Dental Implants to Restore Your Smile
If you're missing a tooth, it's important to get it replaced as soon as possible. At Dr. Naji Louis Family Dentistry, we offer a solution for missing teeth in the form of dental implants.
A dental implant is a titanium screw that is surgically placed into your jawbone. This screw will act as a base for an eventual restoration. This procedure provides a permanent solution to tooth loss.
Let us help you find the best way to replace your missing tooth. Even if you're missing several teeth, or all of your teeth, dental implants can help create a beautiful smile.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
If a tooth is missing and a gap is left, the teeth surrounding the empty space may shift out of place and cause misalignment issues. Additionally, the jawbone may begin to deteriorate, resulting in facial collapse or negatively impacting your ability to eat and speak.
The Dental Implant Process
The dental implant process involves removing a damaged tooth root and replacing it with a metal implant into the jawbone. Over the next few months, the implant will fuse with the bone.
Once fused, a connector known as an abutment is placed on top of the implant. This connector supports and holds the crown, bridge or denture in place.
The final step is to secure your restoration to the abutment. Whether you're getting a crown or bridge, your restoration will be custom-fit, and the colour will be matched to your natural teeth. When the procedure is fully completed, you’ll have a replacement tooth that looks and functions like the real thing.
Dental Implant FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about dental implants at Dr. Naji Louis Family Dentistry.
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How long does a dental implant last?
If cared for properly, dental implants can last a lifetime.
Proper care includes regular brushing and flossing at home and twice-yearly routine hygiene cleanings at our dental office in Almonte.
The longevity of your implant can also be affected by other factors such as nutrition, genetics or the development of diseases.
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How do I care for my dental implants?
Caring for your dental implant is the same as caring 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.
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Does getting a dental implant hurt?
During dental implant surgery, your dentist will administer anesthesia so that you won't feel pain during the procedure.
For the first few days following the procedure, most patients can manage any pain or discomfort with over-the-counter pain medications.
You will also need to stick to a soft diet for the first couple of weeks after the implant has been placed to avoid irritating the surgery site.
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How long does the dental implant process take?
Depending on your treatment plan and how fast you heal, the entire dental implant process usually takes three to six months to complete.
Your dentist will be able to provide you with a more specific timeline based on your particular case.
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Will my insurance cover dental implants?
Different insurance companies will handle dental implants differently.
Some 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.
Check with your insurance provider to determine what part, if any, of your dental implant treatment will be covered by your insurance.