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Dental Implants in Ottawa
At St. Laurent Dental Centre our Ottawa our dentists may recommend replacing your missing tooth with a dental implant, in order to restore the function and appearance of your smile.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a tiny screw that your dentist can surgically place in your jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root which can be used to support artificial teeth such as crowns, bridges and dentures.
Dental implants are made from titanium, which is a biocompatible material, meaning that over time the implant will integrate well with your body’s tissues
Dental implants can help to improve and maintain your oral health by preventing surrounding teeth from shifting, resolving bite issues, reducing jaw joint pain, and restoring and preserving facial structure.
Why Replace Missing Teeth
When you have a missing tooth, the teeth surrounding the gap may begin to move out of place and cause misalignment issues. The jaw bone around the gap may also begin to deteriorate, resulting in facial collapse or negatively impacting your ability to eat and speak clearly.
The Dental Implant Procedure
The dental implant procedure is a two part process requiring a dental implant (titanium screw) and a tooth replacement.
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.
After your jaw has had sufficient time to heal, typically 3 to 6 months post-surgery, you will return to our office to complete the procedure.
At this final appointment, your dentist will attach a tooth replacement, 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 St. Laurent Dental Centre.
- How long does a dental implant last?
With proper care, they can last a lifetime. This includes thoroughly brushing and flossing at home, as well as attending regular hygiene cleanings and exams at your dental office.
How long your dental implant will last may also depend on other factors including nutrition, genetics, or the development of any oral health diseases.
- How do I care for my dental implants?
You simply care for a dental implant as you would 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, and keep your implant in tip-top condition.
- Does getting a dental implant hurt?
When the implant is being surgically placed, your dentist will administer anesthesia to make you comfortable so you won't feel any pain during the procedure.
Following the procedure, there is generally not much discomfort. Most patients can manage any pain with an over-the-counter pain medication for a few days after the procedure.
A soft diet will be necessary for the first couple of weeks after the implant procedure to avoid any pain or irritation.
- How long does the dental implant process take?
From start to finish, the dental implant procedure usually takes about two to nine months to complete, depending on your treatment plan.
Your dentist will provide you with a more specific timeline based on your particular case.
- Will my insurance cover dental implants?
While some insurance companies will cover the cost of dental implants, others will only pay for a portion of the cost, and still others won't pay for any part of it.
To determine whether your dental implant treatment will be covered by your insurance, check with your insurance provider.