What are dental implants?
Making the choice to get dental implants is an important decision. If you are considering this option but are unsure about what it involves, we offer detailed information here to help you understand and decide on your dental treatment.
A dental implant is essentially a tiny metal post that substitutes for a missing tooth. During a minor surgical procedure, a dentist places this post into the bone beneath your gums, in the exact location where the missing tooth once was. This implant functions like a natural tooth root, and is then topped with a restoration such as a dental crown, ensuring it looks and feels just like a real tooth.
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Why You Might Need Dental Implants
When you lose a tooth, it’s more than just a gap in your smile. Your natural teeth help maintain your smile’s structure, allowing you to eat and speak with ease.
Missing teeth can cause your remaining teeth to shift out of alignment, increasing the risk of oral health problems.
One major issue with missing teeth is bone resorption, where the body breaks down bone tissue that’s no longer needed.
Teeth stimulate the jawbone, promoting healthy bone maintenance. Without this stimulation, the jawbone begins to deteriorate, leading to a shorter jawline and a sunken appearance in the cheeks and lips.
Dental implants can effectively prevent these problems. Acting as replacements for natural teeth, implants support the jawbone and maintain facial structure. They help prevent bone loss and ensure that your smile remains functional and aesthetically pleasing. In essence, dental implants are a highly effective solution for maintaining oral health and overall quality of life.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Tooth loss can be a challenging experience, affecting both your confidence and your health. The absence of a tooth can impact your smile, make eating your favourite foods difficult, and may cause discomfort in your bite. Over time, gaps from missing teeth can lead to bone deterioration and cause your remaining teeth to shift out of place.
- Restore Your Natural Appearance – Dental implants seamlessly replicate the look and feel of your natural teeth. Crafted to perfectly match your unique bite and the colour of your enamel, they become a permanent part of your smile, ensuring a natural and flawless appearance.
- Feel Confident in Your Comfort – After placement, the titanium post of the dental implant integrates with your jawbone as it heals. This provides a stable foundation for a crown or bridge, or for securing implant-supported dentures. You can enjoy eating, laughing, and smiling without the worry of shifting teeth or unexpected pain, as the implant remains securely in place.
- Improve Bone Strength – The loss of teeth can cause the underlying bone to deteriorate over time. Dental implants counteract this by promoting new bone growth around the implant, thereby strengthening the bone structure and maintaining the integrity of your jaw.
Dental implants offer a natural-feeling, long-term solution that can last for decades with proper oral care.
Dental Implant Restorations
A restoration serves as the artificial tooth that attaches to the implant. The implant remains hidden beneath the gums, while the restoration is the visible part that gives the appearance of a natural tooth, ensuring a complete and natural-looking smile.
- Dental Crown – A dental crown is a popular implant restoration that covers an individual implant, replacing a single missing tooth.
- Dental Bridge – A dental bridge spans the space where multiple teeth are missing. With the support of one or two implants, it can replace several teeth. A full arch bridge, supported by four or more implants, can replace all the upper or lower teeth.
- Implant Denture – An implant denture provides extra stability for a removable denture by attaching it to two small implants.
A New Life with Dental Implants Awaits!
Experience an improved smile with dental implants.
Maintaining dental implants is straightforward. Simply brush and floss gently each day, and take precautions to protect them during sports. Regular visits to our office will help us ensure your implant stays in excellent health.
With proper care, your dental implant can offer you many years of strong, radiant smiles!
Start today by booking a consultation
How It Feels
The idea of having a metal implant inserted into your jawbone might sound daunting, but the procedure is much more comfortable than you might imagine.
To ensure you feel no pain during the surgery, we’ll use a mild anesthetic to numb your mouth. Thanks to advanced dental technology, implants can be placed quickly, accurately, and with minimal invasiveness, which translates to less discomfort and quicker recovery for you.
Many patients report feeling bored or even sleepy during the short, half-hour implant procedure. The most challenging part for you might be keeping your mouth open for a few minutes at a time, but that’s usually the extent of the discomfort.
After the procedure, it’s normal to experience some swelling, mild discomfort, and even bruising for several hours. The pain is typically mild and easy to manage. We’ll provide you with specific instructions to help minimize discomfort before the anesthetic wears off, and your surgical site should start feeling better within a week.
It’s reassuring to know that dental implants have a success rate of nearly 95%, making them one of the safest and most reliable procedures in dentistry.
What to Expect on Your Dental Implant Treatment Journey
The implant placement process is far more comfortable than you might anticipate.
Assessment
Your dental implant journey starts with a thorough consultation to see if implants are the right choice for you. This involves taking X-rays and a 3D cone-beam CT scan to assess your jawbone and plan the procedure. Additionally, your dentist will take impressions or scans of your teeth to determine the precise angulation for your implant.
