Dental Implants — Toronto, Ontario
Rebuild Missing Teeth from the Roots Up
More than 42% of people above the age of 65 are missing all of their teeth in one or both jaws. Most of these teeth were lost to gum disease. Research shows that 85% of the estimated 32 million people with dentures in the US and Canada experience pain, embarrassment and difficulty with their false teeth. Now patients who have lost more than one tooth in a row may have a better choice than a fixed bridge, removable partial or full denture.
Why Choose Dr. Kevin Dann of Dentistry Asleep For Dental Implants?
- #1 Dental Implant Treatment Completed by Highly Experienced Dentist & Team
- #2 Certified Specialist in Dental Anaethesia for Comfortable Treatment
- #3 Permanently Replace Any Number of Missing Teeth
What Are Dental Implants?
Although implantation of artificial or replacement roots has been attempted for hundreds of years, only recently have techniques been worked out that makes them predictably successful. Modern dental implant techniques and technologies originated in Sweden in the early 1960's. After scientifically proving that these new bone-integrating titanium implants were successful, Swedish researchers brought their methods to a few select centres in North America in 1981.
Toronto was one of these original, chosen study centres. Dr. Dann was fortunate to be one of the few dentists selected to work with dental implant patients in the early 1980's. This unique experience gives him a longer history than most in this field and an opportunity to see and experience many changes and advancement in the field of implant dentistry.
The 4 Step Dental Implant Process
Unlike some other treatments that can be performed on the day of your appointment, dental implants require several steps to implement. These can stretch on for a few months, but this lengthy period is necessary to ensure that your new smile stands the test of time.
If you’re considering dental implants at Dentistry Asleep, knowing what to expect from the process can help you be prepared to commit to the treatment. So, continue reading to learn about each step and how, together, they create a sturdy and functional dental implant.
Initial Dental Implant Consultation
The initial dental implant consultation is a crucial first step in the implant process. During this visit, Dr. Dann will conduct a thorough examination of your mouth, taking X-rays to assess your jawbone health. This is one of the most important factors to determine if you’re a suitable candidate for implants. You’ll also discuss your dental history, overall health, and your specific needs and expectations. Dr. Dann will explain the procedure in detail, including the timeline, costs, and any preparatory treatments required. Your consultation needs to be thorough to make the rest of your personalized treatment go as smoothly as possible.
Dental Implant Surgery
Dental implant surgery is the next step after your consultation. Performed under local anesthesia, the procedure begins with Dr. Dann making a small incision in the gum to expose the jawbone. A precise hole is then made into the bone, and a titanium implant post is carefully inserted and topped with a healing cap. The gum is then closed over the implant. This fixture will serve as an artificial tooth root that will later hold your restoration in place. This minimally invasive surgery causes only minor discomfort, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment Placement
After the implant post is placed, a process called osseointegration begins. Over the next few months, the titanium post will fuse with the surrounding bone tissue, creating a solid and stable base for your future artificial tooth. This integration period is critical for the success and longevity of the implant. Once osseointegration is complete, Dr. Dann will perform another minor surgical procedure to attach an abutment to the implant. This piece serves as a connector between the implant and your restoration. Once the abutment is placed, the hard part is over! Soon, you’ll be in the final phase of your treatment.
Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration
The final step in the dental implant process is the delivery of your dental implant restoration. Dr. Dann will take impressions of your mouth to create a custom crown, bridge, or denture that matches the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth. It will take a couple of weeks, but once your restoration is ready, it will be securely attached to the abutment. Dr. Dann will then ensure the fit is perfect and make any necessary adjustments. The result is a natural-looking and fully functional tooth that blends seamlessly with your smile, allowing you to eat, speak, and beam with confidence.
Benefits of Dental Implants
If you have one or more missing teeth, the quality of your daily life can suffer. Tasks that were once second nature like eating, speaking, and smiling suddenly become much more challenging. Thankfully, Dr. Dann can rebuild your grin with dental implants. These artificial teeth are often touted as the ideal replacements for good reasons. They’re the only restorations that are surgically embedded into your jawbone which means they have some unique advantages over alternatives like dental bridges or dentures.
Continue reading below to learn more about how you might benefit from dental implants and feel free to contact our friendly team if you would like more information.
Day-to-Day Benefits
An estimated 3 million people in the United States have dental implants and that number is expected to grow in the coming years. Part of the reason they’re so popular is that they can greatly enhance your day-to-day routine because they:
- Restore your ability to chew. There are very few dietary restrictions that come with these artificial teeth because they’re firmly anchored in place. That means you can enjoy all your favorite meals like you used to.
