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Dental Implants in Weyburn
At Souris Family Dental our Weyburn 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 like a natural tooth root. Dental implants can be used to replace a single lost tooth or several missing teeth.
The implant is surgically placed into the jaw bone and then bonds with the natural bone to act as an anchor for a tooth replacement.
Dental implants can help resolve bite issues or jaw joint pain, prevent surrounding teeth from shifting out of alignment, and restore facial tissues and appearance.
Why Replace Missing Teeth
When a tooth is missing, teeth surrounding the gap may begin to move out of place and cause misalignment issues. The jaw bone around the area can also start to deteriorate, leading to facial collapse or negatively impacting your ability to speak and chew.
The Dental Implant Procedure
The dental implant procedure requires a dental implant (titanium screw) in addition to a tooth replacement.
Your dentist will start by surgically placing the implant into your jaw bone below the gum tissue. As the tissue heals, the implant will bond with the bone and become attached to the gum.
Once healing has occurred (typically 3 to 6 months post-surgery), patients return to our office to have the procedure completed.
During this final appointment, your dentist will attach a tooth replacement, such as a dental bridge, crown 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 Souris Family Dental.
- How long does a dental implant last?
Provided your implant is cared for properly, it can last a lifetime. This includes proper brushing and flossing at home, along with attending routine hygiene cleanings and exams at your dental office.
A dental implant's longevity may also depend on other factors including nutrition, genetics or the development of any dental diseases.
- How do I care for my dental implants?
Care for a dental implant just like you would care for your natural teeth.
Seeing your dentist for routine hygiene appointments and maintaining a proper brushing and flossing regimen at home can help prevent diseases or decay from developing in the surrounding teeth and gums, which can have a negative impact on your dental implants.
- Does getting a dental implant hurt?
Your dentist will provide anesthesia during dental implant surgery to ensure you are comfortable so you won't feel any pain during the procedure.
After the procedure, there is typically not much discomfort for patients. Most can manage any pain with an over-the-counter pain medication for a few days following the procedure.
For the first couple of weeks after the implant procedure, you will also need to eat a soft diet to avoid any pain or irritation.
- How long does the dental implant process take?
The entire dental implant procedure can take between 2 and 9 months to complete, depending on your treatment plan.
Your dentist can provide you with a more precise timeline based on your specific case.
- Will my insurance cover dental implants?
Some insurance companies will cover the cost of dental implants, while some will only pay for part of the cost, and others won't pay for any percentage of it.
To determine which portion, if any, of your dental implant treatment your insurance will cover, check with your insurance provider.