Dental Implants in Parksville
At Wembley Dental Clinic our Parksville 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 the root of a natural tooth. Implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth or many.
When a dental implant is surgically placed into the jaw bone it bonds with the natural bone to serve as a stable support for a tooth replacement.
Replacing missing teeth with dental implants can help to prevent surrounding teeth from shifting, resolve bite issues or jaw joint pain, and restore facial structure.
Why Replace Missing Teeth
If a tooth is missing, misalignment issues may begin to occur as the teeth surrounding the gap begin to shift out of place. The jaw bone around the area of the missing tooth may also begin to deteriorate, resulting in facial collapse or negatively impacting your ability to speak or chew normally.
The Dental Implant Process
The two part dental implant process requires a dental implant (titanium screw) and a tooth replacement.
First, your dentist will begin by surgically placing the implant into your jaw bone below the gum tissue. As the tissues surrounding the implant heal, the implant will bond with the bone and attach to the gum.
Approximately 2 to 6 months after the implant has been placed, and the jaw has healed, you will 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 restore the appearance and function of your smile.
Dental Implant FAQs
Find the answers to our most frequently asked questions about dental implants at Wembley Dental Clinic.
- How long does a dental implant last?
With proper care your implant properly, 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 clinic.
The longevity of a dental implant may also depend on other factors including nutrition, genetics, or the development of any oral health diseases.
- How do I care for my dental implants?
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 could negatively affect your dental implants.
- Does getting a dental implant hurt?
Your dentist will administer anesthesia to make you comfortable during dental implant surgery, so you won't feel any pain during the procedure.
Following the procedure, there typically isn't much discomfort. Most of our patients manage any pain 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 following the implant procedure in order to avoid any pain or irritation.
- How long does the dental implant process take?
The entire dental implant procedure usually takes around two to nine months to complete, depending on your treatment plan.
Your dentist will provide you with a more specific timeline based on your specific case.
- Will my insurance cover dental implants?
That is difficult to answer. Every insurance policy is different. 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 cover any of the costs associated with dental implants.
To determine whether any or all of your dental implant treatment will be covered by your insurance, check with your insurance provider.
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Proudly serving patients in the Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Nanoose, Errington, Bowser, and Coombs communities since 1993! Contact us to get started today.
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- Monday:08:00 am - 04:30 pm
- Tuesday:08:00 am - 04:30 pm
- Wednesday:08:00 am - 04:30 pm
- Thursday:08:00 am - 04:30 pm
- Friday:08:00 am - 03:30 pm
- Saturday:Closed
- Sunday:Closed