What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small metal screw that replaces a missing tooth. During a minor surgical procedure, the dentist inserts the implant into the bone beneath your gums where the tooth used to be. Acting like a natural tooth root, the implant is then topped with a restoration, such as a dental crown, making it look and feel just like a real tooth.
Considering dental implants is a significant decision. If you’re unsure of what to expect, we’ve got you covered with all the information you need to make an informed choice about your dental care.
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Why You Might Need Dental Implants
Your natural teeth do more than just help you chew—they support the structure of your face and maintain the proper alignment of your other teeth. When you lose a tooth, it can lead to several problems. One common issue is that neighbouring teeth may shift into the gap, disrupting the balance of your bite and increasing the risk of oral health issues like tooth decay or gum disease.
Beyond these immediate concerns, there’s a bigger long-term issue: bone loss. This process, called bone resorption, occurs when the jawbone is no longer stimulated by the pressure of chewing. Without a tooth root to keep the bone active, your body starts to break down the bone tissue in that area. Over time, this can lead to a shrinking jawline, which often results in facial sagging, wrinkles, and a sunken appearance around the mouth.
Dental implants offer a medically proven solution. The implant acts as a replacement tooth root, providing the necessary stimulation to prevent bone loss. By restoring the full function of your teeth, implants can help you maintain not only your oral health but also the natural shape of your face. Additionally, implants help stabilize your remaining teeth, preventing further misalignment and dental complications.
In short, dental implants do more than fill a gap—they protect your long-term oral and overall health.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Losing a tooth can have a bigger impact than you might think. Beyond the cosmetic concerns, missing teeth can lead to discomfort when chewing, difficulties eating your favourite foods, and even long-term issues like bone loss or teeth shifting out of alignment.
- Restore Your Natural Appearance: Dental implants are designed to look and feel just like your natural teeth. They’re custom-made to match the size, shape, and colour of your existing teeth, ensuring they blend seamlessly into your smile. Once in place, they become a permanent part of your mouth, giving you “perfect” teeth that restore your confidence in your appearance.
- Feel Confident in Your Comfort: With dental implants, you don’t have to worry about loose or shifting teeth. As the titanium implant fuses with your jawbone, it creates a stable foundation for crowns, bridges, or implant-supported dentures. This stability means you can laugh, smile, and eat comfortably without fear of discomfort or sudden movement.
- Improve Bone Strength: One of the hidden benefits of dental implants is their ability to stimulate bone growth. When a tooth is lost, the jawbone that once supported it can start to weaken. Implants encourage new bone growth around the implant, strengthening your bone structure and preventing further deterioration.
Dental implants offer a natural, long-term solution that can last for decades with proper oral care, helping you maintain both your smile and your oral health.
Dental Implant Restorations
A dental implant restoration is essentially the “false tooth” that attaches to the implant itself. While the implant is hidden beneath the gums, the restoration is what you see when you smile, giving the appearance of a natural tooth.
- Dental Crown: A dental crown is the most common type of implant restoration. It’s used to cover a single-tooth implant, restoring both the function and appearance of the missing tooth.
- Dental Bridge: If you’re missing multiple teeth in a row, a dental bridge may be the solution. A bridge spans the gap created by several missing teeth, and with just one or two implants, it can restore multiple teeth at once. A full implant-supported bridge replaces an entire arch of upper or lower teeth, secured by four or more implants.
- Implant Denture: For those with removable dentures, implant-supported dentures offer added stability. These dentures securely clip onto two small implants, preventing movement and improving comfort.
Each of these restoration options can help you regain full function and a natural appearance, depending on your unique dental needs.
A New Life with Dental Implants Awaits!
Your smile is about to get an upgrade with dental implants—it’s going to be better than ever!
Dental implants are low-maintenance and easy to care for. Just brush and floss gently each day, and protect your implant if you play sports. Regular checkups will help ensure your implant stays healthy for years to come.
With the right care, your dental implant can give you many years of strong, confident, and beautiful smiles!
Start today by booking a consultation
How It Feels
Though the idea of having a metal implant placed into your jaw might sound uncomfortable, the reality is much more manageable than you’d think.
We use a local anesthetic to fully numb your mouth, so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. Thanks to advanced dental technology, implants can be placed quickly and accurately, reducing discomfort and speeding up your recovery time.
Many patients report feeling relaxed, even bored, during the short procedure, which typically lasts around half an hour. The most challenging part is often just keeping your mouth open for brief periods.
