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What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium screw that gets surgically inserted into your jaw bone to act as a base for a tooth replacement, such as a crown or a denture. It can replace one missing tooth or several teeth.
It is important to replace missing teeth to prevent the remaining teeth around the gap from shifting. Additionally, missing teeth can create problems for your jaw and bite, and make it difficult for you to eat and speak, so it's important to have them replaced as soon as possible.
Furthermore, dental implants offer a range of aesthetic benefits. In addition to completing your smile, they help maintain your facial structure by preventing the muscle sagging that can occur when teeth are missing.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
When a tooth is missing, the nearby teeth can start to shift out of place, which may cause alignment problems. The bone around the gap can also weaken over time, leading to less support for the surrounding teeth and potentially causing more tooth loss.
The Dental Implant Process
The dental implant process involves two main parts: the implant itself, which is a titanium screw, and the tooth replacement.
First, your dentist will surgically place the implant into your jaw bone beneath the gum. As this heals over the next three to six months, the implant will fuse with the bone and surrounding gum tissue.
Once healing is complete, you’ll come back to the office to finish the process.
At this point, your dentist will fit a custom-made tooth replacement, like a crown, or denture, that looks and functions like your natural teeth. This replacement is then attached to the implant to complete your smile.
Dental Implant FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about dental implants at Courtside Dental.
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How long does a dental implant last?
With proper care, your dental implant can last a lifetime. That means keeping up with daily brushing and flossing at home, along with regular cleanings and checkups at your dental office.
Keep in mind, factors like your overall health, nutrition, genetics, and any dental conditions can also affect how long your implant lasts.
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How do I care for my dental implants?
Caring for a dental implant is just like caring for your natural teeth.
Sticking to regular dental checkups and maintaining daily brushing and flossing at home can help protect the gums and surrounding teeth, preventing issues that could impact the health of your implant.
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Does getting a dental implant hurt?
During dental implant surgery, your dentist will numb the area to keep you comfortable and minimize pain throughout the procedure.
If necessary, Courtside Dental also offers a number of dental sedation options that can be used to help keep you calm.
Afterward, most people are able to manage any discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers for a few days.
You’ll also want to stick to a soft food diet for the first couple of days after the procedure to help avoid any pain or irritation as you heal.
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How long does the dental implant process take?
The full dental implant process typically takes between three and nine months, depending on your individual treatment plan.
Your dentist will be able to give you a more precise timeline based on your specific situation.
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Will my insurance cover dental implants?
Some insurance plans cover the full cost of dental implants, others only cover part of the expense, and some don’t cover them at all.
To find out what your insurance will pay for, it’s best to check directly with your provider.