Dental implants are a permanent, non-removable alternative to partial dentures and complete dentures, and are used when one or more of your teeth are missing. Titanium implants replace the roots of your missing teeth and support artificial teeth. They look like natural teeth, are comfortable, and can allow you to chew normally.
Dental implants are made up of two parts: the root and the artificial tooth. The root is a titanium peg that is inserted into the jaw bone to replace the root of your natural tooth. This implant is then topped with an artificial tooth, similar to a dental crown, replacing your natural tooth.
Dental implants aren’t a good choice for everyone. In order to be considered a good candidate for dental implants, you should be in good health, have healthy gums, and a robust enough jaw to adequately support the implants.
If your jaw doesn’t have enough bone to properly support an implant, either because your jaw has shrunk or didn’t develop normally, your dentist may suggest a bone graft to build up our jaw. A bone graft involves moving bone from one part of your body to your jaw but isn’t a good option for every patient.
If you are considering dental implants, your dentist will begin by carefully examining your teeth and gums, and taking x-rays of your jaw, teeth, and head. The x-rays and exam allow your dentist to determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants or not. If dental implants are a good option for you, your dentist will then schedule your surgery, which may take place over one or two visits.
During the first portion of your surgery, your dentist will make a small incision in your gum tissue, insert the titanium implant into your jawbone, then stitch the gum tissue back into place. As your gums heal, the implant will bond firmly to your jawbone and attach itself to your gum. It may be several months before your jaw and gums have completely healed.
Once your tissue has completely healed your dentist can perform the second half of your surgery and install your artificial teeth. During this phase, your dentist will attach an abutment to your implant. The abutment is a small metal post, that is used to join your artificial tooth to your titanium root. Once the abutment is in place, your dentist can attach your artificial tooth. Your dentist may need to schedule one or more follow up visits with you to ensure that your artificial tooth is fitting onto the abutment correctly.
If you are having more than one tooth replaced, your dentist may use your dental implants to support a fixed bridge. A bridge consists of several artificial teeth fused together and is used to span an area with no teeth. It can be held in place using dental implants or by natural teeth on either side.
Your dentist may be able to perform both the first and second parts of the surgery in one session, but this depends on a variety of factors and is not always the case.
Your dental implants will look and feel just like natural teeth, and like natural teeth, they need to be flossed daily and brushed at least twice per day to be kept clean. Brushing and flossing are also essential for preventing gum disease.
Your dentist will teach you how to brush and floss your new dental implants properly.
Even if you have no remaining natural teeth, you still need to visit your dentist for regular checkups. These regular visits allow your dentist to ensure that your implants stay firmly seated and that your bite is correct.
For more information about dental implants, including to determine if you’re a good candidate, please speak to your dentist during your next appointment.
We are conveniently located on Shawville Boulevard, between Lowe’s and Canadian Tire.
Shawnessy Dental Centre