After the procedure, it’s normal to experience some swelling, mild discomfort, or bruising. However, the pain is usually very manageable, and we’ll provide you with specific instructions to help ease any discomfort before the anesthetic wears off. You can expect the surgical site to start feeling better within a week.
It’s reassuring to know that dental implants have a nearly 95% success rate, making them one of the safest and most predictable treatments in dentistry.
What to Expect on Your Dental Implant Treatment Journey
The process of getting a dental implant is often much more comfortable than people anticipate. Here’s a step-by-step guide to what you can expect:
Assessment
Your journey begins with a consultation to determine if dental implants are right for you. During this visit, your dentist will take X-rays and a 3D cone-beam CT scan to assess your jawbone and plan the placement of the implant. They will also take impressions or scans of your teeth to ensure the implant is placed at the correct angle for optimal results.
Inserting the Implant
On the day of your procedure, a local anesthetic will be administered to numb the area. The dentist will then create a small hole in the gums and jawbone and carefully place the implant post. In some cases, sutures may be used to close the gums, though this isn’t always necessary.
Finalizing the Restoration
After a few months of healing, during which time the implant integrates with your jawbone, you’ll return to the dental office. Your dentist will attach a custom-made restoration, like a crown, bridge, or denture, to the implant post. You’ll leave with a fully functional, natural-looking tooth that blends perfectly with your smile. By the end of your journey, you’ll have a strong, reliable dental implant that looks and feels just like a real tooth.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Cost of Dental Implants in Oakville
In Oakville, the cost of a single dental implant typically ranges from $3,000 to $6,000 or more. For full-mouth reconstructive implants, you could be looking at costs between $6,000 and $60,000+, with implant-supported dentures averaging around $30,000. It’s important to note that no dental practice can provide an accurate quote over the phone, as the cost depends on a variety of unique factors specific to each patient.
- The type and number of implants required
- The materials and supplies used for the procedure
- The expertise and time of the dental team involved
- The complexity of the surgery and its location in your mouth
- Your recovery process, with follow-up care and support
How is the Cost Determined? Several factors contribute to the overall cost of dental implant surgery, including:
Since each case is different, a consultation and oral exam are essential for determining the most suitable treatment options and providing a more accurate cost estimate.
Are There Other Solutions for Missing Teeth?
Yes, there are other options available. For gaps caused by one to three missing teeth, a dental bridge may be a suitable alternative. If you’re missing many teeth, either on the top, bottom, or throughout your entire mouth, a dental prosthetic or removable dentures could be an option.
When comparing the cost of dental implants to other tooth-replacement methods, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. While dental implants may have a higher initial cost, they are more secure and durable than bridges or dentures. Removable prosthetics, for example, need more maintenance and may require adjustments or replacements over time. Dental implants, on the other hand, are cared for just like your natural teeth, with regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, no one will be able to tell your implants aren’t natural teeth. While the implants themselves are metal, they’re placed beneath your gums and topped with lifelike restorations, blending seamlessly with your smile.
Dentures and implants work differently. Dentures sit on your gums and rely on the underlying bone for support. Implants, on the other hand, are anchored into the jawbone, providing a stronger bite. Both options have their pros and cons, so it’s best to visit us for a consultation to determine which is right for you.
Yes, if you’re not a good candidate for implants, dental bridges or partial/full dentures may be a better option. We’ll discuss your specific needs and help you choose the best solution when you come in for an appointment.
Adults with good oral health and a strong jawbone are typically good candidates for implants. If your jawbone is weak or your gums are unhealthy, we can often address these issues before placing implants. Feel free to give us a call to discuss your options.
Yes! Your implant restorations, whether a crown, bridge, or implant-supported dentures, are custom-made to match the shape, colour, and size of your natural teeth. They will blend in so well that even you might find it hard to tell them apart.
The dental implant procedure is typically pain-free. Modern techniques ensure minimal discomfort during and after surgery. We take every precaution to make the process as comfortable as possible, and with proper aftercare, you’ll experience only mild swelling and little to no bleeding.
Most patients can return to work the day after surgery. Depending on your specific treatment, we can provide more detailed guidance on your recovery time during your consultation.
Regular checkups are essential to maintaining the health of your dental implants, just like with natural teeth. We generally recommend a visit every six months, but this may vary depending on your individual needs.
Caring for your implants is simple—brush and floss regularly, attend routine cleanings, and follow any additional care instructions from your dentist.
No, dental implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care. Unlike some other dental restorations, implants do not need to be replaced routinely.
