Dental Implants in London
At Southwest Dental Care our London 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 are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a tiny titanium screw which functions like the root of a natural tooth. Implants can be used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth.
Dental implants are surgically placed into the jaw bone and then bond with the natural bone to serve as an anchor for a tooth replacement.
Replacing your missing teeth with 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 a tooth is missing, the teeth surrounding the gap may begin to cause other teeth to shift out of place and cause misalignment issues. The jaw bone around the gap may also begin to deteriorate, resulting in facial collapse or negatively impacting your ability to eat and speak clearly.
Dental Implants Procedure
Replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant requires both a dental implant (titanium screw) and a tooth replacement (crown, bridge or denture).
Your dentist will begin by surgically placing the dental implant into your jaw bone below your gum tissue. As the surrounding tissue heals, the implant will gradually bond with the bone and attach to the gum.
Once the healing process is complete, (typically 3 to 6 months post-surgery), the patient returns to our office to complete the implant procedure.
During this final appointment, your dentist will attach the tooth replacement to the implant, creating a natural looking artificial tooth.
Dental Implant FAQs
For more information on dental implants check out the answers to our most frequently asked questions about dental implants at Southwest Dental Care.
- How long does a dental implant last?
With proper care implants can last a lifetime. Caring for your implants includes daily brushing and flossing at home, as well as attending regular hygiene cleanings and exams at your dental office.
The longevity of your 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?
Care for a dental implant just like you care for your natural teeth.
Visiting your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings combined with maintaining a proper brushing and flossing routine at home can help prevent decay or diseases from developing in the surrounding teeth and gums, and negatively impacting your dental implants.
- Does getting a dental implant hurt?
During dental implant surgery, your dentist will administer anesthesia to ensure that you are comfortable and won't feel any pain during the procedure.
Once the procedure is complete, there is not usually much discomfort. Most patients can manage any pain with over-the-counter pain medications for a few days after the procedure.
A diet of soft foods is also recommended for the first couple of weeks after the implant procedure in order to avoid any pain or irritation.
- How long does the dental implant process take?
The entire dental implant procedure typically takes in the region of 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 needs.
- Will my insurance cover dental implants?
Some insurance companies will cover the full cost of dental implants, while others will only pay for a portion of the cost or none at all.
Check with your insurance provider to determine what part, if any, of your dental implant treatment will be covered by your insurance.
New Patients Always Welcome
Looking for a dentist in London? We're happily accepting new patients at our dental clinic! Contact us to get started today.
Request AppointmentHours
- Monday:08:00 am - 06:00 pm
- Tuesday:08:00 am - 06:00 pm
- Wednesday:08:00 am - 06:00 pm
- Thursday:08:00 am - 05:00 pm
- Friday:08:00 am - 02:00 pm
- Saturday:Closed
- Sunday:Closed