At Redwood Dental Centre, our Winnipeg dentists may place a dental implant as part of the process to replace a missing tooth, helping to restore your smile and preserve your oral health.
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 a single lost tooth or many missing teeth.
The dental implant is inserted into the jaw bone during an oral surgery where it will then bond to the natural bone to serve as an anchor for a tooth replacement, such as a crown.
Dental implants can help resolve bite issues and jaw pain, prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting and restore the natural appearance of your smile
Why Replace Missing Teeth
A missing tooth can cause misalignment issues with the surrounding teeth as they may shift to fill the gap where the tooth was. The jaw bone around the area may also begin to deteriorate which can have a negative effect on chewing and talking and may result in facial collapse.
Dental Implants in Winnipeg: Our Procedure
The dental implant procedure is done in steps and requires a dental implant (titanium screw) followed by a tooth replacement.
During the first step, your dentist will surgically place the implant into your jaw bone below the gum tissue. As the tissue heals, the implant will bond with the bone and attach to the gum.
Your jaw will then need to heal, generally for 3-6 months, before you 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 Redwood Dental Centre. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any further questions.
- How long does a dental implant last?
When cared for properly, dental implants can last a lifetime. Proper care includes 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 will not feel any pain during the procedure.
Following the procedure, there is not usually much discomfort. Most patients can manage any pain with 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 will not 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.