DENTAL IMPLANTS HAMILTON: RESTORING YOUR SMILE
A dental implant is a titanium metal screw that will be surgically attached to your jaw bone. You can have more than just one implant. If you have several missing teeth, you can have a dental implant to replace each missing tooth. In fact, dental implants are a great way to promote a healthy bone and facial structure, because the titanium post acts like an artificial tooth root, which stimulates bone production to prevent bone loss.
A local anesthetic is used before starting this dental surgery. The implant posts are then inserted directly into your jaw bone during the implant surgery, after making a small incision into your gum. The site will need to heal for three months before a crown is placed on top of the titanium screw.
During the healing process and afterwards, proper oral hygiene is essential to prevent infection and help the dental implant last a long time. While healing, you should also avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods, as well as smoking or drinking from a straw, all of which delays recovery. The full dental implant procedure takes time, but at the end, you have a tooth replacement that works, feels, and looks like a natural tooth.
Once your jaw has healed and accepted the implant, we attach a crown to the post via an abutment; the crown will look and feel completely natural.
A dental crown is often crafted from porcelain and looks just like your natural teeth. If you have multiple missing teeth, a dental bridge can be used instead and attached to the implants. Porcelain is a stain-resistant material which doesn’t require any special treatment other than proper oral hygiene which you should use anyway, to promote healthy teeth.
Having missing teeth for a long period of time drastically affects the strength of your bone and mouth and causes cheeks and lips to collapse over time. The nearby teeth can start to shift and become loose, until these other teeth possibly fall out, too. Even patients who’ve worn full or partial dentures complain about noticing a difference in their facial structure. On the other hand, dental implants replace the root of your teeth, not just the visible parts of teeth. Dental implants are also excellent for securing implant supported dentures, which are more secure than removable dentures.
WHAT IS DENTAL IMPLANT SURGERY?
A dental implant is a titanium metal screw that will be surgically attached to your jaw bone. You can have more than just one implant. If you have several missing teeth, you can have a dental implant to replace each missing tooth. In fact, dental implants are a great way to promote a healthy bone and facial structure, because the titanium post acts like an artificial tooth root, which stimulates bone production to prevent bone loss.
A local anesthetic is used before starting this dental surgery. The implant posts are then inserted directly into your jaw bone during the implant surgery, after making a small incision into your gum. The site will need to heal for several weeks before a crown, which acts as an artificial tooth, can be attached.
During the healing process and afterwards, proper oral hygiene is essential to prevent infection and help the dental implant last a long time. While healing, you should also avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods, as well as smoking or drinking from a straw, all of which delays recovery. The full dental implant procedure takes time, but at the end, you have a tooth replacement that works, feels, and looks like a natural tooth.
Once your jaw has healed and accepted the implant, we attach a crown to the post via an abutment; the crown will look and feel completely natural.
A dental crown is often crafted from porcelain and looks just like your natural teeth. If you have multiple missing teeth, a dental bridge can be used instead and attached to the implants. Porcelain is a stain-resistant material which doesn’t require any special treatment other than proper oral hygiene which you should use anyway, to promote healthy teeth.
Having missing teeth for a long period of time drastically affects the strength of your bone and mouth and causes cheeks and lips to collapse over time. The nearby teeth can start to shift and become loose, until these other teeth possibly fall out, too. Even patients who’ve worn full or partial dentures complain about noticing a difference in their facial structure. On the other hand, dental implants replace the root of your teeth, not just the visible parts of teeth. Dental implants are also excellent for securing implant supported dentures, which are more secure than removable dentures.
ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS SAFE?
Dental implants have a 98% success rate, however, if you’re a heavy smoker, have uncontrolled diabetes, an immune disorder or active gum disease, we may need to discuss other tooth replacement and treatment options.
Titanium is chosen for implants because of its durability, flexibility, and non-toxic properties. Only under very extreme (and rare) cases, an allergic reaction to titanium implants or inflammatory responses can cause issues.
WHEN A BONE GRAFT MAY BE NEEDED
In some cases where your jawbone isn’t strong enough or there is a loss of bone structure, we can complete a surgical bone graft. Often, the tissue is taken from healthy areas of your jaw or chin and attach it to the jaw bone. Recovery time varies by patient, but typically takes around six months before an implant can be attached.
THE COST OF DENTAL IMPLANTS VS. DENTURES COST IN CANADA
Patients don’t often have implant coverage under their benefit plans, and may be concerned about the dental implant cost. The cost for dental implants vary, depending on how many you need. Because we want to see our patients happy, we can offer custom and flexible payment plans and will gladly discuss these options with you before proceeding with any surgeries. If you’re stuck deciding between dentures and dental implants, the cost of dentures can actually end up being much higher than the cost of dental implants, especially over time. With dentures, your facial structure can change, and you are at increased likelihood of losing more of your existing teeth, so you may need more restorative work done. Dental implants, on the other hand, can last upwards of 25 years, making it a cost-effective way to replace missing teeth over the longer term.
We believe dental care costs shouldn’t affect your decision in whether to choose dental implant dentistry over sliding dentures. If you’re a good candidate for dental implants, we will make sure your treatment plan provides you with the health care you deserve. We want you to reach your goals of having healthy teeth and good oral health.
