What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small metal screw that serves as a replacement for 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 functions as a natural tooth root and is topped with a restoration, like a dental crown, which makes it look and feel just like a real tooth.
Deciding to get dental implants is a significant decision. If you’re considering it but aren’t sure what to expect, we’ve provided all the information you need so that you can make an informed choice about your dental treatment.
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Why You Might Need Dental Implants
Your natural teeth play an important role in maintaining the height, shape, and function of your smile. They help you eat, speak, and smile comfortably, and they support the structure of your face.
When you lose a tooth, the gap left behind can cause your remaining teeth to shift out of alignment, leading to potential oral health issues. Even losing one tooth can set off a series of changes in your mouth that can negatively impact your oral health, the appearance of your face, and your overall quality of life.
One issue that you can’t avoid, even if you don’t notice it right away, is bone resorption. This is a natural process in which your body breaks down non-essential bone tissue to use the minerals elsewhere in your body.
When your teeth are in place, they stimulate the bone in your jaw and help maintain its strength. However, when a tooth is missing, the bone no longer receives this stimulation, causing it to gradually dissolve. Over time, this can lead to a shortened jaw and chin, which may result in wrinkles and a sunken appearance in your cheeks and lips.
Dental implants are the next best thing to natural teeth. They can help prevent or reverse these issues by replacing lost teeth and preserving both your oral health and facial appearance.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Losing a tooth can feel devastating, affecting both your confidence and your overall health. A missing tooth can make you feel self-conscious about your smile, and gaps can lead to a variety of issues. They can cause discomfort when biting, difficulty eating your favorite foods, and may lead to shifting teeth or bone loss.
- Restore Your Natural Appearance
Dental implants are designed to look and feel just like your natural teeth. Once placed, they become permanent, seamlessly blending with your smile. Implants are custom-sized, shaped, and colored to match your unique bite and natural enamel, ensuring they blend perfectly with your existing teeth. - Feel Confident in Your Comfort
Once a dental implant is placed, your jawbone actually fuses with the titanium post as it heals. Whether you have a crown, bridge, or implant-supported dentures, the implant will remain securely in place. This means you can laugh, smile, and enjoy your favorite foods without worrying about shifting teeth or unexpected pain. - Improve Bone Strength
When a tooth is lost, the bone that once supported it can begin to weaken and atrophy over time. Dental implants help stimulate new bone growth around the implant, strengthening the bone structure and preventing further deterioration.
Dental implants provide a long-term solution that feels natural and, with proper oral care, can last for decades, helping you maintain both your oral health and a confident, beautiful smile.
Dental Implant Restorations
A dental restoration is the “replacement tooth” that fits over the implant. While the implant itself is not visible, the restoration is what gives you the appearance of a new tooth, seamlessly integrating with your smile.
- Dental Crown
The most popular choice for single-tooth implants, a dental crown is placed atop the implant to restore the look and function of a missing tooth. This option is perfect for replacing just one tooth while blending naturally with the surrounding teeth. - Dental Bridge
When multiple teeth are missing in a row, a dental bridge can help fill the gap. A couple of implants can support a bridge, restoring several missing teeth at once. For larger cases, a full implant-supported bridge can replace an entire set of teeth, either on the upper or lower jaw, securely anchored with four or more implants. - Implant Denture
For those who wear removable dentures, attaching them to implants offers greater stability and comfort. With just two small implants, the denture becomes more secure, improving its fit and function.
These restorative options not only improve the aesthetics of your smile but also help restore its full functionality, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
A New Life with Dental Implants Awaits!
Once you get a dental implant, your smile will not only be restored – it’ll be better than ever.
Caring for dental implants is simple. Just brush and floss gently every day, and make sure to protect your implant from injury, especially during sports. Regular check-ups with us will ensure your implant stays in great condition.
With the right care, your dental implant can provide you with years of strong, beautiful smiles that last a lifetime!
Start today by booking a consultation
How It Feels
While the idea of having a metal implant placed into your jaw might sound uncomfortable, the procedure is actually much more comfortable than you may think.
We’ll use a mild anesthetic to numb your mouth, ensuring you don’t feel any pain during the procedure. Thanks to modern dental technology, implants can be placed quickly, precisely, and with minimal invasiveness, which means less discomfort and a quicker recovery for you.
Many patients report feeling relaxed or even sleepy during the brief, half-hour procedure. The most discomfort you might experience is having to keep your mouth open for a few minutes, but that’s usually the extent of it.
Afterward, it’s normal to experience some swelling, mild discomfort, or bruising over the next few hours, but this is generally easy to manage. We’ll provide you with clear aftercare instructions to help you minimize discomfort before the anesthetic wears off. You should start feeling better within a week.
It may reassure you to know that dental implants have a success rate of nearly 95%, making them one of the safest and most predictable procedures in dentistry.
What to Expect on Your Dental Implant Treatment Journey
The process of getting a dental implant is much more comfortable than you might think.
