Our Grande Prairie dentists may place a dental implant to replace a missing tooth in order to restore your smile.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium screw that is added to your jaw to replace a missing tooth root. Implants can be used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth.
The implant is surgically placed into the jaw bone. The titanium material bonds with the natural bone to serve as an anchor for a tooth replacement (usually a crown).
If you have a missing tooth, a dental implant can help to prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting, resolve bite issues or jaw joint pain, and restore facial tissues and appearance.
Why Replace Missing Teeth
If you have a missing tooth, the teeth around the gap may begin to shift out of place, resulting in misalignment. The jaw bone around the area may also begin to deteriorate, resulting in facial collapse and negatively impacting your ability to eat and talk.
Dental Implants in Grande Prairie: The Procedure
The dental implant procedure requires a dental implant (titanium screw) and a tooth replacement (usually a dental crown).
Your dentist will begin by surgically placing the implant into your jaw bone. As the surrounding tissue heals, the implant will bond with the bone and attach to the gum.
Once the healing is complete, (usually 3 to 6 months post-surgery) you will return to our office to complete the procedure.
At this final appointment, your dentist will attach a tooth replacement, such as a dental crown, bridge or denture, to the implant to create the look and function of a natural tooth.
Dental Implant FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about dental implants at Access Dental.
- How long does a dental implant last?
Cared for properly, dental implants can last a lifetime. Proper care includes regular brushing and flossing at home, as well as routinely attending professional hygiene cleanings and exams at your dentist's office.
The longevity of a dental implant can also depend on factors like nutrition, genetics, or the development of any dental diseases.
- How do I care for my dental implants?
Care for your dental implant just like you care for your natural teeth.
Visit your dentist for regular hygiene appointments and maintain a proper brushing and flossing routine at home to help prevent decay or diseases from developing in the surrounding teeth and gums, as this can negatively affect your dental implants.
- Does getting a dental implant hurt?
Your dentist will administer anesthesia during the procedure to make you comfortable, so you won't feel any pain.
After the procedure, there is not usually much discomfort. Most patients can manage any pain with an over-the-counter painkiller for a few days after the procedure.
You will also need to eat a soft diet for the first few weeks after the implant procedure to avoid any pain or irritation.
- How long does the dental implant process take?
The whole dental implant procedure can take between two to nine months to complete, depending on your treatment plan and needs.
Your dentist will provide a more specific timeline based on your particular case.
- Will my insurance cover dental implants?
Some insurances companies will cover the cost of dental implants, while some will only pay for part of the cost. 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.