Implants
FOR ALL TREATMENT PRICING, WE FOLLOW THE PROVINCIAL DENTAL FEE GUIDE THAT IS USED BY ALL DENTAL PRACTICES IN ONTARIO.
What is a Dental Implant?
Implants are small metal screws that are placed in the upper or lower jawbones in areas where teeth are missing. They mimic the root of a natural tooth to restore the function of missing teeth. Implants also look and feel like your natural teeth to restore the appearance of your smile. As such, they are the ideal method for the replacement of missing teeth, and the vast majority of people with dental implants are very happy with the results.
Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, several teeth, or all teeth in an arch (upper or lower); with the only difference in these cases being the number of implants necessary to support the desired number of teeth. In most cases, 5-6 implants can be used to replace 10-12 teeth.
What is the procedure for placing a dental implant?
Step 1: A comprehensive examination of the bone levels of your jaws are evaluated using x-rays, and your dentist will then determine the ideal position of the implant. Impressions of the upper and lower jaws will be taken and articulated so as to make an exact replica of your mouth in stone models. This stage is what determines the ideal orientation of the implant and the best type of implant for you.
Step 2: The practitioner will then conduct a minor operation in which the implant is placed in the jawbone and the gums overlying the implant site are stitched. Once the implant is placed, it will be level with the surrounding gums and therefore cannot be easily seen. This is a minor surgery that is often done under general or local anesthesia.
After implant placement, a period of 6-12 weeks is required for healing and bonding of the bone to the implant surface. During this time, and especially within the first week following implant placement, you may experience swelling or discoloration of the gums in the implant area. The dentist may then prescribe medication and supply you with instructions for taking care of your gums during this healing phase.
Step 3: A titanium abutment, also referred to as an extension post, will be screwed into the implant, and a final impression will be taken for fabrication of the final replacement teeth. The practitioner will then fit the abutment with a temporary crown or bridge that you can use while the final replacement teeth are being made. You will also be given special home care instructions on how to maintain the cleanliness of your newly placed abutments and temporary teeth.
Step 4: Once your completed teeth are ready for insertion, the dentist will remove the temporary teeth and connect the finished teeth to the titanium implant abutments. You will be scheduled for follow-up visits to ensure that the implants and the teeth they are supporting are fitting properly and have successfully integrated with the rest of the dentition.
We’re here for you, every step of the way.
If you have any questions or concerns at any point before, during, or after the procedure, our staff would be more than happy to accomodate you by booking an appointment or answering any questions over the phone. We are dedicated to a service standard of excellence, and we are committed to ensuring your comfort.
What are the benefits of having implants over other treatment options?
Successfully placed implants have been known to last the longest of all treatment options for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants will allow you to speak, eat, and smile with confidence – and best of all, they feel and look just like your natural teeth do. Some other benefits of dental implants include:
Can be used regardless of the number or location of missing teeth
Implants do not require the placement of clasps on healthy teeth
Healthy teeth are preserved
Denture patients also have much to benefit from dental implants:
Dentures click into implant abutments, eliminating the need for denture adhesives and give you confidence that your dentures are secured
Implants make dentures more comfortable, and improve speech in many cases
Implant-supported dentures can withstand greater biting forces, which means you can eat the foods you want and in turn, improve your diet and thus your overall health