At Access Dental in Grande Prairie, our dentists get a lot of questions about dental implants. Here are some answers to the questions our patients most commonly ask!
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are permanent replacements for missing teeth. The implants itself is a tiny titanium rod that is implanted into the patient’s jaw bone, and acts as the root of the artificial tooth.
We use titanium because it is a type of metal that can bond with bone, and as a result, titanium implants make very secure and stable tooth replacements.
The dental implant is then capped with a dental crown that looks like a natural tooth.
Together, the implant and the cap look and function just like a natural tooth would.
How many teeth can be replaced with dental implants?
Dental implants can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even all the teeth in the jaw.
The number of actual implants you need, however, can be reduced by attaching a bridge or denture with multiple false teeth to a single implant.
The number dental implants that can be supported by a given person’s jaw depends on the density of the jaw bone, and in some cases, a bone graft may be needed to support the implant(s).
Is dental implant surgery painful?
The dental implant procedure is typically performed under anaesthesia. After the procedure is complete, you may feel some discomfort while your mouth is healing, but this can be managed with painkillers, and won’t last long. Overall, the discomfort you feel as a result of your dental implant procedure will be minimal.
How much do dental implants cost?
The price of your dental implant treatment depends on several factors, including the number of implants you need, whether you also need a bone or gum graft to better support the implant, and how much of the procedure is covered by your insurance, among other things.
Your dentist will provide you with an estimate for the cost of your treatment following your initial consultation.
What happens if I don’t get a dental implant?
Dental implants are not right for everyone, but there are other effective tooth replacement options available, like bridges and dentures. Your dentist will help you choose the best tooth replacement option for your needs.
Whatever option you choose, it is very important to replace missing teeth as soon as possible. If they are not replaced, the jaw and gum tissues around the gap will begin to deteriorate, making future treatment more difficult. In addition, the teeth surrounding the gap can begin to shift out of position if it is not filled, which may result in uneven teeth and bite problems.