Dental implants are an excellent way to restore the appearance and function of your teeth. This procedure is done to replace tooth roots with metal posts, which will act as an anchor for replacing missing teeth with artificial ones. An alternative to dentures and bridgework that requires natural tooth roots, dental implant surgery offers natural, durable results that can last a lifetime.
Why Dental Implants Are Done
Dental implants surgically replace missing teeth, providing an artificial root to improve stability and performance. The titanium, screwlike rod fuses with the jawbone, ensuring the implants don’t slip, decay, or cause bone damage the way dentures and bridgework might.
You may be a great candidate for dental implants if you:
- Have one or multiple missing teeth
- Have a strong jawbone that is fully developed
- Have enough bone density to secure the implants in place or receive a bone graft
- Have no underlying health conditions that could affect bone healing
- Do not want or are unable to wear dentures
- Want a permanent solution to replace missing teeth
- Can commit several months to the process
- Do not smoke tobacco
- Have healthy oral tissue
How Dental Implants Work
An endosteal implant is inserted directly into the jawbone, where it takes the place of the tooth root. A single endosteal implant can be used to anchor one or several teeth and is a great option depending on your individual needs, oral health status, and treatment goals. For example, if you have a healthy jawbone that is strong and thick, you may be a good candidate for endosteal implants.
Since endosteal implants are inserted directly into the jawbone, this results in a more secure, comfortable, natural-looking implant that can last a lifetime. Considered the gold standard of dental implants, endosteal implants are an excellent option to improve the function and appearance of your teeth. Consult with our team at Garibaldi Crossing Dental to determine whether dental implants are right for you.
What To Expect During the Dental Implant Procedure
Step 1: Evaluation
In this first step, we will determine the best course of action for your dental implant procedure. Your dentist will conduct a comprehensive examination to evaluate the condition of your teeth and jawbone. This includes taking X-rays, impressions or scans, and colour matching to ensure your implants look as natural as possible. We will also determine how many implants are needed to achieve your desired results.
Step 2: Extraction
To guarantee a perfect fit, your dentist will extract any remaining teeth that are being replaced. If an extraction is needed, you will be administered a local anesthetic to ensure you feel no pain, only slight pressure. Typically, we wait 3 to 4 months to place the implant to give the extraction site enough time to properly heal. In some cases, the implant is placed immediately after the extraction; however, this is rare and can only be done if you have sufficient bone and gum levels. In either case, the surgeon will determine the timing of your implant.
Step 3: Placing the Implant
Prior to the procedure, you will be administered either local anesthesia or IV sedation depending on your unique circumstances. For an endosteal implant (in the bone), your dentist will cut into the gumline to expose the jawbone underneath. Holes will be drilled deep into the bone, and the implant post will be inserted. As you will need to wait 3 to 4 months for the implant to fuse to the bone, you can choose to have a temporary prosthetic option for aesthetic purposes. This is most commonly done if the implant is at the front of the mouth and shows when you smile. The procedure can result in some swelling and discomfort; however, this is minimal and should subside within a few days.
Step 4: Osseointegration
Once the dental implant is placed, it can take 3 to 4 months for new bone to form around the screw. This stage is known as osseointegration, which translates to “combining with the bone.” This is a very important step in the process, as the new bone will grow around the dental implant, securing it in place. Once complete, the new implant will function as an artificial tooth root.
Step 5: Placing the Abutment
When the osseointegration stage is complete, you may need to have an abutment placed. An abutment is a metal connector that joins the artificial tooth to the dental implant. This is typically performed under local anesthesia and can be placed at the same time as the artificial tooth.
Step 6: Adding the Crown
To complete your dental implant procedure, your dentist will make and place the crown (artificial tooth). The crown will be made to your unique specifications, ensuring the perfect fit, colour, and shape to blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth.
Dental Implants and Dentures
Snap-in dentures are another way to replace missing teeth. Once the dental implants are placed in your jaw, you can have an implant-supported denture (also known as an overdenture or snap-in denture) placed. A revolutionary solution in dental prosthetics, dentures that are held in place by dental implants improves comfort and stability.
By attaching to dental implants that are securely anchored in the jawbone, snap-in dentures provide a secure fit that prevents slipping and enhances chewing efficiency. This combination not only improves oral function and aesthetics but also preserves jawbone health, preventing the bone loss often associated with traditional dentures. Ideal for those seeking a more reliable and comfortable alternative, snap-in dentures with dental implants represent a significant advancement in restorative dentistry.
Contact Garibaldi Crossing Dental for Dental Implants
If you are interested in replacing one or several missing teeth, dental implant surgery is an excellent option. This process can give you the natural, comfortable, and long-lasting results you deserve, restoring your smile and confidence. Garibaldi Crossing Dental is proud to offer dental implants to our patients, securing their safety and satisfaction with every step. Call us today to book an appointment with our team, and we can discuss if dental implants are right for you.
