What Are Dental Implants?
An implant, resembling a tiny metal screw, serves as a complete tooth replacement. Through a concise surgical procedure, your dentist embeds the implant into the bone beneath your gums at the precise location where a natural tooth belongs. This implant functions as a genuine tooth root and is then finalized with a restoration, such as a dental crown, to ensure it closely replicates the appearance and sensation of an authentic tooth.
Why You May Need Dental Implants?
Your natural teeth play a vital role in supporting the height and contour of your smile while enabling comfortable eating and speaking.
However, a gap in your smile can lead to the misalignment of adjacent teeth, potentially raising the risk of oral health problems. The loss of even a single tooth can set off a cascade of consequences affecting your oral health, facial appearance, and overall well-being.
Moreover, regardless of whether you experience the direct consequences of missing teeth, you cannot escape the process of bone resorption. This natural phenomenon involves your body breaking down non-essential bone tissue to allocate minerals elsewhere.
Teeth in your jawbone exert pressure on it, stimulating the production of fresh bone tissue. But once these teeth are absent, the bone tissue loses its purpose and gradually diminishes. The outcome? A shortened jaw and chin, which contribute to wrinkles and a sunken appearance in your cheeks and lips.
Fortunately, dental implants represent the next best alternative to natural teeth. By replacing lost teeth with implants, you can proactively address or rectify the aforementioned issues, preserving your oral health and facial aesthetics.
Starting Your Implant Journey
The implant placement procedure is notably more comfortable than you might anticipate.
Assessments
To begin, you’ll undergo a dental implant consultation to determine the suitability of implants for your situation. Your dentist will conduct X-rays and a 3D cone-beam CT scan of your jaw to assess the bone structure and chart your treatment strategy. Additionally, the dental team will capture a scan or impression of your teeth to aid in the precise planning of the implant’s positioning.
Inserting The Implant
We apply an anesthetic to ensure complete numbness at the surgical site. The dentist then makes a small incision in both the gums and the underlying bone. Subsequently, the dentist inserts the implant post into the prepared hole. Occasionally, sutures may be necessary to close the gum tissue, although not always.
Finalizing The Restoration
You return home to allow your implant to heal over the coming months. Upon your subsequent visit to our practice, your dental restoration will be prepared and ready for placement. We will affix the restoration, and you will depart with a brand-new, fully functional tooth.
Dr. Habib
Dentist
Your Dental Implants Dentist
At T-Dot Dental, Dr. Habib offers complete services including restorative dentistry, oral surgery, impacted wisdom tooth removal, dental implants, cosmetic dentistry and periodontal surgeries. He is also certified to provide a wide range of sedation options for your comfort.
Dr. Habib thrives on continuous improvement by being engaged in several continuing education courses, dental conventions and prestigious, reputable dental academies. His drive for personal growth comes in addition to being an active member of the Royal College Of Dental Surgery and the Ontario Dental Association.
He looks forward to meeting you!
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 Toronto, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 – $5,000 for a single implant. Meanwhile, a full mouth reconstructive dental implant can cost between $6,000 and $60,000 for a full set of implant-supported dentures. When considering the cost of dental implants and comparing quotes from different provides, there are several important points that should be kept in mind.
- The type of implant and the quality of the material that is used.
- The experience of the dentist who performs the surgery.
- The location and complexity of the surgery.
- The quality of the equipment and technology used in the procedure.
Getting dental implants is a major decision that should be considered carefully and no dental practice can provide an accurate quote over the phone as the procedure is complex and depends on many factors. Every case is different so it’s important to speak with a dentist to evaluate your unique situation and provide you with different treatment options to consider.
Longevity – Dental Implant vs. Other Methods
When comparing the cost of dental implants to other tooth-replacement methods such as dentures and bridges, it is important to take into consideration the longevity offered by dental implants that are not always afforded by other, more traditional methods. While dentures and bridges are initially less expensive, their affordability can be short-lived. These older methods require repair and replacement every 5-10 years and often end up being more expensive over time. By contrast, dental implants, when properly placed and cared for, can last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
There’s absolutely no need for anyone to discern that your implants differ from your natural teeth. Dental implants consist of metal screws concealed beneath your gums and adorned with lifelike restorations that seamlessly blend with the rest of your smile.
Dentures and implants are distinct and operate in significantly divergent manners. Dentures sit atop your gums and exert pressure on the underlying bone tissue, while implants enhance your bite by firmly anchoring beneath your gums. Each tooth replacement option comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. To determine the most suitable treatment for your specific needs, we strongly advise an in-person consultation with our team.
For individuals who may not be suitable candidates for dental implants, dental bridges and full or partial dentures can offer effective solutions for replacing missing teeth. To explore the most suitable options tailored to your unique requirements, we encourage you to reach out and schedule an appointment. Our team is eager to engage in a comprehensive discussion, addressing any specific questions or concerns you might have.
To be eligible for an implant, you should be an adult in good overall oral health. It’s important that your jawbone possesses the requisite strength to support a new implant, and your gum tissues should be in a healthy state to minimize the potential for complications. If you have concerns about your candidacy, please don’t hesitate to contact us for a definitive evaluation. In most cases, there are treatment avenues to enhance your oral health, with the ultimate objective of making you a suitable candidate for a dental implant. Additionally, there are often alternative methods available for replacing missing teeth.
Certainly! Your dental implant can be capped with a crown, bridge, or implant-supported dentures, all of which are meticulously customized for your comfort. These custom-made teeth are carefully crafted to match the shape and color of your existing teeth and align with your natural bite. Patients frequently find it challenging to distinguish their natural teeth from their impeccably designed new dental implants.
The field of dental implants has advanced so swiftly from its initial stages that it has become an exceedingly reliable and comparatively painless procedure. The dental implant process is carried out with meticulous care and precision to ensure your discomfort is kept to a minimum. Following the procedure and with appropriate post-treatment care, you can anticipate only slight swelling and nearly no bleeding. We prioritize both your physical and emotional well-being. If you have any apprehensions about visiting us for any reason, please don’t hesitate to inform us so we can provide the necessary support.
For the majority of cases, you can typically resume work the day following your implant surgery. Once we have a precise understanding of your treatment plan, we’ll be able to provide a more precise time estimate and inform you in advance if any longer schedule adjustments are necessary. Rest assured, we make it a point to thoroughly discuss all post-operative care instructions with you.
The long-term success of your implants hinges significantly on your diligent maintenance. Similar to your natural teeth, implants require regular professional cleaning and examinations. Typically, we advise a check-up approximately every six months, although the frequency may vary based on your individual needs, and we will adjust our recommendations accordingly.
Care for your dental implants like a natural tooth. Regular brushing & flossing, cleanings and checkups and letting your doctor know if you have any problems.
