Replacing missing teeth is important for protecting your overall oral health. Dental implants are one option for this. Here, our North Delta dentists offer answers to some of the questions that we are most commonly asked about dental implant procedures.
1. What are dental implants?
Your dental implant's artificial titanium screw and restoration (replacement tooth, denture, or bridge) are intended to replace a missing tooth. Dental implants can be appealing to many people as they're made to look and feel like your natural teeth.
2. What are dental implants used for?
Missing teeth can cause a tremendous amount of shifting amount the remaining teeth. Dental Implants can:
- Help you eat and speak more easily
- Prevent surrounding teeth from shifting
- Improve or restore tissues in the face
You should be able to improve your functionality, appearance, and comfort with dental implants. Once your dental implant is in place and fully healed you will be able to continue using your teeth to eat the foods you enjoy while your confidence is restored.
3. How often are dental implant procedures performed?
This is a very commonly performed procedure among many dentists which should help to put your mind at ease. This is considered a standard procedure. It is also the only restoration treatment that promotes natural bone growth beneath a missing tooth.
4. How painful is a dental implant surgery?
The dental implant process will be completed in multiple visits over a period of time. Your dentist will need to allow each stage of the process to heal before moving on to the next stage.
During your first appointment, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth. This helps to determine the amount of gum tissue, bone and spacing available for a dental implant and is also used to create your crown.
You will be placed under general anesthesia while the dentist places the implant. This is to keep you comfortable and reduce pain. The area must then heal and integrate with the bone, a process that can take up to six months. Depending on the type of implant, a second surgery may be necessary to insert the "post" that will hold the prosthetic tooth in place.
During your second visit, your dentist will attach a crown to the top of the healed implant. Because several fittings may be required, this step could take up to two months to complete. The dentist will attach the artificial teeth to the implant after another period of healing, providing stability and comfort.
5. How long is the recovery after a dental implant procedure?
Depending on your circumstances, such as whether you have any pre-existing conditions or require special procedures before the dental implant surgery, it can take anywhere from 2 to 9 months for a dental implant to heal. During this time the bone will grow around the implant, which is a crucial stage in healing.
6. How much are dental implants?
The cost of a dental implant procedure depends on several factors including the complexity of your condition, the clinic and dentist and whether or not you have dental insurance. While some insurance plans will cover dental implants, not all of them do. You should speak with your insurance provider for more information. Your dentist can provide you with a treatment plan that includes a cost estimate, a scheduled appointment, and follow-up appointments. Your dentist will be able to discuss the dental implant options with you and what the cost of these options is.
7. How long will my new dental implant last?
How well you care for your dental implant will directly impact how long it lasts. Dental implants of all kinds are improving. Currently, there are no time limitations on the commonly used types of dental implants.