What is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants can be used to replace one lost tooth or numerous missing teeth. The implant is a small titanium screw that works similar to a natural tooth root.
The implant is placed surgically into the jaw bone, where it will bond with the natural bone to serve as an anchor for a tooth replacement.
Dental implants can resolve bite issues or jaw joint pain, prevent surrounding teeth from shifting, and restore facial tissues. They can also allow you to maintain your facial structure and appearance.
Why Replace Missing Teeth
Teeth surrounding the gap left by missing teeth may start to shift out of place. This can lead to misalignment issues and the jaw bone surrounding the area may begin to deteriorate, resulting in facial collapse or negatively impacting your ability to speak and chew.
The Dental Implant Procedure
Your dentist will use a dental implant (titanium screw) and a tooth replacement to perform a dental implant procedure.
To start, the dentist will surgically place the implant into your jaw bone below the gum tissue. As healing occurs, the implant will bond with the bone and attach to the gum.
Healing generally takes 3 to 6 months to heal post-surgery, after which you'll return to our office to have the procedure completed.
At this final appointment, a tooth replacement such as a dental crown, bridge or denture will be attached to the implant to create the appearance and function of a natural tooth.
Dental Implant FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about dental implants at Clinique Dentaire ADF.
- How long does a dental implant last?
A dental implant can last a lifetime if cared for properly. This includes proper brushing and flossing at home in addition to attending regular dental hygiene cleanings and exams at your dental office.
A dental implant's longevity may also be impacted by other factors including genetics, nutrition or the development of any dental diseases.
- How do I care for my dental implants?
Care for a dental implant just as you would care for your natural teeth.
Seeing your dentist for regularly scheduled hygiene appointments and maintaining a proper brushing and flossing routine at home can help prevent disease or decay from developing in surrounding teeth and gums, which can negatively impact your dental implants.
- Does getting a dental implant hurt?
Anesthesia will be administered to ensure you are comfortable and so you won't feel any pain during the procedure.
After the procedure, patients do not typically feel much discomfort. Most can manage any pain with over-the-counter pain medication for a few days following the procedure.
For the first couple of weeks after the implant procedure, you will also need to eat a soft diet to avoid irritation, pain or discomfort.
- How long does the dental implant process take?
Depending on your treatment plan, the entire dental implant procedure usually takes between 2 and 9 months to complete.
Your dentist can provide you with a more specific timeline based on your particular case.
- Will my insurance cover dental implants?
Some insurances companies will cover the cost of dental implants, while some will only pay for a portion of the cost, and others won't pay for any part of it.
To determine which portion, if any, of your dental implant treatment will be covered by your insurance, check with your insurance provider.