What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium screw designed to act like a root for an eventual tooth replacement.
This screw is surgically inserted into your jawbone, and over time, bonds with the bone. These implants can be used to replace one or more missing teeth.
It is important to replace a missing tooth to preserve the function of your remaining teeth. If a gap is left, remaining teeth may begin to shift, causing issues with misalignment, changing your facial contour, and creating problems talking and chewing.
Additionally, dental implants can help resolve bite issues and relieve jaw or joint pain.
How Missing Teeth Can Affect Your Jawbone
If a tooth is missing and the space is left empty, the surrounding teeth may start to shift out of place, and the jawbone can deteriorate. The jawbone around the area may also begin to decline, which can result in facial collapse, or negatively impact your ability to eat and talk.
The Dental Implant Process
The dental implant process begins with the implant itself, which is a small titanium screw.
Your dentist will surgically place this implant into your jawbone below the gum tissue in the space where you are missing a tooth. Over the next three to six months, the tissue will heal, and your jawbone and gum tissue will bond with the implant.
Once healed, you will return to your dentist's office, where they will attach a tooth replacement, such as a dental crown, bridge or denture. This will make the implant look and function like a natural tooth.
Dental Implant FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about dental implants at SKH Dentistry.
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How long does a dental implant last?
When cared for properly, a dental implant can last a lifetime. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day at home and attending hygiene cleanings and exams at your dentist's office twice a year.
Other factors such as nutrition, genetics, and any development of dental disease can affect the longevity of your dental implant.
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How do I care for my dental implants?
Caring for a dental implant is much like caring for your natural teeth. The best way to ensure your dental implant will last is to visit your dental hygienist regularly for cleanings and maintain a proper brushing and flossing routine at home. This will help prevent decay or disease from developing in the surrounding teeth and gums, affecting your implant.
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Does getting a dental implant hurt?
You will receive anesthesia during your dental implant surgery to ensure you are comfortable and won't feel pain throughout the procedure.
Most patients can manage with over-the-counter pain medication if necessary for a few days following the procedure, but typically, there is not much discomfort associated with the surgery.
You may need to switch to a soft diet for a few weeks after the implant has been put in to avoid irritating the surgery site.
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How long does the dental implant process take?
In total, the dental implant process takes anywhere from three to six months to complete.
However, this can vary depending on your treatment plan. Your dentist will be able to provide you with a more specific timeline based on your unique case.
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Will my insurance cover dental implants?
Some insurance companies cover the cost of dental implants, while others pay only a portion of the cost. In other cases, insurance companies will not pay for a dental implant at all.
Check with your insurance provider to determine what part, if any, of your dental implant treatment will be covered.