Replacing Missing Teeth
A dental implant is a small titanium screw that is surgically placed into the area of the missing tooth. The implant will then bond with the jaw bone in order to function as the missing tooth root.
The implant becomes the new anchor for your tooth. The takes up approximately the same amount of space as a natural tooth root.
Once placed, dental implants can help prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting, resolve bite issues or jaw pain, and help restore facial tissues and appearance.
Why Replace Missing Teeth
A missing tooth causes a gap between other teeth, which leaves you at risk of your other teeth shifting out of place. The jaw bone around the area could begin to deteriorate, resulting in facial collapse or impairing your ability to eat and talk.
The Dental Implant Procedure
The procedure of getting a dental implant requires the implant itself (a titanium screw) and an artificial tooth replacement.
The screw is implanted in the gum area missing the tooth in order to function as the missing tooth root. As the tissue heals, the implant bonds with the bone and attaches to the gums.
The healing process typically takes between 3 and 6 months. Post-healing, our patients will return to the office to have the procedure completed.
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 tooth.
Dental Implant FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about dental implants at Fort Garry Dental Centre.
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How long does a dental implant last?
If you care for your implant 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.
The longevity of a dental implant may also 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 implants?
You should care for a dental implant just like 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.
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Does getting a dental implant hurt?
During dental implant surgery, your dentist will administer anesthesia to make you comfortable so you won't feel pain during the procedure.
Following the procedure, there is not usually much discomfort. Most patients can manage any pain with an over-the-counter pain medication for a few days after the procedure.
You will also need to 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 procedure usually takes about two to nine months to complete, depending on your treatment plan.
Your dentist can provide you with a more specific timeline based on your particular case.
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Will my insurance cover dental implants?
Some insurance 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, check with your insurance provider.