What Are Dental Implants?
Malton Family Dental - Are dental Implants Covered by Insurance?
Malton Family Dental - How Are Dental Implants Installed?
Malton Family Dental - How do Dental Implants Work?
A dental implant is a small metal screw that replaces the root of a missing tooth. During a simple surgical procedure, the dentist places the implant into the bone beneath your gums where the tooth once was. This implant acts like a natural tooth root, providing a stable base for a restoration, such as a dental crown, that mimics the appearance and function of a real tooth.
Choosing to get dental implants is a significant decision. If you’re considering them but aren’t sure what to expect, we’ve outlined everything you need to know to help you make an informed choice about your treatment.
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Why You Might Need Dental Implants
Your natural teeth are crucial not only for a beautiful smile but also for supporting the overall structure of your face. They help maintain the height and shape of your smile, while allowing you to eat, speak, and smile comfortably.
When you lose a tooth, the gap can cause your remaining teeth to shift out of alignment. This can increase your risk of developing oral health issues, such as gum disease or difficulty with chewing. Even losing just one tooth can trigger a chain of events that negatively affect your oral health, facial appearance, and overall quality of life.
One key issue that you can’t avoid when a tooth is lost is bone resorption. This is a natural process where the body breaks down non-essential bone tissue to use its minerals elsewhere. When you still have teeth, the pressure they place on the jawbone helps stimulate new bone growth. However, once a tooth is lost, that bone no longer receives stimulation and begins to dissolve, causing the jaw and chin to shrink. Over time, this can lead to a sunken appearance in your cheeks and lips, as well as the development of wrinkles.
Dental implants are the next best thing to having natural teeth. By replacing missing teeth with implants, you can prevent or correct these issues, preserving both your oral health and facial appearance. With dental implants, you can enjoy the benefits of a functional and natural-looking smile that lasts for many years.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Losing a tooth can be difficult, affecting both your confidence and overall health. A missing tooth can make you feel self-conscious about your smile and lead to several issues, such as discomfort when biting, trouble eating your favorite foods, and even bone loss or shifting teeth.
- Restore Your Natural Appearance
Dental implants are designed to look and feel just like your natural teeth. Custom-made to fit perfectly with your smile, they become permanent replacements that blend seamlessly with your existing teeth. Implants are sized, shaped, and colored to match your natural enamel, ensuring they look completely natural. - Feel Confident in Your Comfort
Once a dental implant is placed, your jawbone fuses with the titanium post during the healing process. Whether you get a crown, bridge, or implant-supported dentures, the implant stays securely in place. This means you can smile, laugh, and eat your favorite foods without worrying about shifting teeth or discomfort. With dental implants, you’ll enjoy reliable, pain-free comfort. - Improve Bone Strength
When teeth are lost, the bone that once supported them can weaken over time. Dental implants stimulate bone growth around the implant, helping to preserve and strengthen your jawbone. This process prevents further bone loss and supports the overall health of your oral structure.
Dental implants offer a long-term solution that not only restores the appearance and function of your teeth but can also last for decades with proper care. They provide a natural, durable, and reliable option for those looking to replace missing teeth.
Dental Implant Restorations
A dental restoration is the “false tooth” that sits on top of the implant. While the implant itself is hidden beneath the gums, the restoration is what gives you the look and function of a new, natural-looking tooth.
- Dental Crown
The most common type of restoration for a single-tooth implant, a dental crown provides a seamless replacement for a missing tooth, blending perfectly with your existing teeth. - Dental Bridge
If several teeth are missing in a row, a dental bridge can fill the gap. With just one or two implants, you can replace multiple missing teeth. For larger restorations, a full implant-supported bridge can replace an entire arch of upper or lower teeth, secured with four or more implants. - Implant Denture
Implant-supported dentures provide added stability by attaching a removable denture to two small implants. This helps secure the denture and improves comfort, offering a more reliable and functional solution than traditional dentures.
A New Life with Dental Implants Awaits!
Once you receive a dental implant, your smile will transform – and for the better!
Dental implants are simple to care for. Just brush and floss gently around your implant daily, and protect it from injury during sports activities. Regular checkups with us will ensure your implant stays healthy and your smile remains strong.
With the proper care, your dental implant can reward you with many years of bright, beautiful, and confident smiles!
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How It Feels
While the idea of having a metal implant placed into the bone of your mouth may sound painful, the reality is that the procedure is much more comfortable than you might expect.
To ensure you don’t feel any pain during the surgery, we’ll numb the area with a mild anesthetic. Thanks to advanced dental technology, we can place implants quickly, precisely, and with minimal invasiveness, meaning less discomfort and a faster recovery for you.
Some patients report feeling relaxed or even sleepy during the procedure, which typically takes around half an hour. The most discomfort you might experience is having to keep your mouth open for a few minutes, but that’s about it.
It’s normal to experience mild swelling, discomfort, or even bruising in the hours after the procedure, but it’s easily manageable. We’ll provide you with clear aftercare instructions to help minimize discomfort once the anesthetic wears off. Most patients feel better within a week as the surgical site heals.
