What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a titanium screw that gets surgically implanted into your jaw to act as a base for a tooth replacement, such as a crown, bridge or denture.
Dental implants provide a permanent, fixed solution to missing teeth, and can be used to replace one or more missing teeth, depending on your needs.
In addition to helping prevent existing teeth from shifting, dental implants can also be used to resolve bite issues and jaw joint pain, and restore facial contour lost by missing teeth.
If you require a dental implant, we will refer you to an oral surgeon to have the implant placed. Once you have healed from surgery, we will place a tooth replacement to restore your smile.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
If a tooth is missing, the teeth surrounding the space may begin to shift, causing misalignment issues. Additionally, your teeth provide continual stimulation of the jaw bone to keep it healthy. Without them, your jaw bone may begin to deteriorate, leading to facial collapse or negatively affecting how you eat and talk.
The Dental Implant Process
The dental implant process typically takes two dental appointments – one for the surgery and the other to place an artificial tooth. If it is determined that dental implants are the right for you, we will refer you to an oral surgeon.
During your surgery, a titanium screw is surgically inserted into your jaw bone below the gum tissue. Over the next three to six months, the implant will bond with your bone and attach to your gums while the tissue in the area heals.
Once healing is complete, you will come back to our dental office where we will attach a tooth replacement to the implant. This could be a crown, bridge or denture, depending on your unique situation.
Dental Implant FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about dental implants at Bayside Dental.
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How long does a dental implant last?
If you care for your implant properly, it can last a lifetime. Proper care includes regular brushing and flossing at home, as well as attending routine 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 dentist will administer anesthesia to make you 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.
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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.
Your dentist can provide you with a more specific timeline based on your particular case.
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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.