What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small metal screw that replaces a whole tooth. During a minor surgical procedure, the dentist places the implant into the bone under your gums, where the tooth would naturally be. The implant acts as a tooth root and is completed with a restoration like a dental crown, making it look and feel like a real tooth.
Getting dental implants is a significant decision, and if you’re considering one but unsure about the process, we’re here to provide all the information you need to make an informed choice about your dental treatment.
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Why You Might Need Dental Implants
Your natural teeth support the height and shape of your smile, enabling you to eat and speak comfortably.
A gap in your smile can cause surrounding teeth to shift out of functional alignment, increasing the risk of oral health issues. The loss of even one tooth can set off a series of changes that adversely affect your oral health, facial appearance, and overall quality of life.
Even if you don’t experience the immediate effects of missing teeth, there’s one inevitable consequence: bone resorption. This natural process occurs when your body breaks down bone tissue that’s no longer needed, redistributing minerals elsewhere.
Teeth in the jawbone provide stimulation that encourages the production of new bone tissue. When teeth are lost, the bone no longer serves a purpose and begins to dissolve. The result is a shortened jaw and chin, leading to wrinkles and a sunken appearance in the cheeks and lips.
Having dental implants is the next best thing to having natural teeth. Replacing lost teeth with implants can help prevent or correct the issues mentioned above.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Losing a tooth can significantly impact your confidence and oral health. A missing tooth may leave you self-conscious about your smile and lead to various health issues. Gaps in your teeth can affect your bite, make eating more challenging, and potentially result in 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 blend seamlessly with your smile, they are sized, shaped, and coloured to match your unique bite and natural enamel, becoming a permanent part of your mouth.
Feel Confident in Your Comfort
Once a dental implant is placed, the jawbone fuses with the titanium post during the healing process. A crown, bridge, or even implant-supported dentures can be securely attached, ensuring the implant stays firmly in place. You can laugh, smile, and enjoy your favourite foods without worrying about shifting teeth or sudden discomfort.
Improve Bone Strength
When teeth are missing, the surrounding bone can begin to weaken over time. Dental implants stimulate new bone growth around the implant, enhancing bone strength and supporting your overall oral health.
Dental implants provide a long-term solution that feels natural and can last for decades with proper oral care.
Dental Implant Restorations
A 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 the appearance of a new tooth.
The most common type of implant restoration, a dental crown covers a single-tooth implant, providing both function and a natural look.
A bridge is used to replace multiple missing teeth in a row, spanning the gap with the support of just one or two implants. A full implant-supported bridge can replace an entire arch of upper or lower teeth, secured by four or more implants.
Implant Denture
Implant dentures enhance the stability of a removable denture by allowing it to clip securely onto two small implants.
A New Life with Dental Implants Awaits!
Your smile will transform with a dental implant—it’s going to be even better.
Dental implants are easy to care for. Simply brush and floss them daily, and protect them from injury during sports. Regular checkups will help ensure your implant remains healthy and functional for years to come.
In return, your dental implant can provide you with many years of strong, confident, and beautiful smiles!
Start today by booking a consultation
How It Feels
While the idea of a metal implant being placed into your jawbone may seem uncomfortable, the procedure is actually much more comfortable than you might expect.
Your mouth will be numbed with a mild anesthetic to ensure you don’t feel any pain during the surgery. Using advanced dental technology, we place implants quickly, accurately, and conservatively, resulting in less discomfort and a shorter recovery time for you.
Some implant patients describe feeling bored or even sleepy during the brief half-hour it takes to place the implant. The most uncomfortable part might simply be holding your mouth open for a few minutes at a time, and that’s typically all there is to it.
Experiencing some swelling, discomfort, or bruising after the procedure is completely normal. The good news is that any pain is typically mild and easy to manage. We’ll give you clear instructions to reduce any discomfort before the anesthetic wears off, and within a week, your implant site should be feeling much better.
It may reassure you to know that dental implants have a success rate of nearly 95%, making them one of the safest and most reliable procedures in dentistry.
What to Expect on Your Dental Implant Journey
The implant placement process is often far more comfortable than you might think.
