What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small metal screw that fully replaces a missing tooth. During a brief surgical procedure, the dentist places the implant into the bone beneath your gums where the natural tooth root once was. The implant acts like a natural root and is finished with a custom restoration such as a dental crown, restoring chewing function and providing a natural look and feel.
Getting dental implants is a significant decision. Understanding the process and benefits helps you make an informed choice about your long-term oral health and smile.
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Why You Might Need Dental Implants
Your natural teeth support the shape of your smile and allow you to chew and speak comfortably. When a tooth is missing, neighbouring teeth can drift out of alignment, increasing the risk of oral health issues such as gum disease, uneven bite pressure, and decay. Even a single lost tooth can affect your appearance, oral function, and overall quality of life.
One hidden consequence of tooth loss is bone resorption. This natural process occurs when your body breaks down bone tissue that is no longer stimulated by a tooth root. Teeth normally press against the jawbone, encouraging new bone growth. Once a tooth is gone, the bone in that area slowly shrinks, which can shorten the jaw and chin, create wrinkles, and give the cheeks and lips a sunken look.
Having dental implants is the next best thing to natural teeth.
By replacing lost teeth with implants, you help maintain proper bite alignment, prevent neighbouring teeth from shifting, and preserve healthy bone density. Dental implants keep your jaw strong, protect facial structure, and restore confidence in your smile.
Benefits of dental implants
Losing a tooth can affect more than just your smile. A missing tooth may cause discomfort when eating, lead to shifting teeth, and contribute to bone loss over time. Dental implants restore function and appearance while supporting long-term oral health.
- Restore your natural appearance. Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. Each implant is custom made to match your bite and enamel colour, blending seamlessly with your natural smile.
- Feel confident. As the implant heals, your jawbone fuses with the titanium post for a secure fit. A crown or bridge can be attached for a permanent restoration. You can laugh, eat, and speak without worrying about movement or discomfort.
- Improve bone strength. When a tooth is lost, the supporting bone can weaken and shrink. Dental implants stimulate new bone growth around the implant, helping to maintain strong, healthy jawbone structure.
Dental implants provide a natural-looking, long-term solution that can last for decades with proper oral hygiene and regular dental care.
Types of Dental Implant Restorations
A restoration is the visible replacement tooth that attaches to the implant. While the implant itself remains hidden beneath the gum, the restoration provides the natural look and function of a real tooth.
- Dental Crown: The most common option, a crown covers a single-tooth implant and blends seamlessly with your natural teeth.
- Dental Bridge: A bridge fills the gap when several teeth in a row are missing. It can be supported by one or two implants or, for a full arch of teeth, by four or more implants.
- Implant Denture: A removable denture that gains extra stability by clipping securely onto two or more dental implants.
A New Smile with Dental Implants
Your smile will feel stronger and more confident after receiving a dental implant. The improvement is not only visible but lasting.
Dental implants are simple to care for. Brush and floss daily, and protect the area from injury by wearing a sports guard during athletic activities. Schedule regular checkups so we can ensure the implant stays healthy and secure.
With proper care, your implant can provide many years of strength, comfort, and a naturally beautiful smile.
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How it feels
Although placing a dental implant may sound intimidating, the procedure is far more comfortable than most people expect.
We gently numb your mouth with a local anesthetic so you will not feel pain during the surgery. With advanced dental technology, implants can be placed quickly, accurately, and conservatively. This approach means less discomfort and a shorter recovery period for you.
Many patients describe the appointment as surprisingly easy and some even feel relaxed or sleepy during the short procedure, which usually takes about half an hour. The most challenging part is often just keeping your mouth open for a few minutes at a time.
After the anesthetic wears off, it is normal to experience mild swelling, tenderness, or slight bruising for the next several hours. Any discomfort is usually easy to manage with the care instructions provided, and the surgical site typically starts to feel better within a week.
Dental implants have a success rate of nearly 95 percent, making them one of the safest and most predictable treatments in dentistry.
What to Expect During Your Dental Implant Treatment
The process of placing a dental implant is more comfortable than most people imagine and is carefully planned for a smooth experience.
Assessment
Your journey begins with a detailed consultation. X-rays and a 3D cone-beam CT scan are taken to evaluate the bone structure and determine the best placement for the implant. The dental team also takes impressions of your teeth to plan the exact angulation and fit of the implant.
Placing the Implant
Local anesthetic is used to fully numb the area. A small opening is created in the gum and bone so the titanium post can be positioned securely. In some cases, sutures are placed to aid healing, though they are not always necessary.
Final Restoration
After the implant fuses with the jawbone over a few months, you return to have the custom restoration attached. A crown or other prosthetic is secured to the implant, giving you a natural-looking, fully functional tooth that completes your smile.
Contact Us Today
Schedule your initial consultation and exam to start your path to a healthier smile. During your visit, we will examine your teeth, gums, and soft tissues, as well as the overall function and alignment of your bite. Our goal is to understand how your entire mouth looks and works before planning any treatment. Most importantly, we want to learn what you hope to achieve so we can create a plan that supports the health and appearance of your smile.
Cost of dental implants in Stoney Creek
In Stoney Creek, a single dental implant typically ranges from about $3,000 to $6,000 or more. Full-mouth reconstructive dental implants can cost anywhere from $6,000 to $60,000 and up, while a complete set of implant-supported dentures averages around $30,000. Because every case is unique, no dental practice can give an exact quote over the phone. The cost depends on many factors specific to each patient.
How is the cost of dental implant surgery determined?
Several important factors influence the final cost:
- The type and number of implants required.
- The materials and supplies used for the procedure.
- The time and expertise of the dental team providing care.
- The location of the implant site and the complexity of the surgery.
- Your recovery time and any follow-up visits needed.
Every smile is different, so it is important to schedule an oral exam. We will assess your individual needs and provide a more accurate estimate along with treatment options to consider.
Other Solutions for Missing Teeth
Gaps caused by one to three missing teeth can sometimes be repaired with a dental bridge. For larger spaces or full-arch tooth loss, a dental prosthetic or removable denture may be recommended. Each option has its own advantages and considerations.
While dental implants may require a higher initial investment, they are secure, durable, and easier to maintain than bridges or dentures. Removable prosthetics need ongoing adjustments and special care. Implants, on the other hand, can be maintained like natural teeth with regular home care and routine dental checkups. With proper care, a dental implant can last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Dental implants are custom-made to match the colour, shape, and size of your natural teeth, so they blend seamlessly with your smile.
Yes. Options such as a dental bridge or a removable denture can replace missing teeth, though they may not provide the same stability or bone support as implants.
Most healthy adults are candidates if they have enough jawbone density and healthy gums. A consultation and X-rays will determine if additional procedures like bone grafting are needed.
Yes. The restoration placed on the implant is carefully colour-matched and shaped to blend perfectly with your existing teeth.
Dentures rest on the gums, while implants are anchored in the jawbone for more strength and stability. The best choice depends on your oral health, bone density, and personal preferences.
Yes. Implants stimulate the jawbone just like natural tooth roots, helping to prevent bone loss and maintain facial structure.
Care for implants the same way you do natural teeth: brush and floss daily and schedule regular cleanings and checkups to keep the surrounding gum tissue healthy.
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