Take Steps Toward a Healthier Smile
A dental implant is a surgical option for replacing missing teeth. This implant is made up of two parts that act as a single unit: a titanium screw and an artificial tooth. First, the titanium screw is anchored in place. Once you've healed from surgery, the placement of an artificial crown completes your dental restoration by covering the implant and filling the gap in your smile.
Not only do these help to improve the appearance of your smile, but they also restore the functionality of your teeth.
Dental implants can help prevent surrounding teeth from shifting, resolve bite issues or jaw joint pain and help restore the appearance of your smile.
If a tooth is missing, the 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. For a lot of patients, this can cause some feelings of shame and discomfort. Not to mention, the cost of ongoing dental care can be inconvenient to deal with. This is why it is important to us that we offer solutions to help restore your oral health.
Dental implants are one of many types of tooth replacement options that can help us restore your smile and prevent these concerns.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
For a dental implant to be anchored securely, you need to have a strong jaw bone and good oral health. If you have experienced some deterioration of your jaw, a bone graft or sinus lift may be an option to help reinforce the jaw to make dental implants a suitable tooth replacement option for you.
What is the Dental Implant Process?
The dental implant process is completed in two or more separate visits and can be used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth. At Kingswood Dentistry we use Nobel Biocare implants for our patients.
During the first visit, the implant is surgically placed into the jaw bone and then bonds with the natural bone to serve as an anchor for a tooth replacement. As it heals, the implant will bond to the jaw bone and gums.
The restoration part of the process involves the artificial tooth (or teeth) that is permanently secured to the dental implant. Depending on the number of implants placed, your restoration could be an individual crown, a bridge or a full denture.
When put together, the two parts of the dental implant work to help give you a restored smile, prevent surrounding teeth from shifting, resolve bite issues or jaw joint pain and prevent jaw deterioration and facial collapse.
Dental Implant FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about dental implants at Kingswood Dentistry.
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How long does a dental implant last?
With routine oral hygiene and care, your dental implant will be able to last many years. This includes proper brushing and flossing at home, as well as attending regular hygiene cleanings and exams at your dental office.
There are a number of other factors that can affect the success of your implant including nutrition, genetics, or the development of any dental diseases.
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How do I care for my dental implants?
Caring for your dental implant will be much the same as caring for your own 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?
Because your dentist will have you placed under general anesthesia for the implant procedure, you shouldn't feel anything at all.
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 may want to stick to soft foods for a while after the procedure to help reduce the pain and inflammation.
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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, depending on your treatment plan.
Speak with your dentist to learn more about what the dental implant timeline may look like for your unique 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.
Reach out to your insurance provider to learn more about what they may or may not cover when it comes to dental implants.