Dental Implants in Moose Jaw
Our dentists at Aspen Dental can place a dental implant as part of the process to replace a missing tooth and help you achieve a natural-looking smile.
Dental Implants in Moose Jaw
A dental implant may be used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth. This small titanium screw functions similar to a natural tooth root.
Your dentist will surgically place the implant into your jaw bone, where it will bond with the natural bone to act as an anchor for a tooth replacement such as a crown or bridge.
Dental implants can help to prevent surrounding teeth from shifting, restore facial tissues and appearance, and resolve jaw joint pain or bite issues.
Why Replace Missing Teeth
If a tooth is missing, the teeth surrounding the 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 eat and talk.
The Dental Implant Procedure in Moose Jaw
To perform a dental implant procedure, your dentist will need a dental implant (titanium screw) and a tooth replacement.
To start, the dentist will surgically place the implant into your jaw bone below the gum tissue. As the tissue heals, the implant will bond to the bone and attach to the gum.
Once healing has occurred, generally 3 to 6 months after surgery, patients come back to our office to have the procedure completed.
During this final appointment, the dentist will attach a tooth replacement such as a dental bridge, crown or denture to the implant to create the function and appearance of a natural tooth.
Dental Implant FAQs
Here are answers to some of our most frequently asked questions about dental implants at Aspen Dental.
- How long does a dental implant last?
Implants can last a lifetime if cared for properly. This includes proper brushing and flossing during your at-home oral hygiene routine, in addition to coming in to your dental office for regular hygiene cleanings and exams.
A dental implant's longevity can also depend on other factors such as genetics, nutrition, or the development of any dental diseases.
- How do I care for my dental implants?
Care for your dental implant just as you would your natural teeth.
Seeing your dentist for regular hygiene appointments and maintaining an excellent brushing and flossing routine at home can help prevent disease or decay from developing in the surrounding teeth and gums, which can negatively impact 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 any 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 any 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.
- 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.