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Restore Your Smile & Improve Oral Health
Dental implants can replace a single missing tooth, multiple teeth, or even a full jaw of missing teeth when combined with implant-supported dentures. This permanent tooth replacement option can help prevent surrounding teeth from shifting, resolve bite issues and help restore and maintain the natural curve of your jawline.
For many patients, dental implants can be an ideal way to replace missing teeth and rediscover the joy of sharing an open smile with the people they love.
At Rouge Valley Dental Care, our dentists can assess your overall oral health and determine whether dental implants could be a suitable tooth replacement option for you.
Why Replacing Missing Teeth is Vital for Oral Health
When a tooth is lost, the teeth surrounding the gap can begin to shift out of place and cause misalignment issues. The jawbone around the area may also begin to deteriorate, resulting in facial collapse or negatively impacting your ability to eat and talk.
The Dental Implant Process
The dental implant process requires a dental implant (titanium screw) and a tooth replacement such as a crown, bridge or denture.
Your dentist will begin by surgically placing the implant into your jawbone beneath the gum tissue. As the tissue heals, the implant bonds with the bone and attaches to the gums, creating a stable base for your tooth replacement.
Once the site of the implant has fully healed, generally three to six months post-surgery, you will return to our office to complete the process.
At this final appointment, your dentist will attach your tooth replacement to the implant, providing you with a smile that looks natural and allows you to chew and speak more easily.
Dental Implant FAQs
Are you considering dental implants to help improve the health and appearance of your smile? Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about dental implants.
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How long does a dental implant last?
With proper care dental implants can last a lifetime. Proper care includes regular brushing and flossing at home, as well as attending routine 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.
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How do I care for my dental implants?
Caring for dental implants is just like caring for natural teeth.
Visiting your dentist for regular hygiene appointments and maintaining a diligent 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 local anesthesia to help ensure your comfort and prevent pain. Your dentist will also discuss sedation options with you.
Following the procedure, minimal discomfort should be expected. Most patients can manage any pain they experience 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 pain or irritation.
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How long does the dental implant process take?
The entire dental implant process usually takes about three to six months to complete, depending on your treatment plan and how quickly your mouth heals after the implants are placed.
Your dentist can provide you with a more specific timeline based on your particular case.
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Will my insurance cover dental implants?
Some insurance 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.
Contact your insurance provider to find out if your policy provides coverage for dental implants.