Dental Implant Restorations
Restore Your Smile With Dental Implants
If your oral health is being affected by gaps in your teeth or if you are tired of hiding your smile due to missing teeth, dental implants may be an option for you.
Dental implants are a surgical procedure that can provide a long-term solution to missing teeth that is both aesthetically and functionally equivalent to that of a natural tooth.
You will be able to experience the freedom to indulge in your favourite foods once more and you can bid farewell to the self-consciousness you may feel due to gaps in your teeth.
Take the first step towards a more even-looking smile by scheduling an appointment with one of our dentists today. If it is determined that a dental implant is right for you, we will refer you to an oral surgeon in the area. Once you have healed from surgery, we can place a crown or bridge to complete the restoration process.
All-On-4 Dental Implants
If you are missing a significant number of teeth, All-On-4 dental implants may be right for you. All-On-4 combines the staying power and oral health benefits of dental implants with a sturdy and lifelike dental bridge to fix your smile in a way that looks and feels natural. Talk to your dentist to learn more or for a referral to an oral surgeon.
What is the Dental Implant Process?
The dental implant process is completed in two or more separate visits and can be used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth. At Smyth Dental Centre, we will refer you to an oral surgeon after an initial consultation so they can perform your surgery. Once surgery is complete and you've had time to heal, we will schedule an appointment at our office to complete your treatment.
During your surgical appointment, the implant is surgically placed into the jaw bone and then bonds with the natural bone to serve as an anchor for a tooth replacement. As it heals, the implant will bond to the jaw bone and gums.
The restoration part of the process involves the artificial tooth (or teeth) that is permanently secured to the dental implant. Depending on the number of implants placed, your restoration could be an individual crown, a bridge or a full denture.
When put together, the two parts of the dental implant work to help give you a restored smile, prevent surrounding teeth from shifting, resolve bite issues or jaw joint pain and prevent jaw deterioration and facial collapse.
FAQs About Dental Implants
Knowing what to expect before you start your treatment plan can make all the difference in your comfort level when deciding to go ahead with a dental procedure. Learn more about what our clients are asking about dental implants.
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Does getting a dental implant hurt?
Your dentist will administer anesthesia during dental implant surgery to ensure your comfort and prevent any pain during the procedure.
Typically, there isn't a lot of discomfort after the procedure. Patients typically find that an over-the-counter pain medication is sufficient to manage any discomfort for a few days following the procedure.
After the implant procedure, it's important to eat a diet of soft foods for the first few weeks to prevent any discomfort or irritation.
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How long does a dental implant last?
Taking proper care of your implant can help ensure its longevity. Proper brushing and flossing at home are essential, along with attending regular hygiene cleanings and exams at your dental office.
Other factors that can influence the lifespan of a dental implant include nutrition, genetics and the presence of any dental diseases.
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How long does the dental implant process take?
Your treatment plan will determine the duration of the entire dental implant process, but it typically ranges from three to six months.
A more specific timeline can be provided by your dentist, based on your individual case.
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What are the benefits of All-On-4 dental implants?
- Reduced Need for Bone Grafting: Traditional dental implants sometimes require a bone grafting procedure to create a strong foundation for their placement. All-On-4 implants are designed to be implanted on an angle, allowing for a stronger anchor point. Without the need for a bone graft, you will save valuable time and money.
- Less Cost: Because this is a combined procedure, the overall price of the treatment tends to be lower than traditional implants with a separate dental bridge.
- Faster Treatment and Healing Time: We can attach a temporary tooth replacement to your new implants immediately, following surgery.
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How do I care for my dental implants?
You should care for a dental implant just like you care for your natural teeth.
Regular hygiene appointments with your dentist and a consistent brushing and flossing routine at home are essential for preventing decay or diseases that can harm your dental implants and the health of your teeth and gums.
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Can dental implants get damaged?
Implants can break with extreme pressure. General wear and tear can cause the abutment, which connects the implant to the crown, to break.
In some cases, the screw in the abutment can break. Finally, the crown itself, like natural teeth or other crowns, can break, crack, or chip. This is usually due to eating hard foods, chewing ice, chewing on hard objects (e.g. pens), or using teeth as a tool (e.g. to open containers).
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What can I do if my dental implant is broken?
If a dental implant is knocked loose, out, broken, or chipped, secure the pieces in a safe container and contact Smyth Dental Centre immediately.
We might be able to reset the implant and/or created a new crown. If the implant root is broken or knocked out, a new implant may be needed.
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Will my insurance cover dental implants?
Insurance companies have varying policies when it comes to covering dental implants. Some provide full coverage, some offer partial coverage and others do not cover any of the cost.
Contact your insurance provider to find out if your dental implant treatment will be covered.