What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small metal post that serves as a complete replacement for a missing tooth. During a straightforward surgical procedure, the dentist places the implant into your jawbone, precisely where the missing tooth once was. This implant acts like a natural tooth root, and once it’s securely in place, it’s topped with a restoration, such as a dental crown, to ensure it looks and feels just like a real tooth.
Choosing to get a dental implant is an important decision. If you’re considering it but aren’t sure what to expect, we’re here to guide you through the process so you can make an informed decision about your treatment.
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Why You Might Need Dental Implants
Your natural teeth do more than just help you chew and speak—they also play a crucial role in maintaining the shape and structure of your smile.
When you lose a tooth, it creates a gap that can cause your other teeth to shift out of their proper alignment. This misalignment can increase your risk of developing various oral health issues.
Losing even a single tooth can set off a chain reaction that affects your oral health, facial appearance, and overall quality of life. One of the most significant consequences of missing teeth is bone resorption. This natural process occurs when your body begins to break down the bone tissue in your jaw, which it deems non-essential once a tooth is gone.
When teeth are present in your jawbone, they stimulate the production of new bone tissue by applying pressure as you chew. This constant stimulation helps maintain the bone’s strength and density. However, when a tooth is lost, that crucial stimulation disappears, causing the bone to gradually weaken and shrink. Over time, this bone loss can result in a shorter jawline and chin, which may lead to wrinkles and a sunken, aged appearance in your cheeks and lips.
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 the natural look of your face
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Losing a tooth can have a significant impact on both your confidence and your health. A missing tooth might make you feel self-conscious about your smile, and it can also lead to various health issues. Gaps left by missing teeth can cause discomfort in your bite, make it harder to enjoy your favourite foods, and even lead to bone loss or shifting teeth over time. Dental implants offer a solution that not only restores the appearance of your smile but also helps prevent these potential complications.
- Restore Your Natural Appearance – Dental implants are designed to look and feel just like your natural teeth. They become a permanent part of your smile, blending in seamlessly because they are custom-made to match the size, shape, and colour of your natural teeth. With implants, you can restore your smile’s natural appearance, as they are tailored to perfectly complement your unique bite and enamel shade.
- Feel Confident in Your Comfort – Once a dental implant is placed, your jawbone naturally fuses with the titanium post as it heals, creating a secure foundation. Whether a crown, bridge, or implant-supported dentures are attached, you can trust that your implant will stay firmly in place. This stability means you can laugh, smile, and enjoy your favourite foods without worrying about shifting teeth or unexpected discomfort. Your dental implant provides a level of comfort and confidence that feels completely natural.
- Improve Bone Strength – Losing a tooth can lead to bone weakening and shrinkage in the jaw over time. Dental implants help prevent this by encouraging the growth of new bone around the implant, reinforcing and maintaining the strength of your jawbone. This stimulation keeps your bone structure healthy and supports your overall oral health.
Dental implants offer a lasting solution that feels just like your natural teeth, and with proper care, they can remain strong and functional for decades.
Dental Implant Restorations
A restoration is the visible part of your dental implant, often referred to as the “false tooth.” While the implant itself is hidden beneath the gum, the restoration is what you see when you smile, giving the appearance of a natural, new tooth.
- Dental Crown – The most common type of implant restoration, a dental crown is used to cover a single-tooth implant, providing a natural-looking replacement for a missing tooth.
- Dental Bridge – Ideal for replacing multiple missing teeth in a row, a dental bridge spans the gap using one or two implants for support. For more extensive tooth loss, a full implant-supported bridge can replace an entire arch of upper or lower teeth, anchored securely by four or more implants.
- Implant Denture – To enhance the stability of a removable denture, it can be clipped onto two small implants, offering a more secure and comfortable fit.
A New Life with Dental Implants Awaits!
After getting a dental implant, your smile won’t just be restored—it’ll be even better.
Caring for your dental implant is simple. Just brush and floss gently each day, and take precautions to protect it from injury during sports. Regular checkups with us will help ensure your implant stays healthy and strong.
With proper care, your dental implant can provide you with many years of confident, beautiful smiles!
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How It Feels
While the thought of having a metal implant placed in your jaw may sound intimidating, the procedure is actually more comfortable than you might expect.
We use a mild anesthetic to thoroughly numb your mouth, ensuring you won’t feel any pain during the surgery. With the help of advanced dental technology, we can place implants with precision and minimal disruption, leading to a smoother and quicker recovery.
Many patients find the procedure surprisingly routine—some even report feeling relaxed or sleepy during the short, 30-minute process. The most challenging part might be keeping your mouth open for brief periods.
After the procedure, you may experience some swelling, mild discomfort, or bruising, but these symptoms are typically easy to manage. We’ll give you clear instructions to help minimize any discomfort as the anesthetic wears off. Most patients find that their implant site starts feeling better within a week.
It’s also worth noting that dental implants have a success rate of nearly 95%, making them one of the most reliable and predictable treatments in dentistry.
What to Expect on Your Dental Implant Treatment Journey
The process of getting a dental implant is often more comfortable than many people anticipate.
Assessment
The first step in your dental implant journey is a consultation to see if implants are the best option for you. During this appointment, your dentist will take X-rays and a 3D cone-beam CT scan of your jaw. These images help evaluate the bone tissue and guide the treatment planning process. A scan or impression of your teeth will also be taken to ensure the implant is positioned at the optimal angle for the best results.
