Restoring Missing Teeth
If your oral health is being negatively affected by missing teeth, then dental implants may be the right option for you.
A dental implant is a small titanium screw that functions like a natural tooth root. Implants can help replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth. They can provide a long-term solution to missing teeth that can be aesthetically and functionally equivalent to that of a natural tooth.
If you qualify for a dental implant, we can refer you to an oral surgeon in the Regina area. Once the implant is placed, we can guide you through the healing process and design and place a crown, bridge, or denture to finish the restoration.
Schedule an appointment with one of our dentists today and we can determine if a dental implant is right for you.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
If a tooth is missing, the teeth surrounding the gap may begin to shift out of place and cause misalignment issues. The jawbone around the area may also begin to deteriorate, resulting in a caved-in facial appearance.
The Dental Implant Process
Initial Consultation With the Dentist: During this consultation, one of our dentists will evaluate your oral health and determine if you are a suitable candidate for dental implants. If you are, they will refer you to an oral surgeon in the area.
Surgical Placement of the Implant: This procedure is typically done under local anesthesia and involves inserting a titanium screw into the jawbone to serve as a foundation for the artificial tooth.
Healing Process: Following the surgical placement, a healing period is necessary to allow the implant to fuse with the jawbone. This generally lasts between three and six months.
Placement of the Restoration: Once healing is complete, you will return to our office so a crown or bridge can be fitted on top of the implant. The fitting process might add some time, but our priority is getting just the right fit for you. As such, we'll do as many fittings as necessary to achieve that goal.
Dental Implant FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about dental implants:
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How long does a dental implant last?
If you care for your implant properly, it can last a lifetime. This includes proper brushing and flossing at home, as well as attending regular hygiene cleanings and exams at your dental office.
The longevity of a dental implant may also depend on other factors including nutrition, genetics or the development of any dental 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.
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?
During dental implant surgery, your oral surgeon will administer anesthesia to make you more comfortable.
Following the procedure, there is not usually much discomfort. Most patients can manage pain with an over-the-counter pain medication for a few days after the procedure. However, you will 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?
The entire dental implant process usually takes about three to six months to complete, depending on your treatment plan.
The placement of the restoration may add some time to the process, as it may take multiple sessions to get the best fit.
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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.