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Dental Implants
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are used to replace one or more missing teeth.
The implant itself is a titanium screw that is surgically inserted into the jaw bone to act as a base for a tooth replacement, such as a crown. The screw is placed in the spot where a tooth has been lost to fill in the gap. The implant acts as a new root for the replacement tooth that looks, feels, and functions very much like a natural tooth.
Implant supports for dentures can significantly enhance the fit and stability of prosthetic teeth, particularly for those who have lost all their teeth.
Other than the aesthetic benefits of completing your smile, implants can address various oral health concerns and can prevent your oral health from deteriorating as a result of missing teeth.
How Does a Dental Implant Work?
To perform the implant procedure, your dentist will need three pieces: a metal root, an abutment, and a tooth replacement such as a denture, bridge or crown.
First, the metal root will be surgically implanted into the jaw bone. Typically, it will take four to six months for the surgical implant to heal before the artificial tooth or teeth can be attached.
After the implant heals, the dentist will secure the abutment and tooth replacement to the metal root, resulting in a natural look and regular function.
In some cases, you may not have enough bone to support an implant, and oral surgery will be needed to restore the jaw bone to allow for implants.
More Dental Implants FAQs
These are some of the most frequently asked questions our patients have about dental implants.
- Are implant procedures typically successful?
At Cariboo Mall Family Dental, we use a cylindrical implant system, which is successful for many patients. However, as with any dental procedure, there is some risk of complications occurring. Your dentist will outline these risks during your consultation.
- Will the dental implant procedure be painful?
You are unlikely to experience significant discomfort during and after the procedure. Your dentist will discuss anaesthesia options with you and plan your procedure based on your expressed wishes. However, dental implant placement is typically done with local anaesthesia, and any pain afterward can usually be managed with over-the-counter medication.
- Will I be able to chew normally?
Treatment with cylindrical implant systems often improves a patient's ability to chew. In fact, after a brief adjustment period to your new implant, you may find you can chew nearly as well as you could with your natural teeth.
- How long will my dental implants last?
With proper care, there is no time limit to how long successful cylindrical implant systems can last, and dental implant systems continue to improve.
- What are the benefits of dental implants?
Dental implants can:
- Prevent bite and jaw joint problems caused by teeth shifting
- Prevent surrounding teeth from shifting
- Improve the ability to chew, speak and digest
- Restore the 'sunken face' look associated with missing teeth