Over time, many Canadians may progressively lose their teeth. However, unlike baby teeth, adult teeth unfortunately do not grow back. Therefore, replacement measures must be taken to restore the smile and improve eating, speech, and confidence.
There are several ways your dentist can replace lost teeth, including partial or complete dentures, bridges, and dental implants. Unlike the other replacement measures, however, dental implants are arguably the most convenient, comfortable, and sustainable option. Over the past half century, the invention of dental implants has been one of the biggest advances in the field of dentistry.
The Basics: What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are comfortable, are not removable and won’t come loose, and look almost exactly like your natural teeth.
Essentially, there are three parts of a full tooth implant: The artificial root base, the crown or artificial tooth, and the connector or abutment.
The root is a screw-like structure made of strong titanium metal. It is implanted into the jawbone just where a natural tooth would be located. It works as an anchor for the connector and tooth attachment, which both go on top of the metal root implant.
The connector attaches the crown (which resembles a natural tooth) to the implant base. As long as you have the correct amount of bone left after the loss of a tooth, implantation of a tooth implant can be anywhere in the jaw.
Who Is the Ideal Candidate for a Tooth Implant?
Anyone can lose a tooth or several teeth over time, and there are numerous reasons for tooth loss.
For some, loss happens after a severe injury or accident. For others, diseases may cause oral health problems that result in tooth loss. Still others may not have taken optimal care of their teeth and gums over the years, which can cause gum disease and shrinkage, periodontitis, and subsequent loss of teeth.
Before you can be a candidate for dental implants, you must meet certain criteria. First, you must have sound overall health. Your oral health should be especially good, meaning you have healthy gums and enough jaw bone to support an implant.
In some cases, if your jaw bone is not substantial enough, a bone graft may be used to build up bone and later support a tooth implant. Alternatively, a different type of implant called a subperiosteal implant may be used. This type of implant consists of a metal frame, and instead of screwing into the jaw bone like a classic or endosteal implant, it fits over the jaw bone; therefore, less jaw bone is needed for the implantation process.
If you would like to replace teeth with implants over other replacement measures (dentures, bridges), your first step should be to speak with your dentist. They will tell you if you are a good candidate or not, and they may even offer the procedure themselves. If not, they will refer you to a specialist such as a maxillofacial surgeon, oral surgeon, or periodontist.
What You Should Expect From the Dental Implant Process
Everyone will have their own unique experience with dental implants because the process must be catered to the individual.
While one person may simply need an implant into healthy jaw bone for one missing tooth, someone else may require bone grafting and the implantation of three or more artificial teeth. In this case, the latter individual should expect a longer-term process. Most of the time, however, every dental implant candidate can expect to visit the dentist (and possibly one or more specialists) at least four to six times before the full implant is completed. Many of these appointments will be initial consultations, fittings, and checkups after the core procedure has taken place.
Because of the personalized nature of the dental implant process, you should always speak with your local dentist first if you are considering Newmarket dental implants or all on four procedure. They will be able to assess your health to see if you are a good candidate and set up a procedure schedule so you can know what to expect.
Basic Implantation Procedure
Barring extenuating circumstances, the following will be the general procedure you can expect for dental implants:
- You’ll meet with your dentist for a consultation to ensure you are a good candidate for dental implants.
- At a separate appointment, your dentist will surgically insert the root implant into your jaw bone.
- Between three and six weeks will need to lapse before the implant can fully fuse to the bone.
- After three to six weeks, you’ll have another appointment with your dentist, during which they will check that the implant has bonded to the bone. At this point, if bonding was successful, your dentist will attach the connector or abutment to the root implant.
- During another waiting period, the gum tissue surrounding the connector must have time to heal.
- You’ll meet with your dentist again and have the crown (tooth-like structure) attached to the connector.
- You will likely be required to return for an additional one or two appointments over the following year to check on the implant and ensure the procedure’s success.
Are You Interested in Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the most complicated of tooth-replacement procedures, but they are becoming increasingly common and are routinely successful for a variety of patients.
Furthermore, even though implants cost the most out of any tooth-replacement procedures, they do not require ongoing procedures and cumbersome care. This makes them cost-effective and extremely beneficial to patients who would rather not spend their time cleaning, removing and replacing, and seeking further care for bridges or full or partial dentures.
Dental implants are comfortable and make eating, drinking, and speaking much easier. Furthermore, they will almost certainly improve your confidence and self-esteem. They are the only permanent, long-lasting option for restoring a smile after tooth loss.
If you are interested in getting dental implants in Newmarket, make a consultation appointment with your family dentist today.
