Dental Implants in Fort St. John
At Alaska Avenue Dental Clinic, our dentists have been keeping families smiling for many years. Dental implants replace a missing tooth and will leave you with a natural-looking smile.
What is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made from titanium. The titanium implant is surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath your gums to replace a single lost tooth or multiple missing teeth.
At Alaska Avenue Dental Clinic, we start the dental implant process by taking a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health. In most cases, a dental CT scan will be required to understand your dental anatomy and to support the planning of the surgical implants.
Dental implants can help to prevent surrounding teeth from becoming misaligned, restore facial appearance and tissues, and resolve bite issues or jaw joint pain.
Why Replace Missing Teeth
Teeth surrounding the space left by a missing tooth may begin to move out of place and cause misalignment issues. The jaw bone around the area may also begin to deteriorate, resulting in facial collapse or negatively impacting your ability to speak and chew.
The Dental Implant Procedure
The process of placing a dental implant involves multiple steps; including removing the damaged tooth (if required) and grafting your jaw bone (if needed).
Your dentist will surgically place the titanium post implant into your jaw bone, underneath the gum tissue. As the tissue heals, the implant will bond with the bone and attach to the gum.
The healing period can take several months. When the implant is stable it will act as an anchor to hold the crown or denture in place.
Once healing has taken place, generally 3 to 6 months post-surgery, patients return to our office to have the dental implant procedure completed.
During this final appointment, your dentist will attach a tooth replacement, such as a dental crown, bridge or denture, to the implant to ensure it looks and functions like a natural tooth.
Dental Implant FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about dental implants at Alaska Avenue Dental Clinic.
How long does a dental implant last?
If you use proper preventive hygiene to care for your implant, it can last a lifetime. This includes proper brushing and flossing at home, as well as visiting our dental office for regular hygiene cleanings and exams.
The longevity of a dental implant may also depend on other factors including genetics, nutrition, 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.
Seeing your dentist for routine hygiene appointments and maintaining a proper brushing and flossing regimen at home can help prevent the development of diseases or decay 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 ensure you feel comfortable so you won't feel any pain during the procedure.
Following the procedure, patients do not usually experience much discomfort. Most can manage any pain with an over-the-counter pain medication for a few days following the procedure.
For the first couple of weeks after the implant procedure, you will also need to eat a soft diet to avoid any pain or irritation.
How long does the dental implant process take?
Depending on your specific treatment plan, the entire dental implant procedure usually takes about two to nine months to complete.
Your dentist can provide you with a more specific timeline based on your particular circumstances.
Will my insurance cover dental implants?
Some insurances companies will cover the cost of dental implants, while some will only pay part of the cost, and others won't pay for any portion of it.
Check with your insurance provider to find out what part, if any, of your dental implant treatment will be covered by your insurance.
Straumann Implants
At Alaska Avenue Dental Clinic, we're pleased to offer Straumann dental implants to patients. Straumann dental implants provide our Fort St. John patients with fully functional, long-lasting tooth restorations that will leave you with a natural-looking smile.
Full-Family, Full-Life Dental Care
At Alaska Avenue Dental, we are here for you and your family... for life. Whether you simply need a regular check-up and hygiene, you believe you need a filling or crown, or you or your children may need orthdontic care, we are your one-stop dental practice in Fort St. John, BC.
General Dentistry Cosmetic Services Orthodontics Dental Implants
Tips for a Healthy Smile from the Alaska Avenue Dental Team
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Sugar plays a big role in the development of cavities. Avoid foods with 'hidden' sugars, like crackers, processed food, and milk. Brushing twice daily, swishing with water or chewing sugarless gum after meals can reduce the harmful of effect sugar on your teeth.