Dental Implants for Missing Teeth

Dental implants are a comfortable, permanent solution for tooth loss. Dentists with expertise in implant placement, oral surgeons, and periodontists replace missing teeth with durable and realistic implants to restore function, beauty, and health to your smile.

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It’s important to work with experienced and qualified dental professionals when you receive dental implants. The Canada-wide 123Dentist network includes experienced and qualified dentists, periodontists, and oral surgeons qualified to provide dental implant surgery.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants replace your natural tooth with an artificial tooth. Metal posts replace the root of the tooth to hold it firmly in place. Dental implants are integrated using a surgical procedure that can be complex, involving several activities, including:

• The removal of existing teeth
• Bone grafting (when necessary)
• Dental implant placement

Healing can be a lengthy process in dental implant surgery, as the living bone in your jaw will need to form tightly around the implant post in a process known as osseointegration. In many cases, the implants will not be completed all at once. Instead, there will be multiple surgeries to allow certain parts of the mouth to heal before completing the next set of implants.

The Benefits of Implant Dentistry

Dental implants are extremely durable and permanent replacement teeth, making them an excellent alternative to crowns, bridges, and dentures, which can be removed. They can also be a solution for patients who are not candidates for dentures or bridgework due to a lack of natural tooth roots.

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Dental Implants FAQ

Many patients have questions about dental implants, as they involve a complex procedure that may take several appointments spread out over several months. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions 123Dentists encounter. Be sure to reach out to the qualified dentists in the 123Dentist care network for specific questions and to inquire about implant placement surgery.

Who Needs Dental Implants?

Dental implants are typically a solution for those who suffer from tooth loss, whether a single tooth or all of the teeth need to be replaced. Patients who don’t wish to use non-permanent solutions, such as removable dentures, may wish to seek out more permanent teeth implants instead.

Who is a Candidate for Dental Implants?

The best way to find out if you are a candidate for implant surgery is to seek the advice of a dental professional. Several factors that may make you a good candidate are:

• Having healthy gums and oral tissues
• Being a non-smoker
• Having no other major health conditions
• Having time for healing after/between procedures

What is Bone Grafting and When is it Needed?

Bone grafting is needed when the patient’s jawbone is not thick enough to support an implant or is too soft. Remember that the implant’s post needs to integrate with the jawbone securely so that the tooth can support regular functions like chewing. If bone grafting is needed before your implant surgery, your surgeon will discuss natural grafting and synthetic bone grafting options with you.

Who Performs Dental Implant Surgery?

The type of dental professionals working on your implant surgery will depend on the clinic you choose. One or more dentists, oral surgeons, or periodontists will generally perform dental implant surgery as a team.

How Can I Prepare?

Keeping your mouth healthy is the best preparation for dental implant surgery. Healthy gums and overall oral health are essential components of preparation, so be sure to follow the oral hygiene plan your surgeon or dentist provides before the procedure.

There are also certain medical conditions and other circumstances that can impact the success of the surgery and/or osseointegration (the scientific term for the connection between the living bone and an implant). For example, if you smoke, your specialist will likely ask you to quit before the procedure, as it can impact the results of your procedure. You may also need to seek treatment for other conditions, such as diabetes or periodontal disease, before receiving dental implants.

How Can I Care for My Replacement Tooth or Teeth?

Your surgeon will provide you with an ongoing treatment plan to help you care for your new teeth at home and under the care of a dentist or periodontist. This will likely include more regular dental checkups and an ongoing hygiene plan. You may also be asked to avoid eating items like hard candy after your surgery to ensure the implant has time to take. If you grind your teeth, you may need to have nightguards or other devices created to protect your jaw and new teeth.

Will it Work?

Success rates for dental implants are very high. However, as in any procedure, there are several risks associated with the surgery. Peri-implant diseases may occur, causing the gum tissues around the implants to become inflamed. Nerve damage, injuries to surrounding tissues and natural teeth, and sinus problems are other potential risks. Your surgeon will discuss all of the potential risks with you and ensure you understand them before performing your surgery.

What are the Costs of Surgery?

Costs for implant surgery in Canada can vary greatly depending on your clinic or surgeon, the extent of your surgical needs, the type of implant, and any other conditions or factors that may impact the amount of procedures, care, or preparation needed. Implants are a long-term investment in your oral wellbeing and should be discussed with your dentist directly.