What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium screw that works like a natural tooth root. Implants can be used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth.
After the implant is surgically placed in the jaw bone, it bonds with the natural bone to anchor a tooth replacement, such as a crown, bridge or denture.
Dental implants can help prevent surrounding teeth from shifting, restore facial appearance, and resolve bite issues or pain in jaw joints.
While an implant would ideally last a lifetime, tooth replacements sometimes become stained or damaged and must be replaced.
Our Drumheller dentists can perform dental implant procedures or replace damaged implant restorations.
Why You Should Replace Missing Teeth
If a tooth is missing, the teeth surrounding that gap may begin to shift out of place and cause misalignment issues. The jaw bone around the area may also begin to deteriorate, resulting in facial collapse or negatively impacting your ability to properly eat and talk.
The Dental Implant Process
The dental implant process can take two or more appointments at your dentist's office after the initial consultation.
To begin, your dentist will surgically place the dental implant (a titanium screw) into your jawbone beneath the gum tissue. The implant then heals and bonds with the jawbone and your gums attach to it.
After your jaw has healed about three to six months later, you'll return for your follow-up appointment. At this time, your dentist will attach a tooth replacement, such as a crown or bridge, restoring the appearance of your smile with a natural-looking artificial tooth.
We can replace or fix your dental restoration should they ever become loose, damaged, or stained.
Dental Implant FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about dental implants at Greentree Dental.
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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 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 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. -
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. -
How long does the dental implant process take?
The entire dental implant procedure usually takes about two to nine months to complete, depending on your treatment plan.
Your dentist can provide you with a more specific timeline based on your particular case. -
What are some potential treatment options for restoring dental implants?
The crown is the visible part of the dental implant and may be prone to loosening or fracture in cases of extreme pressure or stress.
While crowns, bridges and dentures attached to dental implants can be replaced, this procedure isn't as simple as replacing one that sits atop a natural tooth.
In most cases, a crown or other tooth replacement can be put back in place. However, some circumstances such as if the abutment is compromised or if the entire implant has fallen out, the entire implant will need to be replaced as soon as possible.
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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.