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Dental Implants
About Dental Implants
A dental implant is an artificial titanium tooth root used to replace a missing natural root. They can be used to replace a single tooth or several missing teeth.
Dental implants are surgically placed in your jawbone, where they serve as the roots of missing teeth.
Dental implants can help prevent surrounding teeth from shifting, resolve bite problems or joint pain, and restore facial tissue and appearance.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
If a tooth is missing, other teeth can start to shift and cause misalignment problems. The jawbone surrounding them may lose volume, negatively impacting the patient's facial shape, speech and chewing ability.
Request An appointmentThe Dental Implant Procedure
Dental implants are small titanium screws surgically inserted into the jawbone.
The dentist makes an incision in the jaw below the gum line, then inserts the implants into the bone. During the healing process, the bone reforms and fixes the implants.
You must wait 3 to 6 months before returning to the clinic to complete the procedure.
At this final appointment, your dentist will attach a tooth replacement, such as a crown, bridge, or denture, to the implant to create the appearance and function of a natural tooth.
FAQ About Dental Implants
Read the answers to the most frequently asked questions.
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How long does a dental implant last?
If you take good care of your implant, it can last for many years, even a lifetime. Good oral hygiene at home, as well as regular cleanings and check-ups at the dentist, are essential.
The longevity of a dental implant also depends on other factors, such as nutrition, genetics or the onset of dental disease.
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How do I care for my dental implants?
You need to take care of your dental implant just as you take care of your natural teeth.
Visiting your dentist for regular dental cleanings and maintaining a proper oral routine at home can help prevent decay or disease that could affect your dental implants.
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Does getting a dental implant hurt?
Implantation is a surgery performed under local anaesthetic, so you feel no pain.
Most patients can manage their pain during recovery with an over-the-counter analgesic.
After surgery, you will also need to eat soft foods for two weeks.
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How long does the dental implant process take?
Depending on your treatment plan, the entire procedure can take from 3 to 6 months.
Your dentist can provide you with a more precise estimate.
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Will my insurance cover dental implants?
The cost may be fully or partially covered by your insurance.
To determine whether your treatment will be covered, contact your insurance company.