A dental implant is a screw-shaped surgical fixture that is placed inside your jawbone through a surgical incision over the gums. Dental implants integrate with the jawbone over a course of 3-6 months and act like a natural tooth’s roots. Dental implants form the foundation for the placement of dental prostheses like a dental crown, dental bridge or denture.
Unlike dentures, dental implants are fixed and one with the jawbone. This quality allows dental implants to replicate the functions of natural teeth elegantly and efficiently. Dental implants placed by our skilled Markham dentists are the most superior teeth replacement option.
Dental implants are a permanent replacement option for missing and damaged teeth over other dental prostheses. Dentures are removable, require additional care and can become loose or slip out at any time. In addition, dentures come with restrictions, and you will not be able to consume your favorite foods with them.
Dentures are also known to alter speech. On the other hand, dental implants are fixed, and once they integrate with the jawbone, they can last a lifetime with proper care. Dental implants also restore your chewing capability and speech to normal. No accidental slipping can happen, and they look exactly like natural teeth.
Who Can Opt For a Dental Implant?
In general, dental implants can be opted for by anyone with good overall health. Dental implant surgery has a long recovery time. It takes around six months for the dental implant to be firmly fixed with bone, and after that, a permanent prosthesis is placed.
Although dental implants have a lengthy recovery period, they have a negligent failure rate and are known to last a lifetime with appropriate oral care. Dental implant surgery also necessitates the need for an adequate jawbone level. Dental implants cannot be used in cases where the jawbone has exceptionally thinned.
In such cases, additional bone grafting procedures may be required and will be suggested to you by your Markham dentist.
Are Dental Implants Right For Me?
Dental implants may be your best teeth replacement option in the following situations –
- If you have a single missing tooth and want to replace it.
- Presence of multiple missing teeth, and they wish to replace them.
- Dental implants can also be used to replace all the missing teeth with the help of dental implant-supported dentures.
- If you want a permanent solution to missing teeth.
- You wish to restore your speech and chewing to normal.
- You don’t mind the long recovery.
- You can maintain good oral health and have good overall health.
- Dental implants are for you if you want natural-looking and aesthetically superior teeth replacement.
What is The Procedure of Dental Implant Surgery?
Planning for a dental implant will require a comprehensive dental examination, including dental x-rays and CBCT (3D imaging) for your jaw. Our dentist will also take a detailed look at your medical history to ensure that you are healthy and no contraindications for dental implant surgery are present.
Please do talk to our dentist in case you have had any major surgeries, heart conditions or any other infective conditions. Next, a treatment plan will be devised for you suited to individual needs. Dental implant surgery is an outpatient procedure and is generally performed in various stages.
If you need bone grafting or sinus lift procedures, these treatments will be done before the placement of dental implants. If any broken or damaged tooth or leftover teeth pieces have to be removed, it will be done before dental implant placement. Bone grafting procedures may be required if you have less amount of jawbone for proper implant placement.
These grafts can be synthetic or can also be taken from the back of your upper jaw. All the surgical procedures are undertaken under local anesthesia or sedation to ensure maximum comfort and a pain-free experience. Please do plan to take a day off post your surgery and have some accompany you to our clinic on the day of your dental implant placement.
Once your jaw has been prepared for placement of dental implants, the process of placing them will begin. The procedure starts with the administration of local anesthesia to numb the area for dental implant surgery. Next, a careful incision is given on the top of the gum to expose the jawbone.
The dental implant will be placed with the help of specialized drills. The area is closed, and at this point, you will still have a space left. The site is left, and the process of osseointegrations begins where the implant becomes one with the bone. This forms the foundation for your artificial teeth.
Next, the abutment is placed over the implant as the area is allowed to heal. At a later date, the impression of your gums is taken, and the shade for your artificial teeth is decided. Once the gums have healed and the prosthesis made, you will be called for your final appointment where your new natural look artificial teeth are placed.
Risks of Dental Implant Surgery
- Infections
- Injury to the nerves.
- Pain and swelling naturally subside after a few days post-surgery, but you must schedule an appointment with our emergency surgery in case it continues.
- Sinus problems.
Maintaining Dental Implants
- Post your dental implant placement; you will have to take special care of your surgical site. Ensure proper oral hygiene and take the prescribed medicines diligently.
- Once the implants have healed, brush your teeth like you usually would. Use a soft, nylon-bristled toothbrush and a recommended toothpaste to clean your teeth twice a day.
- Use a floss every day to remove any plaque and debris from between the teeth.
- Supplement your oral hygiene routine with mouthwash.
- Avoid smoking and any damaging habits.
- Schedule regular follow-ups with our dentist.
Dental implants have gained immense popularity and rightfully so. They restore you smile as well as oral functions with elegance. Moreover, they look just like natural teeth, ensuring superior aesthetics.
If you think you may benefit from dental implants, please schedule an appointment with us today to get on your journey to a beautiful healthy smile.
If you have any more questions or would like to know more about our services, please contact us and our team of exceptional dental professional will be there to assist you.