Your Lloydminster Invisalign® Provider
At Westlake Dental our Lloydminster dentists may place a dental implant as part of the process to replace a missing tooth and leave you with a natural-looking smile.
What is a Dental Implant?
This small titanium screw functions similar to a natural tooth root. Dental implants can be used to replace a single lost tooth or several missing teeth.
Your dentist surgically places the implant into your jaw bone, where it bonds with the natural bone to act as an anchor for a tooth replacement.
Dental implants can help to resolve bite issues or jaw joint pain, prevent surrounding teeth from shifting and restore facial tissues and appearance.
Why Replace Missing Teeth
When a tooth is missing, the teeth around the gap may start to shift out of place and cause misalignment issues. The jaw bone surrounding the area may also start to deteriorate, leading to facial collapse or negatively impacting your ability to speak and chew.
The Dental Implant Procedure
To perform a dental implant procedure, your dentist needs a dental implant (titanium screw) and a tooth replacement.
Your dentist will start by surgically placing the implant into your jaw bone below the gum tissue. As this tissue heals, the implant will bond with the bone and attach to the gum.
Once healing has occurred, typically 3 to 6 months post-surgery, you will return to our office to complete the procedure.
During this final appointment, your dentist will attach a tooth replacement, such as a denture, bridge or crown, to the implant to create the look and function of a natural tooth.
Dental Implant FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about dental implants at Westlake Dental.
- How long does a dental implant last?
If your implant is cared for properly, it can last a lifetime. This includes proper brushing and flossing at home, in addition to visiting your dentist regularly for routine hygiene cleanings and exams.
A dental implant's longevity may also be determined by other factors, including genetics, nutrition, or development of any dental diseases.
- How do I care for my dental implants?
Care for a dental implant similar to how you care for your natural teeth.
Seeing your dentist for routine 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. This may negatively impact your dental implant.
- Does getting a dental implant hurt?
Your dentist will administer anesthesia during dental implant surgery to ensure your comfort, so you won't feel any pain during the procedure.
Following the procedure, patients do not typically feel much discomfort. Most patients can use an over-the-counter medication to manage any pain for a few days following the procedure.
A soft diet will also be required for the first couple of weeks after the implant procedure, to avoid any pain or irritation.
- How long does the dental implant process take?
Depending on your treatment plan, the entire dental implant procedure typically takes between two and nine months to complete.
Your dentist will be able to provide you with a more specific timeline based on your individual case.
- Will my insurance cover dental implants?
While some insurance providers will cover the cost of dental implants, others will only pay part of the cost, and still others won't compensate any part of it.
Check with your insurance provider to find out which part, if any, of your dental implant treatment will be covered by insurance.