What are Dental Implants?
A dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically embedded into the jawbone, acting as artificial tooth roots to support crowns, bridges, or dentures.
They offer numerous benefits, including preventing surrounding teeth from shifting, improving bite issues or jaw joint pain, and helping restore facial tissues while maintaining a natural appearance.
Dental implants are permanently fixed, so there's no slipping or removal needed, and there is no need to alter the healthy adjacent teeth. They are highly durable, often lasting decades with proper care, and are generally simple to maintain.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
Missing teeth can affect more than your appearance – they can make tasks like eating and speaking difficult.
The teeth surrounding the gap may also begin to shift out of place and cause misalignment issues.
Dental Implant Treatment Options
We offer several implant-supported restoration types to meet your needs:
Implant-Supported Crowns: Replace a single missing tooth with a custom crown anchored by a dental implant. This solution looks and feels like a natural tooth, blending seamlessly into your smile.
Implant-Retained Bridges: Replace several missing teeth with a bridge supported by implants rather than natural teeth. This preserves surrounding tooth structure while offering enhanced stability.
Implant-Supported Dentures: Ideal for patients missing most or all of their teeth, implant-supported dentures are securely anchored by several strategically placed implants. They offer excellent comfort, improved speech, and confidence when eating.
The Implant Placement Procedure
Placing implants requires two surgeries. During the first, your surgeon will make a small incision at your gum line. Through this incision, they will insert the implant into the jawbone. Next, they will suture the closed gums. Over the next three to six months, the implant will become permanently fused to the bone (a process called osseointegration).
In the meantime, we can provide a temporary restoration. Once the fusion process is complete, you will undergo a second surgery in which abutment pieces are attached to the implants. Finally, when the gums have healed, we can attach your permanent tooth replacement to the implant, whether it be a dental crown, bridge or denture.
Dental Implant FAQs
Read the answers to our frequently asked questions about dental implants.
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How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are known for their exceptional durability and longevity. With proper care and maintenance, implants can last several decades or even a lifetime. The longevity of implants is influenced by factors such as oral hygiene practices, regular dental check-ups, and lifestyle habits. Individuals with implant teeth must adhere to a consistent oral care routine, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits, to ensure the longevity and success of their implants.
Additionally, avoiding habits like smoking and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can positively impact the lifespan of dental implants. Overall, the robust nature of dental implants, combined with conscientious oral care, contributes to their impressive and long-lasting performance.
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Is getting a dental implant painful?
Dental implant placement is typically done under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort, with sedation options available for those seeking additional relaxation during the procedure. Postoperative discomfort is manageable with prescribed medications and tends to diminish as the healing progresses. You must also eat a soft diet for the first couple of weeks after the implant procedure to avoid pain or irritation.
Under the supervision of a qualified dentist, the procedure will be comfortable and painless for the patient.
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How do I know if I'm a candidate for dental implants?
Most patients with missing teeth who are in good health and have sufficient bone density are suitable for dental implants. Your candidacy may be compromised if you have a health condition that puts you at risk during surgery, such as heart disease. Patients who have waited to address missing teeth and have experienced jaw atrophy may not be candidates for dental implants. In this case, a bone grafting procedure can augment the jaw, restoring candidacy.
Schedule your dental implant consultation with our team to restore your smile and regain confidence. We will work with you to assess your oral health, discuss your treatment options, and determine if this service suits you and your oral health goals.
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Are dental implants noticeable, or do they look natural?
Dental implants are designed to closely mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth, resulting in a natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing outcome. When properly placed and restored, dental implants are typically not noticeable and blend seamlessly with your existing teeth.
The crown or prosthesis attached to the dental implant is customized to match the colour, shape, and size of your natural teeth, ensuring a harmonious and natural appearance. Your dentist will work closely with you to achieve the desired shade and shape of the restoration, ensuring that it matches your surrounding teeth and complements your smile.
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How long does the dental implant process take?
The entire dental implant process typically takes approximately three to nine months to complete, depending on your treatment plan.
Your dentist can offer you a more detailed timeline based on your specific situation.
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Will my insurance cover dental implants?
Insurance coverage can vary greatly between providers and plans.
To determine what part, if any, of your dental implant treatment will be covered by your insurance, check with your insurance provider.
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How do I care for my dental implants?
You should take care of a dental implant just as you would take care of your natural teeth.
Keeping up with regular dental visits and following a good brushing and flossing routine at home can help prevent issues from occuring in your surrounding teeth and gums, which is important for the health of your dental implants.
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Are there any age restrictions for getting dental implants?
There is generally no strict age restriction for getting dental implants. The eligibility for dental implant treatment is primarily determined by the individual’s oral health, bone density, and overall health rather than their age.
In fact, dental implants can be suitable for a wide range of age groups, including young adults, middle-aged individuals, and older adults. However, it’s important to evaluate each case individually to ensure that the patient meets the necessary criteria for successful implant placement.
During the initial consultation, the dentist will assess various factors such as the quantity and quality of the jawbone, overall oral health, and the patient’s ability to undergo the surgical procedure. Adequate bone density is essential for successful implant placement, as the implants need a solid foundation to fuse with the jawbone.