Dental Implants to Restore Oral Health
If you are missing teeth, it's essential to replace them, as gaps can lead to various oral health issues.
One issue that often occurs with missing teeth is your remaining teeth shifting out of place. This can result in misalignment, making cleaning and caring for teeth more difficult. Additionally, it can cause symptoms like pressure and discomfort, as well as negatively impact the overall health of your jawbone.
Dental implants offer a solution to restore your oral health. Made from titanium, a dental implant acts as an artificial tooth root and can be combined with restorations like crowns, bridges or dentures to rejuvenate your smile and restore its function.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
A missing tooth can cause gaps, which may lead to the surrounding teeth shifting out of place. This can result in facial collapse and negatively affect your ability to chew and talk.
For all these reasons, replacing missing teeth is essential for maintaining long-term oral health.
The Dental Implant Process
The dental implant process combines a dental implant (titanium screw) and a tooth replacement to replace a missing tooth.
During the surgical procedure, your dentist will place the implant into your jawbone below the gum tissue. As the tissue heals, the dental implant bonds with the jawbone and attaches to the gums.
You will return to the office once the implant has fully healed. This usually takes three to six months.
During this appointment, your dentist will attach a tooth restoration, 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 Richmond Village Dental.
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How long does a dental implant last?
With proper care, your dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. Proper care includes regular brushing and flossing at home and attending routine hygiene cleanings and exams with your dentist.
Other factors that can impact the longevity of your dental implants include nutrition, genetics, or the development of dental diseases.
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How do I care for my dental implants?
Caring for your dental implants is done just as you would care for your natural teeth.
You will need to visit Richmond Village Dental for routine hygiene appointments and maintain a proper brushing and flossing routine at home. Together, these can help prevent decay or diseases from developing in the surrounding teeth and gums, negatively affecting dental implants.
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Does getting a dental implant hurt?
Your dentist will administer anesthesia to help you feel comfortable throughout your dental implant surgery.
Some patients may experience mild discomfort after the procedure. Your dentist may recommend using an over-the-counter pain medication for the first few days after surgery.
You should also adjust to a soft food diet while you recover. This can help minimize any potential irritation.
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How long does the dental implant process take?
Depending on your treatment plan, the entire dental implant process usually takes three to six months to complete.
Your dentist can provide you with a more specific timeline based on your particular case.
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Will my insurance cover dental implants?
Some insurance companies will cover the cost of dental implants, while others will only pay for a portion of the cost, and others won't.
Check with your insurance provider to determine what part, if any, of your dental implant treatment will be covered by your insurance.