The idea of implants, especially in the mouth, can be off-putting for a lot of people. It’s understandable, but they are a great tool to restore oral well-being and confidence in your smile. For those who aren’t sure as to what dental implants are, why or when they are needed, and the procedure behind implantation, let’s fill in the gap and hopefully remove any anxiety you may have about getting a dental implant.

Firstly, what are dental implants? They are artificial tooth roots that provide a permanent base for fixed or replacement teeth. Simply put, they replace your natural roots that keep the tooth in place. Some people think of dental implants as something like dentures or bridges or crowns, but they are more popular as a long-term solution. The reason for that is because dental implants feel, fit, and function like natural teeth. In fact, they are becoming the new standard over dentures, bridges, and crowns. More specifically, dental implants wouldn’t be the prosthetic tooth itself but hold it in place like a natural root would.

Next, let’s cover the procedure behind dental implants.

How Are They Implanted?

Many people have anxiety over going to the dentist, in part because they’re unsure what to expect in procedures like dental implantation. To help alleviate that, we’re going to cover the steps to getting a dental implant.

The first thing a dentist would do is evaluate the condition of your jawbone by doing an x-ray, taking impressions, and noting the color of your teeth so that the implant looks natural. You’ll also discuss any medical conditions and medications to ensure a safe and successful implant.

Next, your dentist will discuss anesthesia options; for example, using novocaine to feel numb or to sleep during the procedure. This is in preparation for extracting the tooth or remaining tooth fragments to make way for the implant. If you decide to go for local anesthesia to numb your mouth, you’ll feel no more than pressure and some tugging during the extraction.

The third step depends on the kind of dental implant you’re getting. One type consists of inserting the implant into the jawbone directly beneath your gum line. The second type is where a metal frame is installed just underneath the gum tissue so that it is fitted onto the jawbone. Neither option is better than the other and mostly depends on your jawbone itself. 

This next step happens after you heal from the third stage in the implant procedure and the implant is confirmed stable. The dentist will place an abutment on top of your dental implant, which is the piece that connects to your crown. This stage requires no more than some local anesthesia since it’s far less invasive than the previous step. And now the hard part is over!

The final step of the dental implant procedure is adding a permanent crown that matches the rest of your teeth. You don’t have to have a permanent crown if it’s not desired; you can choose a removable crown for cleaning or replacement. An important thing to remember is while you can choose a removable crown, the dental implant itself is permanent. 

After you’re all done with the dental implant it’s important to take proper care of yourself. You should stock up on soft foods and avoid tobacco as it can increase the risk of infections.

How do Dental Implants Improve Oral Health?

Dental implants are an incredible way to improve overall oral health, and not only because it replaces a damaged or rotted tooth. The special design of a dental implant also helps prevent future tooth loss. How that occurs is because of the way a tooth root interacts with your jawbone. A natural tooth root stimulates the bone replacement cycle, helping old bone tissue become replaced by new and healthy tissue. When a tooth falls out, the root no longer instigates that process and the jawbone can become thin and weak over time, causing other teeth to fall out. Dentures and bridges don’t solve that problem because they rest on top of your gums, having no interaction with the bone replacement cycle. 

Dental implants are embedded in your jawbone, as previously mentioned, and help stimulate the process and keep fresh tissue being delivered to your jaw. This is the key reason why dental implants help promote overall oral health. Of course, removing a damaged or rotted tooth helps as well, but the dental implant instigates the bone replacement cycle, putting it above the other options for tooth replacement. 

If you are in need of a dental implant, Dr. Li is available to help you regain your oral health. We have numerous payment options available and if you have dental benefits, we will submit your claims on your behalf. We also welcome cash, Visa, MasterCard, and e-Transfer payment methods to help make the dentist visit as pain-free as possible.

If you have any questions or concerns about our dental services or would like to schedule an appointment, you can call us at 587-801-1939 or contact us here.

Patients often have a negative perception of dental implants and think that because dental implants involve placing metal into your jaw, that the procedure must be painful and frightening. You will be relieved to learn that dental implant surgery is a safe procedure that can be less daunting than dental extractions or other major dental surgeries. 

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are artificial replacements for missing teeth. Many patients seek dental implants to help restore confidence in their smile and improve their ability to eat and drink normally. Dental implants can also help reduce the risk of bone loss and prevent surrounding teeth from drifting or moving into the empty space once occupied by a tooth.

During dental implant surgery the roots of a missing tooth are replaced with screw-like metal “posts” that are placed into the jawbone. These metal posts support an artificial tooth that looks and functions like a natural tooth. Because the implant is placed directly into the jawbone, dental implants offer superior protection against slippage that commonly occurs with dentures. 

You may be surprised to learn that dental implant surgery is not a single procedure, but is performed in stages, typically over the span of several months. The time between each step in the implant process allows your body to heal and grow new bone tissue.

During your initial dental implant consultation, Dr. Li will perform a comprehensive dental exam that may include x-rays and advanced photography or modeling to get an accurate “picture” of your jaw. We will also conduct a thorough review of your medical history to determine if you are a candidate for dental implant surgery, and to evaluate your tolerance to any prescription pain medications that may be prescribed after the procedure.

Local anesthesia, general anesthesia, sedation or a combination of pain control techniques may be used during surgery. Dr. Li will work with you to find the best anesthesia option to help you feel comfortable and stress-free during the procedure. Depending on the type of anesthesia chosen for the dental implant surgery, our care team will provide you with detailed pre-operation and post-operative care guides that will explain what you can eat or drink before and after surgery.

Are dental implants painful?

While dental implant surgery may sound frightening, many patients report a high degree of satisfaction with the procedure and cite only mild discomfort in the days following. Dr. Li will prescribe pain medication to help ease the symptoms during recovery. Symptoms may include facial swelling, soreness around the cheeks or implant site, and bruising or minor bleeding. 

During the procedure Dr. Li will monitor your comfort to ensure you cannot feel any aspect of the surgery. If you are exceptionally nervous about being awake during dental implant surgery, Dr. Li can discuss if sedatives or general anesthesia might be the right fit for you.

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants are designed to last many years, with some studies indicating implants that have lasted up to 20 years! The “lifespan” of your dental implant depends on many factors including lifestyle, hygiene and overall health.

Patients who smoke have a higher risk of damaging their dental implant. People who have diabetes or cancer are also at an increased risk of dental failure. Implants may also decline over time depending on the location of the implant. For example, implants near the back of the mouth may wear out faster due to the high impact of chewing.

Dr. Li will perform a thorough evaluation of your health and inform you if you are at an increased risk for dental implant failure.

To protect the integrity of your dental implant, be sure to practice daily and thorough oral hygiene. Regular flossing and brushing will help ensure your investment in a dental implant pays off for years to come.

How much do dental implants cost?

Dental implants are typically priced individually, since most patients only require one or a few implants at a time. The price for a single implant can cost anywhere from $900 to several thousand dollars depending on a patient’s specific dental needs. 

Dr. Li and the care team at Ellerslie 66 Dental Clinic strive to make dental care affordable and accessible to all of our patients. We will work with you to find a dental implant treatment plan that works for your financial situation.

If you have questions about dental implants or dental implant surgery, our compassionate care team can help you understand all of your options. Contact us now or give us a call at (780) 705-9866.