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What is a Dental Implant?
This small titanium screw functions much like a natural tooth root. They can be used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth.
Your dentist surgically places this implant into the jaw bone, then bonds with the natural bone to serve as an anchor for a tooth replacement.
A dental implant can help resolve bite issues or jaw joint pain, restore facial tissues and appearance, and prevent surrounding teeth from shifting.
Why Replace Missing Teeth
When a tooth is missing, the teeth surrounding the gap can begin to shift out of place and cause misalignment issues. The jaw bone around this area may begin to break down, resulting in facial collapse or negatively impacting your ability to speak and chew.
The Dental Implant Procedure
To complete a dental implant procedure, your dentist requires a dental implant (titanium screw) and a tooth replacement.
To start, your dentist surgically places the implant into your jaw bone below the gum tissue. As the tissue heals, the implant will bond with the bone and attach to the gum.
Once the area has healed, generally 3 to 5 months post-surgery, you will return to our office to have the procedure completed.
During this final appointment, a tooth replacement such as a denture, dental crown or bridge will be attached to the implant to create the appearance and function of a natural tooth.
Dental Implant FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about dental implants at Dental One Bankers Hall.
- How long does a dental implant last?
If your implant is cared for 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.
A dental implant's longevity can also depend on other factors such as genetics, nutrition or the development of any dental diseases.
- How do I care for my dental implants?
Care for a dental implant just as you care for your natural teeth.
Seeing your dentist for regular hygiene appointments and maintaining a proper brushing and flossing routine at home can help prevent disease or decay from developing in your surrounding teeth and gums, which can negatively impact your dental implants.
- Does getting a dental implant hurt?
Your dentist will provide anesthesia during dental implant surgery to ensure your comfort, so you won't be able to feel any pain during the procedure.
After the procedure, there is not usually much discomfort. Most patients can manage any pain with an over-the-counter pain medications for a few days following the procedure.
You'll also need to eat a soft diet for the first couple of weeks following the procedure to avoid irritation or pain.
- How long does the dental implant process take?
It takes between to and nine months to complete an entire dental implant procedure.
Your dentist can provide you with a more accurate timeline, based on your specific case.
- Will my insurance cover dental implants?
While some insurance providers will cover the cost of dental implants, others will only pay for part of the cost, and others won't pay for any portion of it.
Check with your insurance provider to find out which part, if any of your dental implant treatment will be covered by your insurance provider.