Your Ottawa Invisalign Provider
What is a Dental Implant?
Missing teeth can lead to a range of oral health issues, including tooth misalignment and jaw bone deterioration. Replacing them with dental implants helps prevent these problems and supports long-term dental health.
In addition to filling gaps left by missing teeth, implants also help stabilize surrounding teeth, improve your jaw alignment, and even restore the natural shape of your face.
Dental implants also make it easier to speak and chew comfortably, all while giving you the confidence of a complete, healthy smile.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
When you lose a tooth, the nearby teeth can start to shift into the empty gap, leading to alignment problems. Plus, the bone around the gap may weaken over time, which can reduce support for surrounding teeth and lead to further deterioration.
The Dental Implant Process
The dental implant process is performed in stages, allowing the body to heal in between procedures. Because each patient is different, each treatment plan and timeline will be different. Overall, a dental implant procedure can consist of the following steps:
Dental Implant FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about dental implants at Skyline Dental Associates.
-
How long does a dental implant last?
A well-cared-for dental implant can last a lifetime. This includes proper brushing and flossing at home, as well as attending regular dental hygiene cleanings and exams at your dental office.
The life of your implant can also be affected by other factors, such as medical conditions, nutrition, genetics, or the development of any dental diseases.
-
How do I care for my dental implants?
Caring for a dental implant is the same as caring for your natural teeth.
Keeping up with regular dental checkups and practicing good brushing and flossing habits at home helps prevent gum and tooth diseases that could harm your dental implants.
-
Does getting a dental implant hurt?
During dental implant surgery, your dentist will use anesthesia to keep you comfortable.
Afterwards, most people experience only mild discomfort that can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers for a few days.
You’ll also want to stick to a soft-food diet for the first couple of weeks to help avoid any pain or irritation as you heal.
-
How long does the dental implant process take?
The whole dental implant process typically takes between three and nine months, depending on your individual treatment plan.
Your dentist will give you a more precise timeline tailored to your specific needs.
-
Will my insurance cover dental implants?
Coverage for dental implants varies; some insurance plans cover the full cost, others only part of it, and some don’t cover implants at all.
To find out what your plan covers, it’s best to check directly with your insurance provider.