What Are Dental Implants?
Implants are small titanium screws that completely replace a missing tooth. During a straightforward surgical procedure, the dentist places the implant into the jawbone beneath the gums, precisely where the natural tooth once existed. This implant acts as an artificial tooth root and is completed with a restoration, typically a dental crown, to closely simulate the appearance and function of a natural tooth.
Deciding on dental implants is a significant step. If you’re uncertain about what to expect from the process, we provide detailed information here to help you make an informed decision about your dental treatment.
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Why Dental Implants Might Be Necessary
Natural teeth maintain the structure and functionality of your smile, enabling comfortable eating and speaking.
A missing tooth can cause adjacent teeth to shift, disrupting healthy alignment and increasing the risk of oral health issues. Even the loss of a single tooth can initiate a cascade of effects that affect oral health, facial appearance, and overall quality of life.
Even if other effects of missing teeth are not experienced, bone resorption is an unavoidable issue. This natural process involves the breakdown of non-essential bone tissue to redistribute minerals throughout the body.
Teeth exert pressure against the jawbone, stimulating the production of new bone tissue. However, once teeth are lost, the bone tissue loses its purpose and gradually diminishes. This leads to jaw and chin recession, causing wrinkles and a sunken appearance of the cheeks and lips.
Dental implants are the next best solution to natural teeth. By replacing lost teeth with implants, you can prevent or correct the issues mentioned earlier.
The Benefits Of Dental Implants
Experiencing tooth loss can have a profound impact. A missing tooth can lead to self-consciousness about our smile and may contribute to a range of health concerns. Gaps can disrupt your bite, making eating your favourite foods challenging, and potentially causing bone loss or shifting of other teeth.
- Restore Your Natural Appearance – Dental implants replicate the look and feel of natural teeth. They become permanent fixtures that seamlessly integrate into your smile, custom-made to appear as flawless teeth. Implants achieve a natural look through precise sizing, shaping, and colour matching to complement your unique bite and natural enamel shade.
- Feel Confident in Your Comfort – Following the placement of a dental implant, the titanium post naturally fuses with your jawbone as it heals. Whether it’s a crown, bridge, or implant-supported dentures attached to the post, one thing is certain: the dental implant remains firmly anchored. Laugh, smile, and enjoy your favourite foods without worrying about teeth shifting or experiencing sudden discomfort.
- Improve Bone Strength – Loss of teeth can lead to gradual bone atrophy and weakening of the supporting bone. Dental implants actively promote new bone growth around the implant, significantly bolstering the bone structure.
Dental implants offer a lasting solution that feels natural and can endure for decades with diligent oral hygiene.
Dental Implant Restorations
The restoration is the artificial tooth that conceals the implant. While the implant itself isn’t visible when you smile, the restoration covering it is what gives the appearance of a new tooth.
- Dental Crown – A dental crown is the standard choice for restoring a single-tooth implant.
- Dental Bridge – In cases where multiple consecutive teeth are missing, a dental bridge spans the gap. By supporting a dental bridge with just one or two implants, you can replace several teeth. For a complete implant-supported bridge, four or more implants secure an entire upper or lower set of teeth permanently.
- Implant Denture – Enhance the stability of a removable denture by securing it with two small implants.
A New Life with Dental Implants Awaits!
Your smile will be transformed with a dental implant—it will be significantly improved.
Maintaining and caring for dental implants is simple. Brush and floss your implant gently every day and take precautions to prevent injury during sports activities. Regular checkups with us will ensure the ongoing health of your implant.
In return, your dental implant can offer you many years of robust, joyful, and stunning smiles!
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The Experience of Dental Implants
Despite the perception of discomfort from having a metal implant inserted into your mouth, the procedure is surprisingly comfortable.
During surgery, your mouth will be numbed with a gentle anesthetic to ensure you experience no pain. Utilizing advanced dental technology allows us to place implants swiftly, accurately, and with minimal invasiveness. This approach reduces discomfort and accelerates your recovery process.
During the brief half-hour procedure to place their implant, some patients have mentioned feeling bored or even sleepy. The most discomfort you might experience is having to keep your mouth open for short periods.
After the procedure, it’s common to have some swelling, discomfort, and possibly bruising in the hours following. However, any pain is usually mild and easily manageable. We’ll provide specific instructions to help minimize discomfort before the anesthesia wears off. Your surgical implant site should begin to feel better within a week.
With a success rate nearing 95%, dental implants are widely recognized as one of dentistry’s safest and most dependable procedures.
What To Expect On Your Dental Implant Treatment Journey
The process of implant placement is surprisingly comfortable, contrary to common expectations.
