What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made from titanium that can have a tooth restoration, such as a crown, attached to them. They are placed directly in the jawbone for stability and to stop the surrounding teeth from shifting out of place.
Dental implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth, multiple missing teeth or even to support a full set of dentures. With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime and provide you with a natural-looking and durable solution for missing teeth.
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. The jawbone around the area may also begin to deteriorate, resulting in a caved-in facial appearance.
The Dental Implant Process
During your first appointment, your dentist will assess your oral health and determine if you are a suitable candidate for dental implants. If you are, he will develop a treatment plan and answer any questions you may have.
The implant is surgically placed at the next appointment. This procedure is done under sedation and involves inserting a titanium post into the jawbone to serve as a foundation for the artificial tooth.
After the procedure, a healing period is necessary to allow the implant to fuse with the jaw bone. This generally lasts between three and six months.
Once healing is complete, you will return to our office so we can fit a crown or denture on top of the implant. Your dentist will take great care to help ensure that your dental implant is the right fit.
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?
If you care for your implant properly, it can last a lifetime. This includes proper brushing and flossing at home, as well as attending regular hygiene cleanings and exams at your 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?
You should care for a dental implant just like you care 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 from developing in the surrounding teeth and gums, which 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 during the procedure.
Following the procedure, there is not usually much discomfort. Most patients can manage any pain with an over-the-counter pain medication for a few days after the procedure.
You will also need to eat a soft diet for the first couple of weeks after the implant procedure to avoid pain or irritation.
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How long does the dental implant process take?
The entire dental implant process usually takes about three to six months to complete, depending on your treatment plan.
Your dentist can provide you with a more specific timeline based on your particular case.
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Will my insurance cover dental implants?
Some insurance 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 what part, if any, of your dental implant treatment will be covered by your insurance, check with your insurance provider.