With a success rate of nearly 95%, dental implants are one of the safest and most predictable procedures in dentistry, so you can feel confident throughout the process.
What to Expect on Your Dental Implant Treatment Journey
The process of getting a dental implant is much more comfortable than you might think, and we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Assessment
Your journey begins with a consultation to determine if dental implants are the right option for you. During this visit, your dentist will take X-rays and a 3D cone-beam CT scan of your jaw to evaluate the bone structure and plan your treatment. Additionally, your dental team will take a scan or impression of your teeth to ensure precise planning for the placement and angulation of your implant.
Inserting the Implant
Before beginning, we’ll administer a mild anesthetic to numb the area, ensuring you feel no pain during the procedure. The dentist will then make a small incision in the gums and create a hole in the bone to place the implant post. In some cases, sutures may be used to close the gums, though this is not always necessary.
Finalizing the Restoration
After the implant is placed, you’ll go home to allow the implant to heal, which can take a few months. Once the healing process is complete, you’ll return to our practice, where your custom dental restoration will be ready. We’ll then place the restoration, and you’ll leave with a brand-new, fully functional tooth, bringing your smile back to life.
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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 Mississauga
In Mississauga, the cost of a single dental implant typically ranges from $3,000 to $6,000 or more. For full-mouth reconstructive implants, the cost can range from $6,000 to $60,000 and up. If you’re considering implant-supported dentures, the average cost for a full set is around $30,000. Keep in mind that accurate pricing can’t be provided over the phone, as the dental implant procedure is complex and varies based on several factors unique to each patient.
- The number and type of implants you require.
- The materials and supplies used during the procedure.
- The experience and expertise of the dental team.
- The complexity and location of the surgery.
- Your recovery time and follow-up care, as we are committed to supporting you through the entire process.
How is the Cost of Dental Implant Surgery Determined?
The cost of dental implants depends on several important factors, including:
Since every patient’s situation is different, we recommend scheduling an in-person consultation and oral exam. This will allow us to evaluate your needs and provide you with a more accurate quote and tailored treatment options.
Are There Other Solutions for Missing Teeth?
For patients with 1 to 3 missing teeth, a dental bridge may be a suitable option. For more extensive tooth loss, full or partial dentures might be appropriate. When comparing dental implants to other tooth-replacement options, it’s essential to consider the benefits and limitations of each.
While dental implants may require a higher initial investment, they offer long-term security and durability. Removable dental prosthetics, on the other hand, may require more ongoing care, maintenance, and potential adjustments over time. Dental implants, however, can be treated just like your natural teeth, with regular oral hygiene and dental exams. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a valuable investment in your long-term oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions
No one will be able to tell you have dental implants. The implants themselves are hidden beneath the gums and topped with lifelike restorations that seamlessly blend in with your natural teeth, making them indistinguishable from your original teeth.
Dentures and implants serve different functions. Dentures sit on top of your gums and press down on the underlying bone, while implants are placed below the gums and help strengthen the jawbone. Both options have their own benefits and drawbacks. We recommend visiting us in person so we can discuss which treatment will best meet your needs.
If dental implants aren’t the right choice for you, alternatives such as dental bridges, full dentures, or partial dentures may be suitable for replacing missing teeth. The best way to explore your options is to schedule an appointment with us, where we can evaluate your specific situation and discuss all the available solutions.
To be a candidate for dental implants, you need to be an adult in good general oral health. Your jawbone must also be strong enough to support the implant, and your gums must be healthy to reduce the risk of complications. If you’re concerned that you may not be a suitable candidate, reach out to us for an assessment. We can explore treatment options to help restore your oral health, including alternatives to implants.
Yes! Your dental implants will be custom-made to match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth. Whether it’s a crown, bridge, or implant-supported dentures, we ensure the restorations blend perfectly with your smile. Many patients find it difficult to distinguish between their natural teeth and implants.
The dental implant procedure is generally very comfortable. Thanks to advancements in technology, it’s now more predictable and pain-free than ever. Local anesthesia is used to ensure you feel no pain, and with proper aftercare, you can expect minimal swelling and almost no bleeding. If you’re feeling anxious about the procedure, let us know, and we’ll ensure you’re as comfortable as possible.
In most cases, you can return to work the day after your implant surgery. Depending on your specific treatment plan, we can give you a more accurate estimate of your recovery time. We’ll also provide detailed post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
To keep your implants healthy, routine checkups are essential, just like with your natural teeth. We generally recommend a checkup every 6 months, but the frequency may vary based on your individual needs and progress. Regular cleanings and exams will help ensure the long-term success of your implants.
Taking care of dental implants is just like caring for your natural teeth. Brush and floss regularly, keep up with your routine cleanings and checkups, and let us know if you experience any issues. Proper care will help maintain your implants and keep your smile healthy.
No, dental implants do not need to be replaced routinely. Once properly placed, they are designed to last for a very long time, often for decades, with proper care and maintenance.