Assessment
Your journey begins with a dental implant consultation to determine if 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 the treatment. The dental team will also take an impression or scan of your teeth to help plan the precise angulation for the implant.
Inserting the Implant
Before starting the procedure, we’ll numb the surgical area with a local anesthetic, ensuring you feel no pain. The dentist will then create a small hole in the gums and bone, placing the implant post into the space. In some cases, sutures may be used to close the gums, although this isn’t always necessary.
Finalizing the Restoration
After the implant is placed, you’ll return home to allow it to heal over the next few months. When the healing is complete, you’ll come back to the practice where your custom dental restoration will be ready. We’ll place the restoration, and you’ll leave with a brand-new, fully functional tooth, bringing your smile back to life.
Dr. Danyal Dehghani
Dentist
Your Dental Implants Dentist
Dr. Danyal graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2014 with his doctorate in Dental Surgery. In the same year, he joined both the US and Canadian Boards. He obtained his first Dental Degree in 2009 in Hungary and has done over 400 hours of Continuing Education courses in Advanced Dental Treatment planning. Dr. Danyal is in good standing as a member of the Ontario Dental Association, American Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.
Dr. Danyal has taken advanced implant courses and is in the process of obtaining his Associate Fellow Degree in Implant Dentistry. Dr. Danyal is very excited to be serving the Muskoka community to improve their oral health.
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.
Cost of Dental Implants in Bracebridge
In Bracebridge, the cost of a single dental implant typically ranges from $3,000 to $6,000 or more. For full-mouth reconstructive dental implants, prices can range from $6,000 to $60,000 or higher. If you’re considering a full set of implant-supported dentures, the average cost is around $30,000. Keep in mind that dental implant procedures are complex, and no dental practice can give you an exact quote over the phone due to the numerous variables involved.
- Several factors play a role in determining the cost of dental implant surgery:
- The type and number of implants required.
- The materials and supplies used in the procedure.
- The experience and expertise of the dental team.
- The complexity and location of the surgery.
- The time required for recovery.
How is the Cost of Dental Implant Surgery Determined?
Since every case is unique, it’s crucial to schedule an in-person consultation and oral examination so we can evaluate your situation and discuss various treatment options. After that, we’ll be able to provide a more accurate cost estimate.
Are There Other Solutions for Missing Teeth?
If you’re missing one to three teeth, a dental bridge might be an effective option. For more extensive tooth loss, a dental prosthetic or removable dentures could be used. When comparing dental implants to other tooth-replacement options, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons.
While dental implants may have a higher initial cost, they offer greater security and durability compared to bridges or dentures. Removable prosthetics require more care, maintenance, and adjustments over time, whereas dental implants are treated like natural teeth, needing only routine care and regular check-ups. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a valuable long-term investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
No one will be able to tell that you have dental implants. The implant itself is hidden beneath your gums and is topped with a lifelike restoration that blends perfectly with the rest of your natural teeth, giving you a seamless, natural-looking smile.
Dentures and implants function differently. Dentures sit on top of your gums and exert pressure on the underlying bone, while implants are securely placed beneath the gums and stimulate the bone, strengthening your bite. Both options have their pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your specific needs. We recommend scheduling a consultation to discuss which option is best for you.
For patients who aren’t suitable candidates for dental implants, alternatives such as dental bridges or full/partial dentures may be considered. The best way to determine your options is to book an appointment where we can evaluate your unique needs and guide you through the possibilities.
To qualify for dental implants, you need to be an adult with good oral health. Your jawbone should be strong enough to support an implant, and your gums must be healthy to reduce the risk of complications. If you’re unsure whether you’re a candidate, feel free to contact us. We can assess your oral health and discuss possible treatment options, including alternatives to implants.
Yes! Dental implants are custom-made to match your natural teeth. Whether it’s a crown, bridge, or implant-supported dentures, each restoration is carefully shaped and colored to blend with your existing teeth, making them virtually indistinguishable.
The dental implant procedure is generally very comfortable. With advancements in technology, the process is more predictable and pain-free than ever. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area, and with proper aftercare, you can expect minimal swelling and little to no bleeding. If you’re feeling anxious, let us know, and we will ensure you are as relaxed and comfortable as possible.
Most patients can return to work the day after their implant surgery. Depending on the specifics of your treatment, we’ll provide a more accurate recovery timeline and let you know if any extra time off is needed. We’ll also give you thorough aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
To ensure the longevity of your dental implants, it’s essential to maintain regular checkups, just like with natural teeth. We generally recommend a checkup every 6 months, but this may vary based on your individual needs and circumstances.
You should care for your dental implants just like your natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, cleanings, and checkups are key to keeping them in great shape. If you experience any issues, don’t hesitate to contact us for advice or assistance.
No, dental implants are designed to last for a long time and typically do not need to be replaced. With proper care and maintenance, your implants should stay with you for many years, providing a durable and reliable solution for missing teeth.