Assessment
To begin your dental implant journey, you’ll undergo a consultation to determine their suitability for your needs. Your dentist will utilize X-rays and a 3D cone-beam CT scan of your jaw to assess bone density and plan your treatment. They will also capture a scan or impression of your teeth to aid in planning the ideal placement angle for your implant.
Inserting the Dental Implant
An anesthetic is administered to ensure complete numbness at the surgical site. A small opening is created by the dentist in both the gums and bone of your mouth. Following this, the implant post is placed into the prepared hole. Sutures may be necessary to close the gums, depending on the situation.
Finalizing the Restoration
Following the implant healing period at home over the next few months, you return to our practice for the final steps. Here, we will have your dental restoration prepared and ready for placement. Once completed, you will leave with a fully functional, brand-new tooth.
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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 South Aurora
Anticipate spending around $3,000 to $6,000 or more for a single implant. Full-mouth reconstructive dental implants may range from $6,000 to $60,000 and beyond. The average cost for a full set of implant-supported dentures is approximately $30,000. Please note, accurate quotes cannot be provided over the phone as the dental implant procedure is highly individual and complex, dependent on various unique factors.
Several key factors influence the cost of dental implant surgery:
- The type and quantity of implants required.
- The materials and supplies utilized during the procedure.
- The expertise and experience of the dental team involved throughout the process.
- The geographical location and complexity of the surgical procedure.
- Your anticipated recovery period, with ongoing support available as needed.
Since each case varies, it’s essential to consult with a dentist and undergo an oral examination. This allows us to assess your specific needs and present various treatment options for your consideration. We’re delighted to offer you a more precise quote based on this evaluation.
Are there other solutions for missing teeth?
Repairing gaps caused by 1 to 3 missing teeth may involve a dental bridge, while extensive tooth loss in the upper, lower jaw, or throughout the mouth may necessitate a dental prosthetic or removable dentures. It’s essential to consider the pros and cons when comparing the cost of dental implants with other tooth-replacement options.
While dental implants may require a larger initial investment, they provide superior security and durability compared to bridges or dentures. Unlike removable dental prosthetics, which require distinct care and maintenance and may necessitate adjustments or replacements as you age, dental implants are maintained similarly to natural teeth. Regular oral hygiene at home and routine dental check-ups are crucial for their sustained longevity, potentially lasting a lifetime with proper care.
Frequently Asked Questions
No one needs to know that your implants aren’t natural teeth. Dental implants consist of metal screws hidden beneath your gums, topped with natural-looking restorations that seamlessly blend with your smile.
Dentures and implants are not the same and they work in different ways. Dentures sit on top of your gums and apply pressure to the underlying bone tissue. Implants strengthen your bite because they are fixed well below your gums. Each tooth replacement option has unique pros and cons. We recommend that you visit us in person to determine which treatment is best for you.
For individuals who may not qualify as ideal candidates for dental implants, dental bridges and full or partial dentures provide alternative options for replacing missing teeth. Please contact us to schedule an appointment and explore which solutions best suit your specific needs. We are here to discuss all available options and address any questions you may have.
Not everyone is eligible for dental implants. To qualify, you must be an adult with good overall oral health. Your jawbone must be strong enough to support the implant, and your gums and surrounding tissues must be healthy to minimize complications. If you’re unsure about your candidacy, contact us for an evaluation. We can discuss treatment options to improve your oral health and explore alternative solutions for replacing missing teeth.
Absolutely! Whether it’s a crown, bridge, or implant-supported denture, your dental implant will be custom-made to ensure comfort. This means your new teeth will match the shape and colour of your existing teeth and bite. Patients often find it challenging to distinguish their natural teeth from their beautifully crafted dental implants.
The field of dental implants has advanced significantly, making the procedure highly predictable and relatively painless. Our meticulous approach ensures minimal discomfort during the process. Following proper post-procedure care, you can anticipate minimal swelling and virtually no bleeding. Your well-being, both physical and emotional, is a priority for us. If you have any concerns or anxiety about your visit, please don’t hesitate to inform us.
Typically, patients can resume work the day after their implant surgery. For a more precise time frame tailored to your specific treatment plan, we’ll provide detailed guidance in advance. We ensure you’re well-informed about all post-operative care instructions.
Ensuring the longevity of your implants relies on diligent maintenance. Regular professional cleanings and examinations are essential, akin to caring for natural teeth. Typically, we advise checkups every six months, although this frequency may be adjusted based on your specific requirements and circumstances.
To keep your dental implants in optimal condition, treat them like natural teeth. This includes regular brushing and flossing, attending routine cleanings and checkups, and promptly informing your dentist of any concerns or issues.
No, dental implants do not require regular replacement. Once successfully placed, they are designed to be a lasting solution for many years.
