Protecting your oral health is incredibly important and replacing missing teeth with implants can do just that. Here, our Surrey dentists share some of the questions that patients most commonly ask about getting dental implants.
1. What are dental implants?
Your dental implant's artificial titanium screw and restoration (replacement tooth, denture, or bridge) are intended to replace a missing tooth. Dental implants can be appealing to many people as they're made to look and feel like your natural teeth.
2. What issues can dental implants help with?
Missing teeth can cause a tremendous amount of shifting amount the remaining teeth. Dental Implants can:
- Help you eat and speak more easily
- Prevent surrounding teeth from shifting
- Improve or restore tissues in the face
You should be able to improve your functionality, appearance, and comfort with dental implants. Once your dental implant is in place and fully healed you will be able to continue using your teeth to eat the foods you enjoy while your confidence is restored.
3. Is this a common procedure?
This is a very commonly performed procedure among many dentists which should help to put your mind at ease. This is considered a standard procedure. It is also the only restoration treatment that promotes natural bone growth beneath a missing tooth.
4. Is the implant procedure painful?
The dental implant process will be completed in multiple visits over a period of time.
During your first appointment, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth. This helps to determine the amount of gum tissue, bone and spacing available for a dental implant and is also used to create your crown.
You will be placed under general anesthesia while the dentist places the implant. This is to keep you comfortable and reduce pain. The area must then heal and integrate with the bone, a process that can take up to six months. Depending on the type of implant, a second surgery may be necessary to insert the "post" that will hold the prosthetic tooth in place.
During your second visit, your dentist will attach a crown to the top of the healed implant. Because several fittings may be required, this step could take up to two months to complete. The dentist will attach the artificial teeth to the implant after another period of healing, providing stability and comfort.
5. What happens during recovery from dental implant surgery?
Depending on your circumstances, such as whether you have any pre-existing conditions or require special procedures prior to the dental implant surgery, it can take anywhere from 2 to 9 months for a dental implant to heal. The most important part of this step is that the bone grows around the implant to help anchor it in place.
6. What is the cost of getting dental implants?
The cost of a dental implant procedure depends on a number of factors including the complexity of your condition, the clinic and dentist and whether or not you have dental insurance. There are health plans that cover the total cost of implants. Your dentist can provide you with a treatment plan that includes a cost estimate, a scheduled appointment, and follow-up appointments. Your dentist will be able to discuss the dental implant options with you and what the cost of these options is.
7. Are implants long-lasting?
When it comes to ensuring that your dental implants last a long time, it greatly depends on how well you care for them. Dental implants of all kinds are improving. Currently, there are no time limitations on the commonly used types of dental implants.
How Your Dentist Can Help
Learning about the dental implant procedure can leave patients with many questions. Our Surrey dentists are here to help not only during the process but before as well, answering any inquiries you may have.