Keeping Port Hope Smiling
Don't let a missing tooth keep you down! Dental implants can be the ideal solution if you are looking to replace a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth.
Dental implants are man-made replacements for natural teeth. The implants themselves are artificial tooth roots made from titanium, which are anchored into the jaw bone. The implant’s screw-like shape helps it stay in place by providing more surface area for your jaw bone to fuse with. A replacement tooth, such as a crown, is then permanently secured to the metal implant.
Dental implants fill the spaces left by missing teeth, helping to prevent the teeth surrounding the gap from shifting. They also introduce new tooth roots to the jaw, which can help prevent the loss of jaw bone volume and strength.
In addition to being beneficial to your oral and overall health, dental implants can help you eat and speak as you did when you had your natural teeth, and can have aesthetic benefits that increase your confidence in your smile.
Do I Qualify for Dental Implants?
Unfortunately, not all patients are eligible for dental implants. Generally, you must be in good general and oral health to be a candidate for implants. Those who are undergoing cancer treatment, or have uncontrolled diabetes or uncontrolled gum disease, may not be eligible for dental implants. These conditions can affect whether the dental implant can be properly secured to the bone of your jaw, and can also affect post-op outcomes.
The Dental Implant Process
The first step is to have a consultation with your dentist. They will evaluate your oral and overall health to determine if you qualify for a dental implant. If all is well, they will discuss their treatment plan and answer any questions you may have.
During your next appointment, your implant surgery will be performed. You will be given a local anesthetic before the titanium post is surgically implanted into the bone. This acts as an artificial tooth root that your tooth replacement will be attached to.
After a healing period of three to six months (which gives your jaw bone time to fuse to the implant), a tooth replacement option, such as a crown, denture, or bridge will be placed on the implant to complete the process. This step of the procedure may require multiple appointments to ensure the right fit.
Dental Implant FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about dental implants at Avery Dental.
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How long does a dental implant last?
With proper care, dental implants should last a lifetime. In order to make sure your implants last, it’s important to follow all the post-procedure instructions from your dentist. If you experience any pain or discomfort for an unusually long time after your procedure, please contact us right away.
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How do I care for my dental implants?
You should care for your dental implants just as you would care for natural teeth: by brushing them for two minutes twice a day, or after meals, and by flossing daily. With proper oral hygiene, your implants should give you a healthy smile that can last the rest of your life.
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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 afterwards.
You will also need to eat a soft diet for the first couple of weeks after the implant surgery to avoid pain or irritation.
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How long does the dental implant process take?
The duration of the dental implant procedure itself can vary depending on how many implants you're having put in.
The healing time after surgery typically takes between three and six months.
Once you've healed, your prosthetic teeth (bridge, crown, etc.) will need to be created and placed.
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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 what part, if any, of your dental implant treatment will be covered by your insurance, check with your insurance provider.