Restore Your Smile With Dental Implants
If you frequently hide your smile or experience oral health issues due to missing teeth, then dental implant restorations may be right for you. They can provide a long-term solution to missing teeth that is aesthetically and functionally equivalent to a natural tooth.
Dental implant surgery involves the placement of a tiny titanium screw into the jawbone. After the implant has healed, it will be covered with a tooth replacement option, such as a crown. Once your new tooth or teeth are in place, you will have the freedom to indulge in your favourite foods once more, and you can say goodbye to the self-consciousness that can come with having gaps in your teeth.
If it's been determined that a dental implant is needed, we will refer you to an oral surgeon so they can perform your surgery. Once the surgical procedure is done and you've had time to heal, we will schedule an appointment at our office to complete your treatment.
Implant Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are a tooth replacement option that combines dentures and dental implants.
Rather than resting on your gums and being affixed with adhesives like traditional dentures, these are anchored by dental implants attached to your jawbone. They not only look and feel much like teeth, but they can also be comfortable and allow for easy cleaning.
The Dental Implant Process
The dental implant process is used to replace one or more missing teeth. This treatment involves two separate parts that are completed over two visits.
During the first visit, the oral surgeon surgically places the implant into your jawbone beneath the gum tissue. As the tissue heals, the implant bonds with the jawbone and your gums will attach to it. Healing usually takes around three to six months.
Once the healing is complete, you will return to our office for the second part of the implant process. During this visit, we will attach a tooth replacement, such as a dental crown, bridge or denture, creating the look and function of a natural tooth.
Dental Implant Restoration FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about dental implant restorations at Northgate Dental Clinic.
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Does getting a dental implant hurt?
Anesthesia is used to make you comfortable and to prevent pain during the dental implant procedure.
You should remain relatively comfortable once the treatment is complete. Most patients can manage any pain with an over-the-counter pain medication for a few days after the procedure.
Your dentist may also recommend that you 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. However, this timeline will vary depending on factors like your overall health, how many teeth are involved and if you need extractions prior to the procedure.
You may also need follow up visits to monitor the success of the treatment and to discuss the comfort of your restoration. Your dentist can provide you with a more specific timeline based on your particular case.
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How long does a dental implant restoration last?
With proper care, you can expect your dental implant restoration to last a lifetime. This includes a thorough oral hygiene routine with daily brushing and flossing at home. You will also need to attend regular hygiene cleanings and exams at our dental clinic.
The longevity of a dental implant and the attached tooth replacement may 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 implant restoration?
The good news is that caring for a dental implant restoration is fairly straightforward. You will clean it in the same way that you do for all of your natural teeth.
Visiting our clinic 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. If dental disease occurs it can affect the function of the dental implant and tooth replacement.
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Will my insurance cover dental implant restorations?
There is no straight answer for whether dental implant restorations are covered by insurance. Some companies cover the full cost while others may only offer partial coverage. To determine what part, if any, of your dental implant treatment will be covered by your policy, check with your insurance provider.