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At Wellspring Dental Deep River, our dentists may use dental implants as part of a process to replace missing teeth and help you regain a natural-looking smile.
What is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are small titanium screws that serve the same function as the root of a natural tooth. They can be used in the process of replacing a single tooth or many missing teeth
Our dentists in Deep River surgically place the implant into your jaw bone. It then bonds with the natural bone in order to serve as an anchor for 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
If you are missing a tooth, the teeth surrounding the gap in your smile may shift to fill the gap and cause misalignments. The jaw bone in the area may also begin to deteriorate, causing facial collapse and hurting your ability to speak and eat properly.
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 dental implant into your jaw bone below your gum tissue. As you heal, the implant will bond to your jaw bone and attach to your 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 .
- How long does a dental implant last?
If you provide your implant with the proper care, it can last your whole life. This includes flossing and brushing often and properly on top of attending regular hygiene cleanings and oral examinations 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.
You can help to prevent diseases or decay from developing in the teeth and gums surrounding your implant, all of which could negatively impact your implant. You can do so by attending regular hygiene cleanings and oral examinations with your dentist as well as proper brushing and flossing at home.
- Does getting a dental implant hurt?
During dental implant surgery, your dentist can 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 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 cover the cost of your dental implants. Some, however, will only pay a portion of the cost and others may not pay for any part of dental implant treatments.
To determine what part, if any, of your dental implant treatment will be covered by your insurance, check with your insurance provider.