Renew Your Smile
Dental implants are small titanium screws that function like the roots of natural teeth. They can be used to replace a single tooth root or several.
Implant restorations are the natural looking artificial teeth that are permanently secured to the surgically placed dental implant. Restorations can be dental crowns, bridges or even dentures.
Combined with the restoration, dental implants can help to restore your oral health, helping to prevent surrounding teeth from shifting, resolve bite issues or jaw joint pain, and help maintain facial tissues and appearance.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
The teeth surrounding a missing tooth may shift out of place and cause misalignment issues. The jaw bone may also begin to deteriorate, resulting in facial collapse and negatively impacting your ability to eat and speak.
The Dental Implant Process
At Albert Park Dental Clinic we can assess your oral health to determine whether dental implants may be right for you. If you are a suitable candidate for implants we will refer you to an oral surgeon to undergo dental implant placement.
Your surgeon will place a tiny titanium screw (the dental implant) into your jawbone to act as the tooth root. Throughout the healing process the implant will fuse with your jawbone and attach to your gums.
The healing process following implant placement will take approximately three to six months. After your jaw has healed properly, you will return to our office to have a natural looking artificial tooth (your implant restoration) secured to the dental implant.
Dental Implant FAQs
Considering dental implants but still have questions? Find the answers to our frequently asked questions about dental implants at Albert Park Dental Clinic.
-
What is the difference between a dental implant and an implant restoration?
Dental implants are the tiny titanium screws that are surgically placed into your jaw where the roots of your missing tooth were once anchored. Dental implants secure your restoration permanently in place.
An implant restoration is the artificial tooth or teeth that are secured to your dental implant. Restorations can be a crown, bridge or denture depending on your needs.
-
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 such as diet, nutrition, genetics, or the development of any dental diseases.
-
How do I care for my dental implants?
You should care for a dental implant just like you care for your natural teeth.
Regular dental check-ups and diligent at-home oral care can ward off potential decay and diseases in neighboring teeth and gums, safeguarding the integrity of your dental implants.
-
Does getting a dental implant hurt?
During dental implant surgery, your dentist will administer anesthesia to help you feel comfortable so you won't feel pain during the procedure.
Following the procedure, there is not usually much discomfort. Most patients can manage any pain with an 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 process usually takes about three to six 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 insurances 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.