Your Tecumseh Invisalign® Provider
Our dentists at St. Clair Beach Dental Centre can place a dental implant as part of the process to replace a missing tooth and help you achieve a natural-looking smile.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant uses a small titanium screw to replace your natural tooth root. They can be used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth.
Your dentist will surgically place the implant into your jaw bone, where it will bond with the natural bone to serve as an anchor for a tooth replacement.
Dental implants can help to resolve bite issues or jaw joint pain, prevent surrounding teeth from shifting, and restore facial tissues and appearance.
Why Replace Missing Teeth
Missing teeth leave a gap that can cause remaining teeth to start to shift out of place and cause misalignment issues. The jaw bone surrounding the area may also begin to deteriorate, leading to facial collapse or negatively impacting. your ability to speak and chew.
Dental Implants in Tecumseh: The Procedure
To perform a dental implant procedure, your dentist will need a titanium screw (which will serve as the dental implant) and a tooth replacement.
The dentist will start by surgically placing the implant into your jaw bone underneath the gum tissue. As the tissue heals, the implant will bond to the bone and attach to the gum.
Once healing has occurred, typically 3 to 6 months post-surgery, you will return to our office in Tecumseh to have the procedure completed.
During this final appointment, your dentist will attach a tooth replacement such as a dental crown, bridge or denture to the implant to create the function and appearance of a natural tooth.
Dental Implant FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions we've received from patients about dental implants at St. Clair Beach Dental Centre.
- How long does a dental implant last?
Implants that are properly cared for can last a lifetime. You will need to brush and floss properly at home, and attend regular hygiene cleanings and exams with your dentist.
The longevity of a dental implant may also be impacted by other factors including genetics, nutrition or the development of any dental diseases.
- How do I care for my dental implants?
Just like you care for your natural teeth, your dental implant will need similar attention.
Maintaining a proper brushing and flossing routine at home and visiting your dentist regularly for hygiene appointments can help prevent decay or diseases from developing in the surrounding teeth and gums, which can negatively impact your dental implants.
- Does getting a dental implant hurt?
When your dental implant surgery is taking place, the dentist will administer anesthesia to help you feel comfortable so you won't feel any pain during the procedure.
After the procedure, most patients do not typically feel much discomfort. Most patients can manage any pain they may feel with over-the-counter pain medication for a few days following the procedure.
For the first couple of weeks after the implant procedure, you will also need to plan to eat a soft diet to avoid any irritation or pain.
- How long does the dental implant process take?
Depending on your treatment plan, the entire dental implant procedure generally takes about 2 to 9 months to complete.
Your dentist will be able to provide you with a more precise timeline based on your specific case and circumstances.
- Will my insurance cover dental implants?
While some insurance companies will cover the full cost of dental implants, others will only pay a portion of the cost, and others won't pay for any part of it.
To determine which percentage, if any, of your dental implant treatment will be covered by your insurance, check with your insurance provider.