Dental Implants in Mississauga
At Kerhoulas Dental Streetsville our team of dentists can place dental implants to restore the look of your smile by replacing missing teeth and giving you a more natural looking smile.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium screw that acts as the root for your tooth. They can not only replace one lost tooth, but multiple teeth as well.
The implant is surgically attached to the jaw bone then affixes to the natural bone to serve as an anchor for a tooth replacement.
A dental implant can help the surrounding teeth stay in the correct position, resolve bite issues or joint pain, and restore facial tissues and appearance.
Why Replace Missing Teeth
If you are missing a tooth, the other teeth surrounding the gap will often shift out of position and cause issues with crooked teeth. The jaw bone may also begin to deteriorate in that area, resulting in an impact on your ability to eat, and talk and possible facial collapse.
The Dental Implant Procedure
The procedure for placing dental implants requires an implant - a titanium screw - and a tooth replacement.
Your dental surgeon will start by placing a surgical implant directly into the jaw bone below the gums. As the tissue heals, the implant will fuse with the bone and attach to the gums.
Once the healing is complete, usually 3 to 6 months after surgery, patients return to our office to complete the procedure.
At your final appointment, your dentist will place a tooth replacement in the form of a dental crown, bridge, or denture, to the implant, so it looks and functions like a regular tooth.
Dental Implant FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about dental implants at Kerhoulas Dental Streetsville.
- How long does a dental implant last?
If you care for your implant properly, they 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 just like 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 anesthesia 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 an 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 insurances 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.