Replace Missing Teeth With Dental Implants
When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth may begin to shift out of place, leading to misalignment issues. Misaligned teeth can be more challenging to clean and may prevent your teeth from fitting together properly, resulting in jaw joint pain. If you are missing teeth, you may also experience deterioration of the jaw bone, which can lead to additional complications such as the continued loss of teeth. This is why replacing missing teeth is vital for good ongoing oral health.
Dental implants are effective long-term replacements for missing teeth. The implant, typically made from titanium, acts as an artificial tooth root. It will be combined with a dental restoration such as a bridge or denture. These parts work together to restore your oral health and the function of your smile.
If Dr. Ma determines that you are in need of a dental implant, he will refer you to his other location, Accent Dental, to complete the procedure.
Promoting Jaw Health
Did you know that your teeth help keep your jaw bone healthy? When you chew, it creates pressure on the jaw bone, which stimulates the tissue cells. If you have missing teeth and can no longer chew effectively, the lack of stimulation can result in your jaw bone gradually breaking down.
The Dental Implant Process
Placing dental implants involves multiple steps typically completed in two or more appointments.
During the first visit, your dentist surgically places the implant into your jaw bone beneath the gum tissue. As the tissue heals, the implant bonds with the bone and your gums attach to it, creating a permanent fixture. The dental implant can take three to six months to heal before the next step occurs.
To complete the restoration, your dentist will attach a tooth replacement, like a dental crown, bridge or denture, to the dental implant to create the look and function of a natural tooth.
Dental Implant FAQs
Here, we offer the answers to some of the most common questions about dental implants:
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How long does a dental implant last?
With proper care, dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. Proper care includes daily brushing and flossing at home and attending regular hygiene cleanings and examinations at our dental clinic.
Other factors that influence how long your dental implant lasts include nutrition, genetics, or the development of any dental diseases.
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How do I care for my dental implants?
The good news is that you won't need to change your approach to dental care with dental implants. You will take care of your new dental implants in much the same way 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 dentist will typically administer anesthesia to help you feel comfortable so you won't feel pain.
Once the procedure is complete, you may experience minor discomfort. Many patients can manage any pain with over-the-counter pain medication for the first few days after treatment.
You may also want to stick to eating 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 your treatment plan, the entire dental implant process usually takes three to six months to complete. This typically involves two or more appointments.
Your dentist can provide a more specific timeline based on your specific case.
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Will my insurance cover dental implants?
The amount covered by insurance will vary between providers. Some companies cover all of the procedure, others may only cover a portion, and some plans won't include dental implant coverage.
Check with your insurance provider to determine what part, if any, of your dental implant treatment will be covered by your insurance.