Your Kelowna Invisalign® Provider
At Orchard Park Dental & Implant Center our Kelowna 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?
A dental implant is a small titanium screw that functions like a natural tooth root. They can be used to replace either many missing teeth or a single lost tooth.
The implant is surgically placed into the jaw bone and then bonds with the natural bone to serve as an anchor for a tooth replacement.
Dental implants can help to prevent surrounding teeth from shifting, resolve bite issues or jaw joint pain, and restore facial tissues and appearance.
Why Replace Missing Teeth
Teeth surrounding the gap left by missing teeth may begin to shift out of place and cause misalignment issues. The jaw bone around the area may also begin to deteriorate, resulting in facial collapse or negatively impacting your ability to eat and talk.
The Dental Implant Procedure
The dental implant procedure requires a dental implant (titanium screw) and a tooth replacement.
Your dentist will begin by surgically placing the implant into your jaw bone underneath the gum tissue. As the tissue heals, the implant will bond with the bone and attach to the gum.
Once the healing is complete, generally 3 to 6 months post-surgery, patients return to our office to complete the procedure.
At this final appointment, your dentist will attach a tooth replacement, such as a dental crown, bridge or denture, to the implant to create the look and function of a natural tooth.
Dental Implant FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about dental implants at Orchard Park Dental & Implant Center.
- How long does a dental implant last?
If you care for your implant correctly, 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.
Seeing your dentist for regular hygiene appointments and maintaining a proper brushing and flossing oral care 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 more relaxed so you likely won't feel any pain during the procedure.
Following the procedure, there is not usually much discomfort. Most pain is manageable 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 insurance companies will pay for the cost of dental implants, while some will only cover a portion of the cost, and others won't pay for any part of it.
To determine which portion, if any, of your dental implant treatment will be covered by your insurance, check with your insurance provider.