What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a durable, artificial tooth root securely placed into the jawbone, providing a strong foundation for a replacement tooth.
By replacing missing teeth, we can help prevent surrounding teeth from moving to fill the gap, resolve jaw pain or misalignment, and restore facial aesthetics by completing your smile.
Since they are made from titanium, dental implants are biocompatible, allowing them to fuse with your jawbone for optimal stability and strength.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
There are a number of reasons to replace missing teeth. If you have a gap in your smile, neighboring teeth can begin to shift and cause misalignment problems. On top of that, the surrounding jaw bone can shrink and lose volume, negatively impacting the shape of your face as well as affecting your ability to speak and chew.
The Dental Implant Process
This surgical technique involves inserting a small titanium screw into the jaw, under the gum tissue.
To do this, the dentist makes an incision in the jaw under the gum and then inserts the implant into the bone.
During the healing process, the bone attaches to the implant. You will wait three to six months to return to the clinic before your dentist can add a tooth replacement such as a crown or denture to complete the procedure.
Once all of this is complete, your new tooth will look and function just like a natural tooth.
Dental Implant FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about dental implants at France Gascon Dental Clinic.
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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?
Placing an implant is a surgery that takes about an hour. Local anesthesia is used so you don't feel any pain. Discomfort following surgery varies from one patient to another. Most patients can manage their discomfort with an over-the-counter pain reliever.
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.
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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.