It’s hard to imagine, but 69% of North Americans aged 35-44 have had at least one tooth removed every year as a result of infection, gum disease, or accidents. When you lose teeth, several problems can occur. The remaining teeth can shift, rotate, and become crooked. This can leave you with a bad bite and unsightly spaces, making it painful to chew food, and it can make home care more difficult. Sometimes the appearance is embarrassing too.
Dental implants are a sure-fire way of restoring the form of your natural teeth and their function, whether it is one tooth or a whole jaw. They can also secure dentures to stop irritation due to rubbing sores, clicking noises when you speak, or as an alternative to partial dentures and crown-&-bridge treatment.
Once you’ve had an implant, rather than having a mouth with missing teeth, you’ll have a dazzling smile that brightens your face. In fact, studies show that smiling releases endorphins, which will all boost your mood, immune system, and self-confidence. And in a vast array of social situations, you’ll appear more attractive and you’ll act with more confidence – guaranteed!
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants in Richmond Hill, ON, are prosthetic tooth roots that are placed into the jawbone to support replacement teeth. Treatment typically involves placing the implant below the gumline, allowing time for it to stabilize, and later attaching the replacement tooth above the gumline.
A dental implant restoration has several components. The implant itself is positioned in the jawbone. An attachment called an abutment connects the implant with the visible restoration, which may be a crown, bridge, or denture, depending on how many teeth need to be replaced.
Unlike a removable denture, an implant is custom-made to stay in the mouth. However, implant treatment varies considerably from patient to patient, and not everyone is a candidate. An examination and appropriate diagnostic imaging are needed before a treatment plan can be recommended.
Who May Be a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Determining candidacy involves more than simply identifying a missing tooth. Before recommending treatment, our dentist needs to evaluate your mouth and supporting structures at our dental implant clinic.
Your consultation may include a clinical examination as well as dental X-rays or 3D imaging when indicated. These records can help evaluate the amount and condition of available jawbone and the surrounding anatomical structures. Gum health, remaining teeth, medical and dental history, and other individual considerations may also influence treatment planning.
Why Replacing Missing Teeth Matters
Tooth loss can happen for many reasons, including decay, gum disease, injury, or other oral health concerns. Although the visible gap may be the first thing you notice, a missing tooth can also affect the way the surrounding teeth and bite function.
When a tooth is lost, the neighbouring teeth may gradually shift or rotate toward the available space. This can affect bite alignment and may make some areas more difficult to clean.
Changes can also occur in the jawbone following tooth loss. Natural tooth roots transfer forces to the surrounding bone during everyday function. Once a tooth is gone, the bone in that area no longer receives the same stimulation and may change over time.
Replacing a missing tooth may help restore chewing function, maintain space within the dental arch, and support the overall function of your bite. A tooth implant in Richmond Hill is one possible solution, but bridges and removable dentures may also be considered depending on your circumstances.
Types of Dental Implant Solutions
Dental implants in Richmond Hill, ON, can be incorporated into several different tooth-replacement approaches.
Single-tooth implant: When one tooth is missing, an individual implant can be placed to support a dental crown. This approach replaces the missing tooth without using the surrounding teeth to support a traditional bridge.
Implant-supported bridge: If several surrounding teeth are missing, implants may be positioned to support a bridge that replaces multiple teeth. The number of implants required depends on the location and individual treatment plan.
Implant-supported denture: Dental implants may be used to provide additional support or retention for certain dentures. Depending on the design, the denture may still be removable for cleaning.
Full-arch implant restoration: For patients who are missing all or most teeth in an arch, multiple implants may sometimes support a larger restoration.
What About Same Day Dental Implants?
Patients researching tooth replacement may come across the term same day dental implants. This generally refers to treatment protocols in which an implant and/or a temporary restoration may be placed within a shortened timeframe rather than waiting through the traditional sequence before a tooth is attached.
However, “same day” does not mean every stage of implant treatment is completed permanently in a single appointment, and this approach is not appropriate for every patient. Bone quantity and quality, implant stability, oral health, the location being treated, and other clinical considerations can influence whether immediate placement or loading may be considered.
A dental examination and diagnostic imaging are necessary to determine an appropriate treatment timeline. If you are interested in same-day treatment, our dentist can discuss whether this type of approach is applicable to your circumstances.
How Is This Procedure Done?
- At Don Head Dental Care, we will examine your mouth and take x-rays. We’ll discuss your dental history, your wants, and your needs. Together we’ll determine if dental implants are right for you.
- If you are a candidate, our Richmond Hill dentist will place the dental implant (below the gumline).
- We give time for the artificial root to stabilize which allows the implant to begin reinforcing your jawbone and intercept further bone loss.
- Phase 2 involves attaching are placement tooth crown (above the gumline) to the implant.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
This depends on various factors specific to your case – type of implant, location, number of implants, etc. Many insurance plans cover dental implant in Richmond Hill.
Are You Considering Implants?
That’s great! They truly are a game changer! But although this short article has a lot of information in it, we encourage you to talk to us directly about what dental implants could do for your smile. While they are a tried, tested, and true alternative to dentures – or going without teeth! – every person is different, and so every treatment plan is different too.
Here’s a quick recap checklist:
- Dental implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth. They’re so life-like that people will never detect them, and they’ll never know you’ve had this revolutionary treatment for your smile.
- Patients have raved about their new appearance, comfort, and self-confidence. We’re pretty sure you will too!
- Implants have been available for more than 30 years. That’s a lot of time to collect data, improve the technique, and develop gorgeous-looking replacement teeth.
- Implants provide safe, reliable, and predictable results.Many before-and-after photos of patients are astonishing.
- The current market for dental implants is estimated to be more than $1 billion globally.
- More than 700,000 dental implants are placed every year in North America.
- It has been estimated that another 40 million North Americans could benefit from dental implants. It’s important to have a personalized consultation with us to determine whether or not you’re a dental implant candidate. If you are, we’ll present a treatment plan and explain every step of the way to ensure you’re comfortable and excited about your future smile.
- Implants can replace one tooth or two ... or even replace all the teeth in an entire jaw.
- If you wear dentures, implants can be used to replace them or to anchor a denture arch to prevent soreness and eliminate clicking or slipping. They can also act as replacements for bridgework.
- 85% of the estimated 32 million people with dentures experience some discomfort and difficulty. In many cases, dental implants can eliminate the trouble while restoring confidence and enjoyment in speaking, laughing, and eating.
- If you feel self-conscious about your smile, dental implants could be the solution.
At Don Head Dental Care, we can help you to decide if dental implants are the right solution for you. If your dental evaluation shows that you are a good candidate, as a dentist in Richmond Hill, I can confidently say that you can look forward to a lifetime of smiling with comfort and confidence again.