Assessment
Your dental implant journey starts with a consultation to see if implants are the right choice for you. Your dentist will take X-rays and a 3D cone-beam CT scan of your jaw to check the bone and plan your treatment. They’ll also take a scan or impression of your teeth to ensure the implant fits perfectly.
Inserting the Implant
We’ll make sure you’re comfortable by using anesthetic to numb the area completely. The dentist will make a small opening in your gums and bone to place the implant post securely. Depending on your situation, we might use sutures to close up the gums.
Finalizing the Restoration
After the implant is in place, you’ll go home to let it heal over a few months. Once you’re healed, you’ll come back, and we’ll have your restoration ready. We’ll attach it, and you’ll leave with a fully functional, new tooth.
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 Ottawa
In Ottawa, the cost of a single dental implant typically ranges from $3,000 to $6,000 or more. For full-mouth reconstruction, dental implants can range from $6,000 to upwards of $60,000, with a full set of implant-supported dentures averaging around $30,000. It’s important to remember that an accurate quote can’t be given over the phone, as the procedure is complex and tailored to each individual’s unique needs.
How Is the Cost of Dental Implant Surgery Determined?
Several key factors influence the cost of dental implant surgery:
- The type and number of implants required
- The materials and supplies used in the procedure
- The time, skill, and experience of the dental team supporting you throughout
- The location and complexity of the surgery
- Your recovery process, with ongoing support to ensure a smooth healing experience
Every case is unique, so it’s essential to speak with a dentist and undergo an oral exam. This allows us to assess your specific needs and offer a range of treatment options to consider. We’d be happy to provide you with a more accurate quote based on your individual situation.
Are There Other Solutions for Missing Teeth?
Yes, there are! If you’re missing just 1 to 3 teeth, a dental bridge can sometimes fill in the gaps. If you’re dealing with more extensive tooth loss—whether it’s on the top, bottom, or throughout your mouth—removable dentures or dental prosthetics might be a good option. But when you’re comparing dental implants to other tooth-replacement solutions, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons.
Dental implants do require a bigger initial investment, but they’re much more secure and durable than bridges or dentures. Removable dental prosthetics need special care, and you might have to adjust or replace them as you get older. On the other hand, dental implants are treated just like natural teeth, with regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental exams. And with the right care, they can last you a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, dental implants are designed to look completely natural. The metal screws are hidden beneath your gums and are topped with lifelike restorations that blend seamlessly with your smile.
Dentures and implants serve different purposes. Dentures rest on your gums and can press down on the bone beneath, while implants are anchored securely into your jawbone, strengthening your bite. Each option has its own benefits and drawbacks, so the best way to decide is to visit us for a personalized recommendation.
Yes, alternatives like dental bridges and full or partial dentures are available for those who aren’t good candidates for implants. The best way to explore your options is to schedule an appointment where we can discuss your specific needs and find the most suitable solution.
To be a candidate, you need to be an adult with good general oral health. A strong jawbone is essential to support the implant, and healthy gums are necessary to minimize complications. If you’re unsure about your suitability, contact us. Often, there are treatment options to prepare your mouth for implants or other alternatives for tooth replacement.
Absolutely! Dental implants are topped with crowns, bridges, or implant-supported dentures that are custom-made to match the shape and colour of your natural teeth. Most patients can’t tell the difference between their natural teeth and their new implants.
Modern implant procedures are predictable and mostly pain-free. They’re performed with great care and precision, ensuring minimal discomfort. With proper aftercare, swelling and bleeding are typically minimal. If you’re anxious, please let us know—your comfort is our priority.
Most patients can return to work the day after their implant surgery. We’ll give you a more accurate estimate based on your specific treatment plan and let you know if additional recovery time is needed.
The success of your implants largely depends on proper maintenance. Like natural teeth, implants need regular cleanings and checkups. Typically, we recommend a checkup every six months, but the frequency may vary based on your individual needs.
Caring for dental implants is just like caring for your natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, professional cleanings, and checkups are essential. Always notify your dentist if you experience any issues.
No, dental implants are designed to last. With proper care, your implant is meant to stay with you for a very long time and does not require routine replacement.
