What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium screw that functions like a natural tooth root. They can be used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth.
The implant is surgically placed into the jaw bone and then bonds with the natural bone to serve as an anchor for a tooth replacement. This replacement can be a crown, bridge, or complete prosthesis.
Dental implants can help to prevent surrounding teeth from shifting, resolve bite issues or jaw joint pain, and help restore facial tissues and appearance.
At Centre dentaire Île-Perrot we will help you select the dental implant technique that is best suited to your individual situation.
Why Replace Missing Teeth
If a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth may 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
The dental implant procedure requires a dental implant (titanium screw) and a tooth replacement.
Your dentist will begin by surgically placing the implant into your jaw bone below the gum tissue. As the tissue heals, the implant bonds with the bone and attaches to the gums.
Once the healing is complete, generally 3 to 6 months post-surgery, patients return to our office to complete the procedure.
At this final appointment, your dentist will attach a tooth replacement, such as a dental crown, bridge or denture, 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 Centre dentaire Île-Perrot.
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What types of restorations can be used on dental implants?
Depending on your treatment plan, our dentists may recommend one of the following restorations:
Crown On Implant
What looks the most like a real tooth is an implant crown. This is why it is often the solution recommended by dentists when a tooth is lost.
In addition to having the same appearance and the same hygiene needs as a natural tooth, the implant crown is a lasting solution.
Another important advantage of the implant crown is that it allows the stimulation of the jawbone and its regeneration. This has the effect of preventing bone loss which tends to deform the face and accelerate the appearance of old age…
Prostheses Stabilized with Implants
This type of prosthesis is fixed with two to four implants but it can be removed. The prosthesis is always supported by the gums, but the implants provide more stability.
Advantages:- Economical solution
- More comfortable than a denture
- Few dietary restrictions
- Reduced bone loss and muscle atrophy
Prostheses Fixed on Implants
Instead of being supported by the gums, this type of prosthesis is fixed on four to eight implants. Sometimes, a metal bar is integrated into the prosthesis.
Advantages:
- Never moves;
- May be more comfortable than dentures
- No food restrictions
- No bone loss and muscle atrophy
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How long does a dental implant last?
If you care for your implant properly, it can last a lifetime. This includes proper brushing and flossing at home, as well as attending regular hygiene cleanings and exams at your dental office.
The longevity of a dental implant may also depend on other factors including nutrition, genetics, or the development of any dental diseases.
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Does getting a dental implant hurt?
During dental implant surgery, your dentist will administer anesthesia to make you comfortable so you won't feel pain during the procedure.
Following the procedure, there is not usually much discomfort. Most patients can manage any pain with 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 pain or irritation.
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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.
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How do I care for my dental implants?
You should care for a dental implant just like you care for your natural teeth.
Visiting your dentist for regular 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, which can negatively affect your dental implants.
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Will my insurance cover dental implants?
Some insurance 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.
All-on-4 Dental Implants
At Centre dentaire Île-Perrot, one of the dental implant techniques we use is called All-on-4. This treatment concept can provide patients who meet the right criteria with a graftless implant process and allow them to leave the office with a full-arch prosthesis on the day of surgery.
Features of All-on-4
Full-Arch Rehabilitation
The All-on-4 technique allows for a full row of teeth to be restored with 4 implants.
Shorter Time-To-Teeth
In most situations, patients that meet the necessary criteria can leave the office with a full set of fixed provisional teeth the same day as their procedure.
Graftless Procedure
Due to the angle at which the implants are placed, there is enhanced bone-to-implant contact. In some cases, this means patients with lower bone density may be candidates for implants without first having to undergo a bone graft procedure.
Restores More Than A Smile
Dental implants can help to prevent surrounding teeth from shifting, resolve bite issues or jaw joint pain, and help restore facial tissues and appearance. Dental implants may also help patients have improved confidence in their smiles.
