Your Sault Ste. Marie Invisalign® Provider
Missing teeth can be replaced with a dental implant to help you achieve a natural-looking smile. Our Sault Ste. Marie dentists can determine whether a dental implant is a good option for you.
What is a Dental Implant?
Whether you are missing a single tooth or many teeth, your dentist may be able to help prevent misalignment issues and other problems with a dental implant.
This small titanium screw acts as a natural tooth root and is surgically placed into the jaw bone, where it will bond with the natural bone to serve as an anchor for a tooth replacement such as a crown.
Dental implants can also help to resolve jaw joint pain or bite issues, and restore facial tissues and appearance.
Full Mouth Restoration in Sault Ste. Marie
If you require a number of dental services to help you achieve your smile goals, our dentists can develop a comprehensive treatment plan to map out each step in the process. This customized plan allows us to complete all the dental procedures you need in fewer appointments and with more efficient results.
Why Replace Missing Teeth
Missing teeth can lead to misalignment issues if the teeth around the gap start to shift out of place. The jaw bone surrounding the area may also begin to deteriorate, leading to facial collapse or negatively affecting your ability to speak and chew.
The Dental Implant Procedure in Sault Ste. Marie
To perform a dental implant procedure, your dentist will need a dental implant (titanium screw) and a tooth replacement.
The dentist will surgically place the implant into your jaw bone below the gum tissue. The implant will then bond with the bone and attach to the gum as the tissue heals.
Once healing has occurred, typically 3 to 6 months post-surgery, patients return to our office to complete the procedure.
At this last appointment, the dentist will attach a tooth replacement such as a bridge, crown or denture to the implant to offer the appearance and function of a natural tooth, leaving you with an aesthetically pleasing smile.
Dental Implant FAQs
Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions patients have had about dental implants at Bay Dental Group.
- How long does a dental implant last?
If your implant is cared for properly, it can last a lifetime. Your hygiene routine should include proper brushing and flossing at home, in addition to attending regularly scheduled hygiene cleanings and exams at the dentist's office.
Other factors such as genetics, nutrition or the development of any dental diseases may also impact the longevity of your dental implant.
- How do I care for my dental implants?
Care for your dental implant just as you would care for your natural teeth.
Seeing your dentist regularly for hygiene appointments and maintaining a proper brushing and flossing routine at home can help prevent disease or decay from developing in the surrounding teeth and gums. This 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.