Inserting the Implant
To ensure your comfort, we begin by administering an anesthetic to fully numb the area. The dentist then creates a small opening in the gum and bone where the implant post will be placed. The implant is carefully inserted into this spot. In some cases, sutures may be needed to close the gums, but this isn’t always necessary.
Finalizing the Restoration
After the implant is placed, you’ll go home to allow it to heal over the next few months. Once the healing process is complete, you’ll return to the practice, where your custom dental restoration will be ready. We’ll attach the restoration to the implant, and you’ll leave with a brand-new, fully functional tooth.
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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 Orillia
In Orillia, the cost of a single dental implant typically ranges from $3,000 to $6,000 or more. If you’re considering full-mouth reconstructive implants, the cost can vary widely, from $6,000 to upwards of $60,000. On average, a full set of implant-supported dentures costs around $30,000. It’s important to remember that getting an accurate quote over the phone isn’t possible due to the complexity of the dental implant procedure. The final cost depends on several factors unique to each individual, so a personalized consultation is necessary to provide an accurate estimate.
- Type and Number of Implants: The specific type and the number of implants you need will significantly impact the overall cost.
- Materials and Supplies: The quality and type of materials used, including the implant itself and any restoration, play a role in determining the price.
- Expertise of the Dental Team: The time, skill, and experience of the dental professionals involved in your care are essential components of the cost.
- Surgery Location and Complexity: The complexity of the procedure and the location of the implants can affect the cost, especially if additional procedures are required.
- Recovery Support: Your recovery time is also a consideration, and we’ll be here to support you throughout the entire process, ensuring your implant’s success.
How is the cost of dental Implant Surgery determined? Several key factors influence the cost of dental implant surgery:
Every case is unique, which is why it’s essential to consult with a dentist and have a thorough oral exam. This allows us to assess your specific situation and offer you a range of treatment options. We’ll gladly provide you with a more accurate quote after evaluating your needs.
Are There Other Solutions for Missing Teeth?
Yes, there are several options for replacing missing teeth, depending on your specific situation. If you have 1 to 3 missing teeth, a dental bridge might be a suitable solution. For multiple missing teeth on either the top or bottom, or even the entire mouth, a dental prosthetic or removable dentures could be considered.
When comparing the cost of dental implants to other tooth-replacement options, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. Dental implants may require a higher initial investment, but they offer greater security and durability compared to bridges or dentures. Removable dental prosthetics, such as dentures, need special care and maintenance, and they may require adjustments or replacements as you age.
In contrast, dental implants are cared for just like your natural teeth, with regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental exams. With proper care, a dental implant can last a lifetime, making it a long-term investment in your oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions
No one will be able to tell that your dental implants aren’t your natural teeth. Although the implants themselves are metal screws, they are placed beneath your gums and topped with lifelike restorations that seamlessly blend with your natural smile. Your implants will look and feel just like real teeth, so they’ll be completely unnoticeable to others.
Dentures and implants serve the same purpose but function quite differently. Dentures sit on top of your gums and exert pressure on the bone beneath, while implants are anchored deep below the gums, providing a stronger and more stable bite. Both options come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. To determine which solution is best for you, we recommend visiting us for a personalized consultation where we can assess your needs and help you make an informed decision.
Yes, there are alternatives to dental implants. For those who may not be ideal candidates for implants, dental bridges and full or partial dentures can be effective options for replacing missing teeth. The best way to explore the solutions that suit your specific needs is to schedule an appointment with us. We’ll be happy to discuss all your options in detail and answer any questions you might have.
To be a candidate for dental implants, you need to be an adult with good overall oral health. A strong jawbone is essential to support the implant, and healthy gums are crucial to minimize the risk of complications. If you’re unsure whether you’re a suitable candidate, we encourage you to reach out to us. Even if there are concerns about your current oral health, there are often treatments available to improve it with the goal of eventually placing an implant. Additionally, there are alternative options for replacing missing teeth if implants aren’t the right fit for you.
Absolutely! Whether your dental implant is topped with a crown, bridge, or implant-supported dentures, it will be custom-made to ensure a perfect match with your natural teeth. The shape and colour of the restoration are carefully tailored to blend seamlessly with your existing teeth and bite. Many patients find it difficult to tell their natural teeth apart from their new dental implants due to the precise matching and natural appearance.
Thanks to advancements in dental technology, the implant procedure is now highly predictable and generally pain-free. The process is carried out with great care and precision, ensuring that you experience minimal discomfort. With proper aftercare, you can expect only slight swelling and little to no bleeding. We understand that both your physical and emotional well-being are important. If you feel anxious about the procedure or have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to let us know—we’re here to support you every step of the way.
For most people, getting back to work the day after implant surgery is entirely possible. However, the exact timing depends on the details of your procedure. Once we outline your treatment plan, we can give you a better idea of whether you might need additional time off. Rest assured, we’ll go over all post-operative care guidelines with you to help ensure a comfortable and speedy recovery.
The longevity and success of your dental implants rely heavily on how well you care for them. Just like natural teeth, they require regular professional cleaning and examination. We typically recommend a check-up every six months, but the frequency may vary based on your individual needs. In some cases, we might suggest more or fewer visits to ensure your implants remain in optimal condition.
Caring for your dental implants is much like caring for your natural teeth. Make sure to brush and floss regularly, attend routine cleanings and checkups, and inform your dentist if you notice any issues. This routine care helps keep your implants in excellent condition and ensures they last for many years.
No, dental implants are designed to be a long-term solution. Once placed, they are meant to last for many years, often for a lifetime, without the need for routine replacement. With proper care, your implant can remain a permanent part of your smile.
