Your Shelburne Invisalign® Provider
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium screw that functions like a natural tooth root. Implants can be used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth.
The implant is surgically placed into the jaw bone and then bonds with the natural bone to serve as an anchor for tooth replacement, like a crown. A piece called an abutment connects the artificial tooth to the dental implant.
The tooth replacement is custom-made to fit the person’s mouth and match the colour of their teeth. Crowns paired with dental implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
Dental implants offer several benefits. They look and feel natural, improve chewing, help prevent bone loss and shifting teeth, support better bite alignment, and restore facial structure and appearance.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
Replacing missing teeth is a key part of maintaining good long-term oral health. If a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth may begin to shift out of position, potentially causing misalignment issues.
Missing teeth can also increase the risk of bone deterioration, reducing support for nearby teeth and increasing the chance of further tooth loss.
The Dental Implant Process
The dental implant procedure involves surgically placing the implant into your jaw bone, followed by a separate restoration phase to replace the missing tooth.
First, your dentist will surgically place the dental implant – a titanium screw into the jaw bone below the gum tissue. As the tissue heals, the implant integrates with the bone, a process that generally takes three to six months.
Once healing is complete, you will return to our office for the restoration phase. During this visit, your dentist will create a custom tooth replacement, such as a crown, bridge, or denture, designed to look and function like a natural tooth.
This restoration will then be securely attached to the dental implant to complete the treatment.
Dental Implant FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about dental implants at Shelburne Smile Centre.
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How long does a dental implant last?
With proper care, it can last a lifetime. This includes proper brushing and flossing at home and attending regular dental hygiene cleanings and exams at your dental office.
There are also some other factors that can impact the longevity of your dental implants. This includes medical conditions, 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 implant is simple. You do everything you would for your natural teeth, including visiting your dentist for routine checkups and hygiene cleanings, as well as following a proper brushing and flossing routine at home.
Doing so can help prevent 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 your dental implant surgery, your dentist will administer anesthesia to prevent pain and keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.
Following the procedure, you should only have minimal discomfort. Most patients can manage any pain with an over-the-counter pain medication for a few days after the surgery.
Our dentists also recommend sticking to 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?
Depending on your treatment plan, the entire dental implant process will take an average of three to nine months to complete.
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?
Whether your dental implant is covered by insurance will depend on the provider and plan that you are under.
To determine what part, if any, of your dental implant treatment will be covered by your insurance, check with your insurance provider.