What Are Dental Implants?
West Lake Dental Group - Will anyone notice that I have dental implants?
West Lake Dental Group - Do dental implants have to be replaced?
West Lake Dental Group - How do I care for my dental implants?
An implant is a small metal screw that replaces an entire tooth. In a brief surgical procedure, the dentist inserts an implant into the bone beneath your gums right in the spot where a tooth should be. The implant acts like a natural tooth root and is finished off with a restoration such as a dental crown to help it look and feel just like a real tooth.
Getting dental implants is a big deal. You think you might like an implant, but you aren’t sure what to expect. We explain everything here so that you can make an informed decision about your dental treatment.
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Why Dental Implants Might Be For You
Your natural teeth play a crucial role in maintaining the height and shape of your smile, enabling you to eat and speak comfortably.
However, a gap in your smile can pave the way for neighboring teeth to shift out of their healthy and functional alignment. This misalignment can heighten the risk of developing oral health issues. Remarkably, the loss of just one tooth can set off a chain reaction in your mouth, negatively impacting your oral health, facial appearance, and overall quality of life.
Furthermore, there’s an inevitable concern you cannot evade: bone resorption. This is a natural process where your body breaks down non-essential bone tissue to utilize its minerals elsewhere.
When you have teeth in your jawbone, they exert pressure on it, prompting the generation of new bone tissue. However, once those teeth are gone, the previously vital bone tissue serves no practical purpose and gradually dissolves. The outcome is a diminished jaw and chin structure, resulting in wrinkles and a sunken appearance in your cheeks and lips.
Dental implants represent the next best solution after natural teeth. By replacing lost teeth with implants, you can prevent or rectify the aforementioned issues.
Anticipating Your Dental Implant Treatment Experience
The actual implant placement process is much more comfortable than you might imagine.
First Assessment
To begin, you will undergo a dental implant consultation to determine the suitability of implants for your situation. Your dentist will perform X-rays and a 3D cone-beam CT scan of your jaw to assess the condition of your bone tissue and formulate your treatment plan. Additionally, the dental team will obtain a scan or impression of your teeth, aiding them in mapping out the optimal angle for your implant placement.
Adding The Implant
We apply anesthetic to ensure complete numbness at the surgical site. The dentist then makes a small incision in both the gums and the underlying bone. Subsequently, the implant post is carefully positioned within the incision. On occasion, sutures may be required to secure the gum tissue in place, although this is not always necessary.
The Healing Process
Afterward, you return home to allow your implant to undergo the healing process over the next few months. When you revisit our practice, your dental restoration will be prepared and waiting. We will then affix the restoration, and you will depart with a newly restored and fully functional 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.
The Cost Of An Implant In Innisfil
In Innisfil, the cost of a single dental implant typically falls within the range of approximately $3,000 to $6,000 or more. Full-mouth reconstructive dental implant procedures can vary significantly in cost, spanning from $6,000 to $60,000 and beyond. For a full set of implant-supported dentures, the average cost is around $30,000. It’s important to note that providing an accurate quote over the phone is challenging because the cost of a dental implant procedure depends on a multitude of individual factors.
Several key elements influence the cost of dental implant surgery, including:
- The type and quantity of implants needed.
- The materials and supplies utilized.
- The level of experience and expertise of the dental team involved in your care.
- The location and complexity of the surgical procedure.
Your recovery period, during which we remain available to assist you.
Given the uniqueness of each case, it’s crucial to engage in a conversation with a dentist and undergo an oral examination to assess your specific circumstances. This will enable us to present you with various treatment options and provide a more precise cost estimate.
Regarding alternatives for missing teeth:
Gaps resulting from the loss of 1 to 3 teeth can sometimes be addressed with a dental bridge. Extensive tooth loss in the upper or lower arch, or across the entire mouth, may be addressed with dental prosthetics or removable dentures. When comparing the cost of dental implants to other tooth-replacement options, it’s essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages. While dental implants may require a higher initial investment, they offer greater stability and durability compared to bridges or dentures.
Removable dental prosthetics have their own set of care and maintenance requirements, which may include adjustments or replacements over time. In contrast, you can maintain a dental implant much like your natural teeth, with regular at-home oral care and routine dental check-ups. With proper care, a dental implant can last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely no one ever has to know that your implants are not your natural teeth. Dental implants are made of metal screws, but these are hidden beneath your gums and covered with lifelike restorations that blend in naturally with the rest of your smile.
Dentures and implants are not the same thing and they function in very different ways. Dentures rest on top of your gums and press down on the underlying bone tissue. Implants strengthen your bite because they are fixed well below your gums. Both tooth replacement options have unique pros and cons. We recommend that you visit us in person to find out which treatment is best for you.
For patients who are not good candidates for dental implants, dental bridges and full or partial dentures may be the best option for replacing missing teeth. The best way to find out what solutions exist for your specific needs is to call and book an appointment. We would be happy to discuss all your options and answer any specific questions you may have.
To get an implant you must be an adult and have good general oral health. Your jawbone must be strong enough to support a new implant and other supporting tissues, like your gums, must be healthy to reduce the risk of complications. If you’re concerned that you might not be a viable candidate, give us a call to find out for sure. There are usually treatment options available to restore your oral health with the ultimate goal of getting a dental implant and there are often alternative solutions to replacing missing teeth.
Yes! Your dental implant may be topped by a crown, a bridge or implant-supported dentures that will always be custom made to make you feel comfortable. That means your custom-made teeth are shaped and coloured to match your existing teeth and bite. Patients often have difficulty distinguishing their natural teeth from their beautiful new dental implants.
The science of dental implants has evolved so rapidly from its early days that it is now a very predictable and relatively pain-free procedure. The dental implant procedure is completed with such care and precision you’ll experience as little discomfort as possible. With proper aftercare, you can expect minimal swelling and almost no bleeding. Your physical and emotional health are both important to us. If you feel anxious about visiting us for any reason, please let us know.
In most cases, you can return to work the day after your implant surgery. Once we know exactly what your treatment will entail, we can give you a much more accurate time estimate and can let you know in advance if you should clear your schedule for longer. We always discuss all post-operative care instructions with you.
The success of your implants will depend greatly on how well you maintain them. They need to be professionally cleaned and examined routinely, just like your natural teeth. We usually recommend a check-up approximately every 6 months but may recommend check-ups more or less often depending on your specific requirements.
Care for your dental implants like a natural tooth. Regular brushing & flossing, cleanings and checkups and letting your doctor know if you have any problems.
No, implants do not need to be routinely replaced. Once you get a dental implant, it is meant to stay with you for a very long time.
