At Dr. Kerby Bruce and Associates our Charlottetown dentists may restore a dental implant as part of the process to replace a missing tooth and leave you with a natural-looking smile.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium screw that functions like a natural tooth root. They can be used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth.
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.
Dental implants can help to prevent surrounding teeth from shifting, resolve bite issues or jaw joint pain, and restore facial tissues and appearance.
Implant Restorations
When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth may begin to shift out of place and cause misalignment issues. The bone around the area may begin to deteriorate, resulting in facial collapse or negatively impacting your ability to eat and talk. Implant Restorations replace missing teeth and help prevent further issues from developing.
The Dental Implant Procedure
Dental implants are a two-step procedure that requires the placement of a dental implant and a tooth replacement.
An oral surgeon will begin by surgically placing the implant into your jaw bone below the gum tissue. The healing process generally takes 3 to 6 months and the implant bonds with the bone and gums.
At the 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 natural tooth.
Dental Implant FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about dental implants at Dr. Kerby Bruce and Associates.
- 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.
- Does getting a dental implant hurt?
During dental implant surgery, your dentist will administer anesthesia to make you comfortable so you won't feel any pain during the procedure.
There is not usually much discomfort following the procedure. Most patients can manage any pain with 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.
- 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.
- 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.