Anchoring Your Tooth Replacement
A dental implant is a tiny titanium screw that replaces the root of a missing tooth. It is placed in the jawbone, where it osseointegrates (fuses with the natural tissue surrounding it). It can provide a stable base for a tooth replacement such as a dental crown, bridge, or denture.
If you are missing teeth and this space is not filled, the teeth surrounding the gap often drift, and the opposing teeth in the other arch will erupt further into the oral cavity (hypereruption) which can change your bite, lead to possible bone erosion in the area, and even affect your ability to speak and eat.
Implants, in combination with a dental restoration, can also help fill out your jawline and keep your facial muscles from sagging, helping you maintain a more youthful appearance.
With dental implants, you will be able to experience the freedom to indulge in your favourite foods once more and you can bid farewell to the self-consciousness you may feel due to gaps in your 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 jaw bone around the area may also begin to deteriorate because of the lack of stimulation from the tooth root.
Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Multiple factors are considered when your dentist evaluates your candidacy for dental implants:
Bone Density: For implants to successfully fuse to your bone, there must be enough bone remaining in your jaw. If your jaw bone requires a little extra support, a bone graft procedure might be needed before placing the implant.
Oral Health: Your teeth must be cavity-free and your gums clear of periodontal disease before proceeding with dental implants. This is because any existing oral health issues can increase the risk of complications during and after the implant procedure. Your dentist may recommend treatments such as root canals or deep cleanings to address any oral health issues before moving forward with the implant procedure.
General Health: It is important to inform your dentist of any medical conditions you may have or medications you are taking, as certain health issues can affect the success of your surgery. Your overall health plays a crucial role in the healing process after implant placement, so it is essential to be in good health before undergoing the procedure.
Dental Implant FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about dental implants at Cedar Ridge Dental.
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What is involved in the dental implant process?
During your initial consultation, one of our dentists will assess your oral health and determine if you are a suitable candidate for dental implants. If you are, they will discuss their treatment plan and answer any questions you may have.
The surgical placement of the implant happens at the next appointment. This procedure is typically done under local anesthesia and involves inserting a titanium screw into the jaw bone 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 a crown or denture can be fitted on top of the implant. Because we want to get the fit just right, it may take a few appointments to complete this step of the process.
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What are the advantages to dental implants?
Dental Implants are a popular choice for replacing missing teeth, mainly because of a few advantages they have, including:
- Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. And because they are designed to fuse with bone, they become permanent.
- Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that teeth might slip.
- Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain.
- Dental implants can give you back your smile and help you feel better about yourself.
- Because nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant, more of your own teeth are left intact, improving long-term oral health. Individual implants also allow easier access between teeth, improving oral hygiene.
- Implants are very durable and will last many years. With good care, many implants last a lifetime.
- Dental implants are low maintenance and provide stability and confidence in your smile. for many patients, the long-term value of dental implants far exceeds conventional treatment options. They are often more comfortable as they are permanent and don't move as you eat or talk.
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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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What are the components of a dental implant?
The root-form implant is the most common type and basically consists of three main components:
- Implant screw: This part of the implant is made of titanium and is surgically placed in the bone. Titanium is accepted by the body extremely well and fuses with the bone (called osseointegration) during the healing process.
- Abutment: This is a metal collar that attaches to the top of the implant screw and is the base for a crown, bridge, or denture.
- Crown: The crown is the manufactured tooth that fits on top of the abutment. Bridges and dentures can also be secured to the abutment. The placement of the crown, bridge, or denture is the final step of the implant process.
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Does getting a dental implant hurt?
No, dental implants are typically placed under local anesthesia. Most treatments can be completed in your dentist's office.
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. The placement of the restoration may add some time to the process, as it may take a few sessions to get just the right fit.
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.
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How soon can I return to work after treatment?
Most people can return to work the next day, unless otherwise advised by your dentist. You may be prescribed medication to alleviate any minor discomfort you may have.