Dental Implants

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a permanent solution for missing teeth, consisting of an artificial root made of titanium metal. It is inserted into the jawbone to replace the root of the natural tooth. An artificial replacement tooth is then attached to the implant. The implant acts as an anchor to hold the replacement tooth in place. Dental implants are the only tooth restoration option that restores both the tooth and root.

The Dental Implant Process: From start to finish:

1) The Initial Consultation & Assessment:

Your first visit includes digital imaging, a thorough dental exam, and a conversation with your dentist to assess your goals. We want to evaluate your jawbone density, overall oral health, and any other relevant factors to determine your dental implant candidacy.

Some patients are immediate candidates for dental implants, while others may not be. In some instances, patients may require pre-treatments, such as bone grafting, sinus lift, or extraction(s) to ensure dental implant success.

From there, your dentist will carefully plan your dental implant treatment using image-guided technology and other innovations to ensure the success of your implant. We also consider the necessary pre-treatments and plan around those, creating a timeline that works for you.

2) Implant Placement Surgery:

Using local anesthesia, your dentist carefully and precisely implants a titanium post into the jawbone. This titanium root serves as the dental implant, standing in for your lost tooth root.

If you’re feeling anxious or nervous about the procedure, consider discussing oral sedation dentistry with your dentist.

After implant placement, when anesthesia wears off, you may notice mild soreness and swelling for a few days. An over-the-counter pain reliever is usually sufficient to combat the discomfort.

Be sure to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions and call us if you have questions or concern.

3) Healing & Osseointegration:

Healing is virtually painless and happens behind the scenes. While you’re enjoying your day or sleeping at night, the titanium post is integrating into the jawbone, a process called Osseointegration.

This is a necessary stage for implant success and lasts for approximately three to six months. The tooth root integrates during this period, creating a stable foundation for your new tooth.

During healing, be mindful of biting directly into sticky foods with your implant post or temporary. Additionally, brush and floss at least twice daily to help ensure the success of your implant. An oral infection, cavity, or any other oral health concern could temporarily derail your progress and affect your timeline.

4) Tooth Restoration – Insertion of Implant Crown:

After integration, your dentist will place an abutment over the implant. Think of the abutment as a connector between the implant and your new tooth. We then cap your abutment with a custom dental crown after taking impressions or a 3-D scan. The crown is always custom coloured and shaped to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.

5) Aftercare & Maintenance

After we place your implant crown, you’re free to enjoy your new smile. You can indulge in your favourite foods and smile with confidence.

Maintenance of dental implants is the same as your natural teeth:

• Brush and floss at least twice daily or after every meal.

• Maintain your recommended dental cleaning intervals (3-6 months)

• If you have bruxism (teeth grinding), consult your dentist about a night guard.

• If you play sports, always wear a mouth guard.

• Report any changes in your oral health to your dentist.

How long do Dental Implants last?

With proper home care and dental hygiene visits, implants can last 15 years or more. Many patients have theirs for a lifetime.

What are the fees associated with Dental Implants?

Dental implant costs in Ontario vary based on several factors:

Number of implants needed

Replacing one tooth costs less than replacing several teeth or full arches

Tooth location

Front teeth usually cost more to replace than molars because they require more cosmetic work and complex surgery.

Bone Grafting or Sinus lifts

If you have bone loss in your jaw, you may need a bone graft before getting an implant. This can add to your overall cost.

Type of implant and crown

Depending on the brand of materials used by the dentist, the price can vary. Premium materials will increase the overall cost of your implant.   

Bone Grafting and Implant Dentistry:

Bone loss is a factor that will determine whether your jaw can successfully support an implant or not. To reinforce your jaw bone, your dentist may recommend bone grafting, also called socket grafting.

Bone grafting is the placement of synthetic bone material into your jawbone. The synthetic bone graft acts as a placeholder in your jaw, to be replaced by regenerated bone of your own. 

The complete bone integration of your own regenerated bone may take roughly 3-6 months depending on the patient.

As bone grafting will reinforce your jawbone, it will aid in the overall success of your dental implant.  

To book your no charge consultation, please contact us via phone 416-922-1845, or by email info@deerparkdental.ca.