At O'Connor Dental Health Group, our Ottawa dentists can place dental implants to start the process of replacing a tooth and altering the look of your smile.
What is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are very small titanium screws that behave like a natural tooth root. They are used to replace either a single tooth or multiple missing teeth.
Dental implants are surgically placed into the jaw bone and then adhere to the natural bone to provide an anchor point for a tooth replacement.
Dental implants can help keep your other teeth from shifting, resolve bite issues or jaw joint pain, and potentially restore facial appearance.
Why Replace Missing Teeth
If you are missing a tooth, the teeth surrounding the gap can start to shift into new positions which leads to misalignment issues. The jaw bone around the area may also begin to deteriorate, resulting in facial collapse or negatively impacting your ability to talk and eat.
Dental Implants in Ottawa: Our Procedure
The dental implant procedure includes a dental implant (titanium screw) and a tooth replacement.
Our Ottawa dentists start by surgically placing the implant in your jaw bone just below the gums. While the tissue heals, the implant begins to bond with the bone and gums.
Once the healing is complete, generally 3 to 6 months post-surgery, patients return to our office to complete the procedure.
At your final appointment, your dentist will place a tooth replacement, such as a dental bridge, crown, or denture, on the implant to establish the look and function of a natural tooth.
Dental Implant FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about dental implants at O'Connor Dental Health Group.
- How long does a dental implant last?
If you take proper care of your dental implant, 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.
- How do I care for my dental implants?
You should care for a dental implant the same way 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 a local anesthetic 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 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 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.