How long does a dental implant last?

If you properly care for your implant, it can last a lifetime. This includes brushing and flossing properly at home, as well as visiting your dentist for regular hygiene cleanings and exams. Other factors that may affect the longevity of a dental implant include nutrition, genetics, and the development of any dental diseases.

How do I care for my dental implants?

You should treat a dental implant as you would a natural tooth. Regular dental hygiene cleanings, proper brushing and flossing can help prevent decay and/or infections from developing.

Does getting a dental implant hurt?

During dental implant surgery, your dentist will administer anesthesia to make you comfortable so that you don’t feel any pain. There is usually little discomfort after the procedure. For the few days afterwards, most patients can manage any pain with over-the-counter pain medication. To avoid pain or irritation, you will also need to eat a soft diet for the first few weeks.

How long does the dental implant process take?

The entire dental implant process usually takes about three 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 dental implants, while some will only pay for a portion of the cost, and others won't pay for any part of it. To determine what part, if any, of your dental implant treatment will be covered by your insurance, check with your insurance provider.

Dental Implants

Revive Your Smile

Missing teeth can cause a host of issues. They can make it hard to talk and chew. When neighbouring teeth no longer have the support and pressure from the missing tooth, they can loosen and shift out of place.

The jaw bone can also deteriorate because of missing teeth. When teeth are gone, the surrounding bone doesn't get the necessary pressure and force when chewing. This lack of a workout can cause that area of the jaw to weaken and shrink over time.

You might also feel insecure or self-conscious about your missing teeth. Dental implants can be an excellent way to replace missing teeth and help rebuild your confidence. While dental implants replace missing teeth, they also hold the other teeth in place and stop the jaw bone from eroding.

Dental implants can offer you a natural-looking smile. They also don't need adhesives or any specialized cleaning. This makes them a convenient and hassle-free option.

3Shape TRIOS Scanner

We use a 3Shape TRIOS scanner in our office to make dental implant procedures, and other restorative treatments, much more comfortable and pleasant. Instead of having to make messy impressions and then waiting for them to dry, a 3Shape TRIOS Scanner allows us a more accurate image of your teeth in seconds.

Dental Implant Process

In general, the dental implant and tooth replacements process takes 3-9 months to complete and involves several steps.

First, your dentist will surgically place the implant (a titanium screw) into your jaw bone below the gums. The implant will attach to the gums and bone as they heal.

Once the healing is complete, generally a few months post-surgery, patients return to our office to complete the procedure.

At this final appointment, your dentist will attach a tooth replacement to the implant, such as a dental crown, bridge, or denture, to mimic the appearance and function of a natural tooth.

Your dentist will also give you care instructions for your dental implants to help your new, healthier smile last as long as possible.

Dental Implant FAQs

Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about dental implants at Dentistry on Liverpool:

How long does a dental implant last?

If you properly care for your implant, it can last a lifetime. This includes brushing and flossing properly at home, as well as visiting your dentist for regular hygiene cleanings and exams.

Other factors that may affect the longevity of a dental implant include nutrition, genetics, and the development of any dental diseases.
How do I care for my dental implants?

You should treat a dental implant as you would a natural tooth.

Regular dental hygiene cleanings, proper brushing and flossing can help prevent decay and/or infections from developing.
Does getting a dental implant hurt?

During dental implant surgery, your dentist will administer anesthesia to make you comfortable so that you don’t feel any pain.

There is usually little discomfort after the procedure. For the few days afterwards, most patients can manage any pain with over-the-counter pain medication.

To avoid pain or irritation, you will also need to eat a soft diet for the first few weeks.
How long does the dental implant process take?

The entire dental implant process usually takes about three 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 dental implants, while some will only pay for a portion of the cost, and others won't pay for any part of it.

To determine what part, if any, of your dental implant treatment will be covered by your insurance, check with your insurance provider.