Your Napanee Invisalign® Provider
At Got Smile Dental Centre our Napanee dentists may place a dental implant as part of the process to replace a missing tooth and leave you with a natural-looking smile.
What are Dental Implants and Dentures?
A dental implant is a small titanium screw which functions similar to a natural tooth root. Used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth, the implant is surgically placed into the jaw bone.
It then bonds with the natural bone to act as an anchor for a tooth replacement. Dental implants can help resolve bite issues or jaw joint pain, prevent surrounding teeth from shifting, and restore facial tissues and appearance.
Dentures are artificial replacement teeth that can give patients who are missing their natural teeth the ability to chew and speak properly again.
Why Replace Missing Teeth
Teeth surrounding the gap left by a missing tooth may start to move out of place and cause misalignment issues. The jaw bone surrounding the area may also start to break down, resulting in facial collapse or negatively impacting your ability to eat and talk.
The Dental Implant Procedure
For a dental implant procedure, your dentist will start with a dental implant (titanium screw) and a tooth replacement.
Your dentist will start by surgically placing the implant below the gum tissue, into your jaw bone. As the tissue heals, the implant will bond with the bone and attach to the gum.
Once healing has occurred, generally 3 to 6 months post-surgery, you'll return to our office to have the procedure completed.
During this final appointment, your dentist will attach a tooth replacement such as a dental bridge, crown or denture to the implant. You now have a natural-looking functional tooth.
Dental Implant FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about dental implants at Got Smile Dental Centre.
- How long does a dental implant last?
Implants can last a lifetime if cared for properly. This includes proper brushing and flossing at home, in addition to attending routine hygiene cleanings and exams at your dental office.
A dental implant's longevity can also depend on other factors including nutrition, genetics, or the development of any dental diseases.
- How do I care for my dental implants?
You should care for a dental implant similar to how you care for your natural teeth.
Seeing your dentist for regular hygiene appointments and maintaining a proper brushing and flossing routine at home help prevent decay or diseases from developing in the teeth and gums surrounding the area, which can negatively affect your dental implants.
- Does getting a dental implant hurt?
During dental implant surgery, you will receive anesthesia from your dentist to help you feel more comfortable, so you won't feel any pain during the procedure.
Following the procedure, patients do not typically feel much discomfort. Any pain can often be managed with an over-the-counter pain medication for a few days after the procedure.
To avoid any irritation or pain, you will also need to eat a soft diet for the first couple of weeks after the implant procedure.
- How long does the dental implant process take?
Depending on your treatment plan, the entire dental implant procedure usually takes about two to nine months to complete.
Your dentist can provide you with a more specific timeline based on your particular case.
- Will my insurance cover dental implants?
Some insurance companies cover the cost of dental implants, while some may 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.
Overdentures
Overdentures are attached to, or fitted over, dental implants. This technique offers the denture better retention and support, making them an ideal alternative to traditional full or partial dentures.