care for them properly, you will need to ensure you are brushing and flossing at home and attending regular hygiene cleanings and exams at our dental office.
The longevity of a dental implant may also depend on other factors, including nutrition, genetics, or the development of any dental diseases.
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How do I care for my dental implants?
Caring for your dental implants is pretty easy. You just clean them and care for them like you would for your own teeth.
Visiting your dentist for regular hygiene appointments and maintaining a proper brushing and flossing routine at home can help prevent decay or diseases from developing. If they occur, these issues can negatively affect your dental implants.
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Does getting a dental implant hurt?
During dental implant surgery, your dentist will administer anesthesia to make you comfortable so you won't feel pain.
Many patients report little to no pain after a dental implant procedure. Patients who do experience discomfort can manage it with an over-the-counter pain medication for a few days after the procedure.
You should also follow a soft diet for the first couple of weeks after the implant procedure to avoid pain or irritation.
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Will my insurance cover dental implants?
Depending on the insurance company, some will cover the entire cost, while some will only pay for a portion, and others won't pay for any part of it.
Check with your insurance provider to determine what part, if any, of your dental implant treatment will be covered by your insurance.