Dental Implants in Parksville
At Arrowsmith Dental Group our Parksville dentists may place a dental implant as part of the process to replace a missing tooth and leave you with a natural-looking smile.
What is a Dental Implant?
This small titanium screw functions similar to a natural tooth root, and can be used to replace either a single lost tooth or many missing teeth.
Your implant will be surgically placed into your jaw bone. It will then bond with the natural bone to serve as an anchor for a tooth replacement such as a dental crown or bridge.
Dental implants can help to keep teeth from moving to fill a gap left by missing teeth, resolve bite issues or jaw joint pain, and restore facial appearance and tissues.
Why Replace Missing Teeth
Teeth surrounding a gap left by a missing tooth can begin to shift out of place, causing misalignment issues. The jaw bone around the area may also start to deteriorate, resulting in facial collapse or negatively impacting your ability to chew and speak.
The Dental Implant Procedure
To complete a dental implant procedure, your dentist will need a dental implant (titanium screw), as well as a tooth replacement.
To begin, the implant will be placed surgically into your jaw bone underneath the gum tissue. As the tissue heals the implant will bond with the bone and connect to the gum.
Once the healing is complete (typically 3 to 6 months post-surgery), patients come back to our office to have the procedure completed.
At your final appointment, the tooth replacement will be attached to the implant to create the function and appearance of a natural tooth. This may be a dental crown, bridge or denture.
Dental Implant FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about dental implants at Arrowsmith Dental Group.
- How long does a dental implant last?
Provided your implant is properly cared for, it can last a lifetime. A proper oral hygiene routine including brushing and flossing at home, and attending regular dental hygiene cleanings and exams at your dental office is essential.
A dental implant's longevity can also be determined by other factors including nutrition, genetics, or the development of any dental diseases.
- How do I care for my dental implants?
Care for a dental implant similar to how you care for your natural teeth.
Seeing your dentist for routine hygiene appointments and maintaining a proper brushing and flossing regimen at home can help prevent diseases or decay from developing in the teeth and gums surrounding the implant.
- Does getting a dental implant hurt?
During dental implant surgery, your dentist will provide anesthesia to make you comfortable so you won't feel any pain throughout the procedure.
After the procedure, you should not feel much discomfort. Most patients can typically manage any pain with an over-the-counter pain medication for a few days after the procedure.
A soft diet for the first couple of weeks following the implant procedure will be necessary to avoid any irritation or pain.
- How long does the dental implant process take?
It usually takes between two and nine months to complete the entire dental implant procedure. Timeline will vary depending on your treatment plan.
You will get a more specific timeline from your dentist, based on your specific case.
- Will my insurance cover dental implants?
Though some insurance companies will cover the cost of dental implants, others will only pay for part of the cost, while some won't pay any percentage of it.
Check with your insurance provider to determine which part, if any, of your dental implant treatment will be covered by your insurance.