What Are Dental Implants?
An implant is a tiny metal fixture that stands in for a whole tooth. In a quick surgical process, the dentist places this implant into the bone under your gums, exactly where the tooth used to be. It then serves as a foundation, much like a natural tooth root, and is capped with a restoration, like a dental crown, to resemble and feel like your original tooth.
Considering dental implants is significant. If you’re contemplating getting one but are unsure about the process, we’ve detailed everything here to help you make a knowledgeable choice regarding your dental care.
Why You Might Need Dental Implants
Your natural teeth shape your smile and make eating and talking easy.
Gaps from missing teeth can cause remaining teeth to shift, increasing the risk of oral health issues. Just one missing tooth can change your mouth’s health and facial appearance.
A big concern with missing teeth is bone loss. Teeth keep the jawbone healthy by stimulating bone growth. Without them, the jawbone weakens, leading to a changed face shape and wrinkles.
Dental implants are the second best option to having healthy, natural teeth. By getting them, you can tackle the problems caused by lost teeth.
The Advantages Of Dental Implants
Losing a tooth can have a profound impact. The absence of a tooth can affect our confidence in our smile and potentially give rise to health issues. Gaps might result in an uneven bite, challenges in enjoying our favourite foods, and could contribute to bone deterioration or teeth moving out of place.
- Get your smile back – Dental implants are like a type of fake teeth that look and feel just like your real ones. They’re made specially for you, so they fit right into your smile.
- Stay comfy and carefree – Once the implant is in, it becomes a part of your jaw. So whether it has a crown, a bridge, or holds dentures, it won’t budge. This means you can laugh, smile, and eat all your favourite snacks without any worry.
- Keep your jaw strong – Losing a tooth can make the bone in your jaw weaker. But these implants are kind of like magic – they help the bone grow stronger around them.
Dental implants offer a lasting solution that feels just like your real teeth and can last for many years with the right dental care.
Dental Implant Restorations
The “restoration” is the artificial tooth that sits on top of the implant. While the implant stays hidden, the restoration gives the appearance of a brand-new tooth when you smile.
- Dental Crown – A popular choice for implant coverings, it goes over a single-tooth implant.
- Dental Bridge – Useful when several teeth are missing in a sequence. A couple of implants can support a bridge that replaces multiple teeth. A full bridge, covering an entire upper or lower set of teeth, connects to four or more implants.
- Implant Denture – Enhance a removable denture’s steadiness by attaching it to two mini implants.
What to Anticipate During Your Dental Implant Process
The implant placement procedure is more comfortable than you might think.
Consultation and examination
First, there’s a consultation appointment to see if dental implants are a good solution for you. Your dentist will use X-rays and a 3D scan to check out your jawbone and plan ahead. They’ll also get a detailed image or mould of your teeth to ensure the implant is placed just right.
Inserting the implant
We give you an anesthetic so you won’t feel any pain. The dentist makes a tiny hole in your gums and jaw. They then put the implant (like a tiny screw) in that hole. Sometimes, they might need to use a couple stitches to help the gums heal.
Completing the procedure
You’ll head home and give your implant some time to heal over the next months. When you return to our clinic, we’ll have your dental fix ready. We’ll set it in place, and you’ll leave with a shiny, working tooth.
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.
The Cost Of Dental Implants In Calgary
In Calgary, a single dental implant typically costs between $3,000 and $6,000+. A full-mouth makeover with implants might range from $6,000 to over $60,000, while a complete set of implant-supported dentures averages around $30,000. But remember, it’s tough to give an exact price without seeing you in person since everyone’s needs are unique.
What factors influence the price of dental implants?
- The number and kind of implants you need.
- The materials we use.
- The expertise of our dental team.
- Where the surgery takes place and how complicated it is.
- The length of your recovery; we’ll be here for you the whole time!
Because everyone’s mouth is different, it’s essential to chat with a dentist. After checking your teeth and gums, we can give you tailored treatment options and a more precise cost estimate.
Are there other ways to replace missing teeth?
If you have 1 to 3 missing teeth, a dental bridge might work. If you’re missing many teeth on the top, bottom, or both, you could consider dental prosthetics or dentures. When thinking about the costs of different options, it’s good to weigh their advantages and disadvantages.
While dental implants might cost more upfront, they’re sturdier and last longer than bridges or dentures. On the other hand, dentures need special care, and as you get older, they might need adjustments or replacements. Dental implants, however, are cared for just like real teeth, with regular brushing and dentist visits. If looked after well, they can last your whole life.
Frequently Asked Questions
To receive an implant, you need to be an adult with overall good oral health. It’s important that your jawbone is sturdy enough to hold the implant and that your gums are in good shape to avoid any issues. If you’re unsure if you’re a good fit, just reach out to us. There are often ways to improve your oral health in preparation for an implant, and we also have alternative methods for replacing missing teeth.
Dental implant technology has come a long way, making the process more reliable and almost pain-free. Our team carries out the procedure with utmost care, ensuring you feel as comfortable as possible. After the procedure, you’ll likely see very little swelling and hardly any bleeding. Your well-being, both physically and emotionally, matters to us. If you ever feel nervous about your visit, please share your concerns with us.
If dental implants aren’t a suitable choice for you, dental bridges or full/partial dentures might be the right solution. The most effective way to discover the best fit for your needs is to schedule an appointment with us. We’re eager to explore all available options with you and address any queries you might have.
Absolutely! Your dental implant can be paired with a crown, bridge, or implant-supported dentures, all tailored just for you. This ensures that your replacement teeth blend seamlessly with your natural ones in shape and shade. Many patients find it hard to tell the difference between their original teeth and their new dental implants.
Nobody needs to know that your implants aren’t your real teeth. While dental implants have metal screws, they’re tucked away under your gums and topped with realistic replacements that perfectly match your existing smile.
No, implants are designed to last a long time and don’t require regular replacement. Once you have a dental implant, it’s meant to be with you for the long haul.
Treat your dental implants just like your real teeth. This means regular brushing and flossing, attending cleanings and check-ups, and informing your dentist if you notice any issues.
The lifespan of your implants largely relies on how you care for them. Like natural teeth, they need regular professional cleanings and check-ups. Typically, we suggest a visit every 6 months, but this can vary based on your individual needs.
