What are dental implants?
Dental implants are a great solution for missing teeth. They are designed to look exactly like the natural structure of your teeth. They provide a durable restoration and can easily replace your missing teeth. Dental implants are placed in your jawbone.
The dental implant process
The dental implant process involves multiple stages and it depends on various factors. Overall oral health is an important factor for dental implants. A preliminary examination is done to check if you are a fit candidate for the dental implant process. Your gums, jawbone, and teeth are carefully checked and examined.
How long does the process take?
The duration of this process can be variable from patient to patient as it’s not fixed. The number of implants needed is extremely important. Generally, the dental implant process can take between 3 to 4 months. This timeframe includes the consultation the placement surgery the healing time and full restoration. It’s important to know that this is an average estimate and your experience may differ.
Benefits of dental implants
Dental implants offer a great choice for tooth replacement. They function and act like real teeth. at Mina Family Dentistry, one of the best providers of oral surgery Thornhill, we use high-quality dental implants that blend with your teeth making them a great choice to restore both function and looks at the same time.
Care and maintenance
Caring for dental implants is extra important for their longevity. Dental implants require similar care to natural teeth. You have to brush and floss them to keep them safe. The care needed is not the same as natural teeth but one has to be careful at all times.
You have to regularly check your implants regarding their health. During these visits, your implants will be checked to see if there are any signs of peri-implantitis which is a serious disease and can affect your implants and your gums severely. Early detection of such complications is a must.
How do I care for my dental implants?
It’s important to have a great oral hygiene routine, start by brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush, and make sure to softly brush the implant area to remove any existing plaque. Try to brush hard-to-reach areas reducing the risk of per-implantitis.
Flossing your teeth is another way of taking care of your implants. At Mina Family Dentistry we recommend all our patients to use specific flosses for their teeth or implant type. The flosses that we recommend are both gentle and effective at cleaning the implant area.
You can also opt-in for professional cleanings. These cleanings are advised to happen twice a year, bi-annually, our dentists will perform deep cleanings of your teeth and implants to remove any plaque build-up. These appointments allow us to detect and fix any issues that may happen. We assure you that your implants are in the best possible condition.
At last, we recommend all our patients to keep a healthy lifestyle. Avoid smoking and limit the usage of consumables that stain your teeth. E.g. coffee tea or red wine. At Mina Family Dentistry. We advise patients to have a diet consisting of vitamins and minerals to stay healthy at all times.
Myths about dental implants
One of the most common myths about dental implants is that they are extremely painful, while it can be said that dental implants involve a surgical procedure, technical advancements and sedation formulas allow us to perform the surgery in total comfort.
Another myth is that dental implants are relatively expensive. They have a higher upfront cost compared to other procedures but the point worth noting is that they are extremely cost-effective. They are designed to be permanent. At Mina Family Dentistry we offer flexible payment methods.
Is the dental implant procedure painful?
We understand that you care about the pain that you may experience, however, the reality is that there are various modern techniques and tools available to make the process as comfortable as ever. In severe surgeries, we use anesthesia to numb the area so the patient experiences minimal pain.
The discomfort and pain that you may experience after the procedure is done can be alleviated with painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Additionally, minor swelling may happen around the common implant area.
What is the recovery process like?
The initial recovery process may take a few days to a week. You may experience mild discomfort and a few bruises around the implant area. Which is managed by using painkillers and pain relievers or even home remedies.
In the following days, you have to maintain good oral hygiene. As you may experience minor bleeding it’s important to keep your head elevated which helps to minimize bleeding and quicker healing.
How much do dental implants cost and do dental insurance plans cover them?
We understand that cost can be a significant factor for patients considering implants. The cost of implants varies based on several factors including the type of implant, the number of implants, and the complexity of the procedure.
When it comes to dental insurance coverage, some insurance companies may not consider implants as necessary surgeries and consider them as cosmetic surgeries. However, a portion of the cost may be covered by the great insurance company. We recommend you contact your insurance provider before attempting the surgery.
It’s important to consider the long-term effectiveness of dental implants. Dental implants are designed to be a permanent solution and they are extra durable, unlike other services such as dentures or bridges.