Rejuvenate Your Smile
Gaps left by missing teeth can make speaking and chewing more difficult, allow remaining teeth to become loose and shift out of place or even cause jawbone deterioration and a loss of natural facial contour.
For many patients, dental implants are an ideal way to replace missing teeth and restore good oral health. When paired with a crown, bridge or denture, these artificial tooth roots can help to prevent escalating oral health issues from occurring.
Dental implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth that provides patients with a smile that looks and feels natural. With dental implants, no adhesives or special cleaning solutions are required, making them a convenient and low-maintenance tooth replacement option.
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a tiny titanium screw that is surgically placed and anchored directly into your jaw where a tooth once was. When paired with a colour-matched tooth replacement option such as a crown, bridge or denture, dental implants provide a permanent solution to missing teeth.
The Dental Implant Process
Your dentist will begin by assessing the strength of your jawbone where the implant will be placed. If the bone is weak, you may need a bone graft or sinus lift as your first step in the dental implant process.
Once your jaw heals, or if your jaw is already strong enough to support an implant, your dentists will surgically place the implant into the bone below the gum tissue. As the tissue heals, the implant bonds with the bone and attaches to the gums.
Once the area around your implant has healed completely, generally three to six months post-surgery, you will return to our office to complete the process.
Finally, your dentist will attach a tooth replacement. Depending on how many teeth are being replaced, your dental implant may be topped with a single dental crown, a bridge or a denture, to restore the appearance and function of your smile.
Dental Implant FAQs
Are you considering dental implants to replace your missing teeth? Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions to learn more about dental implants at Big Bay Dental.
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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 thorough at-home oral hygiene, brushing twice a day and flossing once daily. Attending regularly scheduled hygiene cleanings and examinations at your dental office also plays a key role in ensuring the longevity of your dental implants.
Other factors that impact the longevity of dental implants include nutrition, genetics, and the development of dental diseases.
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How do I care for my dental implants?
You should care for a dental implant in the same way that 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, discomfort is typically minimal. Most patients can manage any pain with an over-the-counter pain medication for a few days after the procedure.
You will 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 specific needs and 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 policies 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.
Check with your insurance provider to learn more about your specific coverage or ask our team to submit an estimate for treatment.