- Allow for proper enunciation. You can develop a lisp or other speech issues if you have gaps in your grin, but once they’re filled, you’re sure to be clearly understood.
- Upgrade your appearance. Worrying about how others will perceive you can leave you feeling anxious or depressed, but dental implants look and feel natural so no one will know the difference.
- Are easy to clean. Maintaining them is as simple as brushing and flossing twice daily.
Health Benefits
Tooth loss can be seriously detrimental to your oral health, but dental implants can prevent problems by:
- Preserving your facial structure. Your jawbone begins to deteriorate when teeth go missing but your restoration functions like the root of a tooth. Every time you bite down it stimulates your jaw to keep it active to maintain the shape of your face.
- Preventing drifting. Your remaining teeth are prone to shifting out of place to fill in the gaps left behind. If they’re not properly aligned, they can sustain uneven wear and tear that leaves them more vulnerable to injury.
- Avoiding oral issues. Because brushing and flossing them is convenient, you’re less likely to develop cavities or gum disease.
Long-Term Benefits
Dental implants are a great way to improve your daily life as well as your dental well-being. On top of that, they also provide several long-standing benefits because they are:
- Resilient. They can last 30+ years with the right care so you can make the most of them for decades.
- Successful. They have an incredibly high success rate of more than 95% even 10 years after their initial placement.
- Durable. They’re made of materials that resist breaking and staining so you can look and feel your best.
- Cost-effective. Although they typically are pricier up front, they’re generally sturdier than dentures and dental bridges which means they don’t need as many expensive repairs or replacements.
Who Dental Implants Can Help
Ultimately, it doesn’t take that much to qualify for dental implants. Almost anyone with missing teeth can get them for their smiles! Still, consulting Dr. Dann is the only way to know for sure. He can assess your oral health to see if implants suit you. In case they are, he and our team will then devise a custom treatment for your unique needs. To learn more about such things, just keep reading or call us for the relevant details.
Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
So long as you’re a healthy adult, you’ll likely qualify for implants. That said, our practice will determine your candidacy at the consultation. This visit lets us perform an oral exam to see if you have certain qualifying factors. The most common of these elements include:
- Good Overall Health – Implant placement is a minor surgery, so your body needs strength to bear it. This wellness reduces your odds of post-surgery complications.
- Great Oral Health – Implants will fail soon after placement if you suffer from gum disease or cavities. As such, the latter issues must be addressed before surgery.
- Sufficient Jawbone Density – Implants rely on your jaw’s bone tissue for support. Consequently, your jawbone needs to have high bone density for successful placement. Implants won’t be able to fuse with your jaw otherwise.
Even if you aren’t a good candidate, though, there’s still hope for care. You can qualify for implants later by getting preliminary work like tooth extractions, gum disease therapy, or bone grafting. From there, your mouth will be ready to receive implants based on how many teeth you’re missing.
Missing One Tooth
Should you only need to replace one tooth, opting for a single implant and crown will be enough. These two items, taken together, are more durable and longer-lasting than other restorations. Placing them also doesn’t remove healthy enamel from adjacent teeth.
The placement process is fairly simple. Once placed in the jaw’s socket, an implant will gradually fuse with your jawbone. After the gums heal from that initial step, the dentist will place the abutment to stabilize the future crown. This latter prosthetic uses high-quality porcelain to ensure beautiful, lifelike results.
Missing Multiple Teeth
When you lack multiple adjacent teeth, using several single implants is inefficient. Instead, your best bet is to get an implant bridge. Unlike traditional ones, it’s supported by two dental implants. Consequently, it doesn’t rely on hooks to keep itself steady and secure.
Of course, you may be missing teeth throughout the mouth. If so, several implants could anchor a partial denture in place.
Missing All Teeth
You should try an implant denture if you’re missing all your natural teeth (or soon will). The latter prosthetic uses four to six implants to support a full denture, thus restoring an entire row of chompers.
Ultimately, an implant denture has many unique perks compared to traditional ones. Firstly, it won’t slip or fall due to the implants’ fusing with your jaw. Plus, it’s rather easy to clean – just brush it twice daily and floss it once daily!
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
While dental implants are the pinnacle of tooth replacement options, many patients might hesitate to commit to the treatment because of the price. Though the procedure does come with a higher upfront cost compared to other restorations, you’ll want to remember the various advantages you can expect to enjoy from this solution. Our team will discuss your oral health as well as any services you might need to confirm that your mouth will have the best chance for treatment success. Until then, here’s what to consider regarding the cost of dental implants.
Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery
Those who require preliminary services, such as bone grafting, gum disease treatment, or tooth extractions should expect these to affect the overall price. However, these procedures may be necessary so that you can significantly increase the chance of success for your dental implants. By ensuring that your oral health is prepared for your implant surgery, you won’t have to worry about implant failure and need additional treatment, which can end up increasing the total cost. It’s also worth noting that our team can perform the entire process in-office, meaning you can save yourself time and money from driving across town to undergo the surgery at another practice.
The Parts of Your Dental Implants
When it comes to the dental implant itself, several factors can contribute to the price of the procedure. These include:
- The number of dental implants: Replacing a single tooth will generally cost less compared to replacing several teeth or even an entire arch of missing teeth. This is especially due to the potential complexity of the treatment as well as the location in the mouth that you require replacements.
- The type of restoration: There will be different prices when it comes to needing either a dental crown, bridge, or denture to rebuild your smile. Implants can also come in different sizes, and the smaller ones usually cost less compared to larger ones.
- The materials used: Dental implants are generally constructed out of titanium, but they can also be made from zirconia in other cases, which comes with a different cost.
- Brand of implants: Various manufacturers provide dental implants, and our team will only work with high-quality materials to help you regain your bite.
How Dental Implants Can Save You Money
Even though dental implants do come with a higher initial price compared to traditional restorations, it’s important to remember the benefits they provide in contrast to dental bridges and dentures. While the other two options can help rebuild your smile, they’ll also need to be replaced every several years, which can raise the cost in the long run. Dental implants, however, can last several decades or even a lifetime with proper care, meaning you can save money long term. Your titanium posts also won’t require special dental products or techniques to keep them clean, as they’ll look and function exactly like natural pearly whites. With normal oral hygiene and regular dental visits every six months, you can make the most of your lifelike restorations for many years to come.
Dental Implant FAQs
Dental implants in Ontario are a lifelong commitment, so it’s normal to have some concerns. There isn’t any reason to worry. Dr. Dann will explain everything during your dental implant consultation to ensure you are 100% confident about the road ahead. In the meantime, here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions about the revolutionary procedure.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are the most reliable method to replace missing teeth. They are proven to last for 30 years or more with the proper aftercare; however, various factors affect their lifespan, like your health and lifestyle. Your new smile can last for decades by brushing, flossing, and using a daily mouthrinse. Don’t forget to visit your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. It’s also best to avoid anything that might damage your new teeth, like using them as tools or chewing hard/sticky foods. With the right care, you’ll never have to worry about needing replacements to save money down the road.
Can I take dental implants out?
A dental implant is unlike any other treatment because it replicates the entire tooth structure, including the root. This involves surgically placing a post into the jawbone. Your bone will fuse to the post through a process called osseointegration. Therefore, only a trained dental professional can remove them, such as if implant failure occurs. However, some implant dentures are removable for easy cleaning, but the posts will always stay in place.
What should I do if my dental implant feels loose?
Your dental implant should never feel loose. You don’t want to ignore the issue because it can be a sign of implant failure. It’s important to contact your implant dentist in Ontario right away to find the source of the instability, such as failed osseointegration or a damaged restoration. Dr. Dann will provide the intervention you need to preserve your smile.
Am I too old to get dental implants?
There isn’t an age limit for dental implants, but older patients can have a higher risk of complications. Your general health plays a role in your candidacy for the procedure. Since certain health conditions can occur with age, like heart disease or diabetes, so Dr. Dann will review your medical history carefully. If you have specific health conditions, your implant dentist may take some precautions to ensure the success of the procedure. You may also need a little prep-work, like bone grafting to strengthen the jaw.
How can I tell if my dental implant is failing?
Dental implants provide the most predictable results because the risk of failure is less than 5%. If complications arise, they can occur shortly after your implant surgery or several years later. Remain vigilant for any signs of dental implant failure, like pain around the post, swelling of the gum tissue, or the implant feeling loose. If you notice any signs of a problem, don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact your dentist right away to preserve your investment.
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At Dentistry Asleep®,Dr. Kevin Dann offers dental hygiene services, routine dental care for adults and children, periodontal and endodontic therapy, cosmetic dental procedures and dental implants. Dr. Dann is one of the few Certified Specialists in Dental Anaesthesia, giving complete, comfortable care to all his valued patients. Enjoy experienced, anxiety-free dental healthcare! Make your appointment now!
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