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Dental Implants can be an integral part of restoring your smile. Our Oakville dentists may place a dental implant when replacing a missing tooth for a more natural feeling smile
Dental Implants
A dental implant is a small titanium screw that functions like a natural tooth root. They are used both to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth.
The implant is surgically placed into the jaw bone and then bonds with the natural bone, serving as an anchor for the tooth replacement.
Dental implants can help to prevent surrounding teeth from shifting, resolve bite issues or jaw joint pain, and restore the function and appearance of your smile.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
If a tooth is missing, that is not the end of the story - teeth surrounding the gap may begin to shift out of place and cause misalignment issues. The jaw bone around the area may also begin to deteriorate, resulting in facial collapse or negatively impacting your ability to eat and talk.
The Dental Implant Procedure
The dental implant procedure requires a dental implant (titanium screw) and a tooth replacement.
Your dentist will begin by surgically placing 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.
Generally 3 to 6 months after this initial surgery, patients return to River Oaks Dental to complete the procedure.
To finish the job, your dentist will attach a tooth replacement which may be a dental crown, bridge, or denture depending on your needs - leaving you with a natural-looking smile.
Dental Implant FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about dental implants at River Oaks Dental.
- How long does a dental implant last?
Dental Implants can last a lifetime, if properly cared for. Proper brushing and flossing at home, as well as attending regular hygiene cleanings and exams at your dental office are important to make sure your implant stays in great shape.
The longevity of a dental implant may also be impacted by other factors including nutrition, genetics, or the development of any dental diseases.
- How do I care for my dental implants?
You should care for a dental implant in the same manner you care for your natural teeth.
Visiting your dentist 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, which can negatively affect your dental implants.
- Does getting a dental implant hurt?
During dental implant surgery, your dentist will administer anesthesia to make you comfortable so you won't feel any pain during the procedure.
Following the procedure, there is usually only mild discomfort. Most patients can manage any pain with over-the-counter pain medication for a few days after the procedure.
Do note that you will also need to eat a soft diet for the first couple of weeks after the implant procedure to avoid any pain or irritation.
- How long does the dental implant process take?
Depending on your treatment plan the implant process can take anywhere from 2 - 9 months.
Your dentist can provide you with 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 a portion of the cost, and 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, reach out to your insurance provider.