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If you are considering replacing a missing tooth, our dentists at Cityview Family Dental Centre in Ottawa can evaluate your smile to see if dental implants are right for you.
Request AppointmentWhat is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made of titanium that is surgically anchored to your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place. Implants are fused into your jawbone, and do not rely on neighbouring teeth for support.
Features of Dental Implants
Dental implants have a number of features that may help to protect and preserve your oral health. These tooth replacements can:
- Look and feel natural in your mouth
- Aid Speech
- Help Improve Comfort
- Support Chewing & Digestion
- Act as a Durable Tooth Replacement
Why Replace Missing Teeth
It is imperative to replace any missing teeth because the teeth surrounding the gap may begin to shift out of place and cause misalignment issues. If a tooth is missing, the jaw bone around the area may also begin to deteriorate, resulting in facial collapse or negatively impacting your ability to eat and talk.
Dental Implants in Ottawa: Our Procedure
The entire dental implant procedure usually takes about two to nine months to complete, depending on your treatment plan. The process requires both a dental implant (titanium screw) and a tooth replacement such as a dental crown or dental bridge.
Your dentist will begin 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 attach to the gum.
Once the healing is complete, you will return to our office to complete the procedure. At this final appointment, your dentist will attach a tooth replacement to the implant to create the look and function of a natural tooth.
Dental Implant FAQs
- How long does a dental implant last?
If you care for your implant properly, they 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.
- 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.
- Does getting a dental implant hurt?
During dental implant surgery, your dentist will administer anesthesia to help you feel 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 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.
- Can dental implants be placed on the same day my teeth are extracted?
If you have any teeth that need to be extracted, placing a dental implant on the same day is preferable, but not always possible.
It will depend on the amount of bone in the area, and whether or not any infection is present. Your dentist can provide you with a more specific details based on your particular case.
- 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.