What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a titanium screw that is inserted into the jaw bone to act as a tooth root for an eventual tooth replacement.
Together with a tooth replacement, such as a crown or a denture, a dental implant can restore the function and appearance of your smile.
Not only does replacing missing teeth have aesthetic benefits, but it can preserve the health of the teeth surrounding the gap.
If you want the confidence that a fully restored smile can give you, or want to be able to eat the food you used to love, you may be the ideal candidate for dental implant restorations at Markham 7 Dental.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
When a tooth is missing, the nearby teeth can start to shift out of place, leading to alignment problems. Over time, the jaw bone may also deteriorate, which weakens support for surrounding teeth and can lead to more tooth loss.
The Dental Implant Process
The entire dental implant process will take a few steps. We will start with an oral exam, and then X-rays will be taken of your head, jaw and teeth. If your dentist determines that implants are the right treatment option for you, we will refer you to an oral surgeon. Once the surgery is complete and you've had time to heal, we will schedule an appointment at our office to complete your treatment.
At your surgical appointment, the implant is placed into your jaw bone. Over time, the implant will bond with the natural bone and serve as an anchor for a tooth replacement.
The next step in the dental implant process involves your dentist securing the artificial tooth (or teeth) to the dental implant. Depending on the number of implants placed, your restoration could be an individual crown, a bridge or a denture.
When put together, the two parts of the dental implant help give you a restored smile, prevent surrounding teeth from shifting, resolve bite issues or jaw joint pain and prevent jaw deterioration and facial collapse.
Dental Implant FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about dental implant restorations at Markham 7 Dental.
-
How long does a dental implant last?
If cared for properly, a dental implant can last a lifetime. Proper care consists of daily brushing and flossing, as well as regular dental hygiene appointments at Markham 7 Dental.
How long a dental implant lasts can also depend on things like your overall health, diet, genetics, and whether any dental issues develop over time.
-
How do I care for my dental implants?
Caring for your dental implant is no different than caring for your natural teeth.
Regular dental hygiene visits and maintaining a proper brushing and flossing routine at home can help prevent plaque from developing in the surrounding teeth and gums, which can negatively affect your dental implants.
-
Does getting a dental implant hurt?
Your dentist will administer anesthesia to keep you comfortable during the procedure.
Most patients are able to manage any pain or discomfort they may feel for the first few days after surgery with over-the-counter pain medicine.
You will also need to eat a soft diet for the first couple of weeks after the implant procedure to avoid pain or irritation.
-
How long does the dental implant process take?
The entire dental implant process usually takes about three to nine months to complete, depending on your treatment plan.
Your dentist can provide you with a more specific timeline based on your particular case.
-
Will my insurance cover dental implants?
Some insurance plans cover dental implants fully, others may only cover part of the cost, and some might not cover them at all.
The best way to find out what’s included in your coverage is to contact your insurance provider directly.