What are Dental Implants?
An implant is a titanium screw that serves as a replacement for the tooth root. The screw is positioned in the space where the tooth has been lost, and a crown is secured to the implant.
Implants act as a new base for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function very much like a natural tooth.
Implant supports for dentures can significantly enhance the fit and stability of prosthetic teeth, particularly for those who have lost all their teeth.
Dental implants can replace one lost tooth or several missing teeth, and may address various oral health concerns while leaving you with a functional, natural-looking smile.
How Does a Dental Implant Work?
To perform the implant procedure, your dentist will need a metal root, an abutment, and a tooth replacement such as a bridge or crown.
First, the metal root will be surgically implanted into the jawbone. Typically, it will take four to six months for the surgical implant to heal before the artificial tooth or teeth can be attached.
After the implant heals, the dentist will secure the abutment and tooth replacement to the metal root, resulting in a natural look and regular function.
In some cases, you may not have enough bone to support an implant, and oral surgery will be needed to restore the jawbone to allow for implants.
More Dental Implants FAQs
These are some of the most frequently asked questions our patients have about dental implants.
- Are implant procedures typically successful?
At Trail Family Dental, we use a cylindrical implant system, which is successful for many patients. However, as with any dental procedure, there is some risk of complications occurring. Your dentist will outline these risks during your consultation.
- Will the dental implant procedure be painful?
You are unlikely to experience significant discomfort during and after the procedure. Your dentist will discuss anaesthesia options with you and plan your procedure based on your expressed wishes. However, dental implant placement is typically done with local anaesthesia.
- Will I be able to chew normally?
Chewing often improves significantly after treatment with cylindrical implant systems. In fact, after a brief adjustment period to your new implant, you may find you can chew nearly as well as with your natural teeth.
- How long will my dental implants last?
With proper care, there is no time limit to how long successful cylindrical implant systems can last, and dental implant systems continue to improve.
- What are the benefits of dental implants?
Dental implants can:
- Prevent bite and jaw joint problems caused by teeth shifting
- Prevent surrounding teeth from shifting
- Improve the ability to chew, speak and digest
- Restore the 'sunken face' look associated with missing teeth