What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is an artificial root, usually made of titanium, used to replace a missing natural root. It can be used to replace one or more missing teeth.
Surgically inserted into the jawbone, the implant acts as an anchor point for a tooth replacement, such as a bridge or denture.
Implants help prevent the movement of neighboring teeth, correct certain bite disorders or jaw pain, and help to reshape the face and surrounding tissues.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth can gradually shift over time, which may lead to misalignment. The jawbone can also lose density and volume, potentially affecting facial structure, impairing speech, and making chewing more difficult.
The Dental Implant Process
Dental implants are tiny titanium posts that are surgically anchored into the jawbone.
The procedure starts with a small incision in the gum to expose the bone, where the implant is carefully positioned. Over the next few months, the bone gradually grows around the implant, stabilizing it.
After a healing period of three to six months, you return to the clinic to complete the restoration.
During the final visit, the dentist secures the replacement tooth, whether a crown, bridge, or denture, onto the implant, recreating the look and function of a natural tooth.
Dental Implant FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about dental implants at Anjou Centre Dentaire d'Urgence.
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How long does a dental implant last?
With proper care, a dental implant can last a lifetime. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene at home is important, in addition to regular visits to your dentist for cleanings and checkups.
The durability of an implant can also be influenced by several factors, such as diet, heredity or certain oral 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.
Regular visits to the dentist for cleanings are essential. A good at-home routine, including brushing and flossing, helps prevent cavities and gum disease. These habits reduce the risk of complications that could compromise the health of your implants.
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Does getting a dental implant hurt?
The placement of a dental implant is a surgical procedure that takes approximately one hour, performed under local anesthesia, which means that no pain is felt during the procedure.
After the operation, the level of discomfort can vary from person to person. Most patients are able to relieve the pain with over-the-counter pain relievers.
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?
Depending on the established treatment plan, the entire process of receiving a dental implant can take from three to six months.
Your dentist will be able to provide you with a more accurate estimate based on your situation.
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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.