Implant Placement
To ensure you feel no pain, an anesthetic will be used to numb the area. The dentist will then make a small opening in your gums and jawbone to insert the implant post. In some cases, sutures are needed to close the gums, but this isn’t always required.
Restoration Completion
After allowing a few months for the implant to heal, you’ll return to the practice for the final phase. Your custom-made restoration will be ready, and the dentist will attach it to the implant. You’ll leave with a new, fully functional tooth that blends seamlessly with your natural smile.
Dr. Alexandra Zapata
Lead Dentist
Your Dental Implants Lead Dentist
Dr. Alexandra Zapata practiced dentistry for over 18 years in Colombia and has been practicing dentistry in Canada since 2017 after completing the NDEB equivalency process, and Canadian Board exams, and obtained her license with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario to practice in the province of Ontario. Dr. Zapata is now an asset to Two Lakes Dental. She is known for her gentle touch, charisma, and amiable personality that bring to our practice the high quality of care and the most comfortable dental experience.
She is fluent in Spanish and English. Dr. Zapata has her Fellow in Oral Surgery, and a diploma in Cosmetic Dentistry from Santiago de Cali, Colombia. Dr. Zapata is committed to continuing education completing training in different fields of dentistry and a mini-residency in Implantology. She is an active member of the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO), Ontario Dental Association (ODA), Canadian Dental Association (CDA), and The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)
When not in the office, Dr. Zapata enjoys dancing, cooking, and traveling with her family on hiking/camping trips.
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.
Cost of Dental Implants in Niagara Falls
In Niagara Falls, the price for a single dental implant generally falls between $3,000 and $6,000 or more. For those considering full-mouth reconstructive implants, the costs can range significantly from $6,000 to over $60,000. Typically, a full set of implant-supported dentures is about $30,000. It’s important to remember that getting an exact quote over the phone is not possible. The dental implant process is intricate and varies greatly depending on individual circumstances. An in-person consultation is necessary to provide an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs.
- Type and Number of Implants: The specific type and quantity required.
- Materials and Supplies: The quality and type of materials used.
- Expertise of the Dental Team: The time and experience of your dental professionals.
- Surgery Complexity and Location: The complexity and specific location of the procedure.
- Recovery Time: Post-surgery recovery and follow-up care.
Several factors influence the cost of dental implant surgery:
Every case is unique, so it’s crucial to consult with a dentist and undergo an oral exam. This allows us to assess your specific situation and offer various treatment options. We would be pleased to provide you with a more accurate quote based on your individual needs.
Are There Other Solutions for Missing Teeth?
For multiple missing teeth or an entire arch, dental prosthetics or removable dentures might be suitable options. If you have one to three missing teeth, a dental bridge can sometimes fill the gap. Weighing the cost of dental implants against other tooth-replacement options requires considering their benefits and drawbacks.
Though dental implants require a larger initial investment, they provide greater security and longevity compared to bridges or dentures. Removable dental prosthetics need specific care, maintenance, and may require adjustments or replacements over time. Conversely, dental implants are maintained like natural teeth, with regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. When properly cared for, a dental implant can last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
No one will be able to tell that your implants aren’t natural teeth. While the implants themselves are metal screws hidden beneath your gums, they are covered with restorations that seamlessly match the rest of your smile.
Dentures and implants serve different functions. Dentures sit on your gums and press down on the bone underneath, whereas implants are securely anchored below the gums, strengthening your bite. Each option has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. To determine the best treatment for you, we recommend coming in for a consultation.
To determine the right solution for your needs, book an appointment with us. We’re happy to explore all your options and answer any questions you have. If dental implants aren’t suitable for you, dental bridges or partial and full dentures could be the best options for replacing missing teeth.
Adults with good oral health are typically candidates for dental implants. If you’re unsure whether you’re a suitable candidate, contact us to find out. A strong jawbone and healthy gums are essential for successful implant placement. There are often ways to improve oral health for implant eligibility, and alternative tooth replacement options are available if needed.
Absolutely! Dental implants can be topped with crowns, bridges, or implant-supported dentures, all custom-made to ensure your comfort. These custom teeth are designed to match the shape and colour of your natural teeth and bite. Most patients find it difficult to tell the difference between their natural teeth and their new dental implants.
Thanks to advancements in dental implant technology, the procedure is now highly predictable and relatively pain-free. The process is carried out with meticulous care and precision to ensure minimal discomfort. With proper aftercare, you can expect minimal swelling and almost no bleeding. We prioritize both your physical and emotional well-being, so if you have any concerns or feel anxious about the procedure, please let us know.
Most patients can return to work the day after their implant surgery. However, once we have a detailed understanding of your specific treatment plan, we can provide a more precise estimate. If an extended recovery period is needed, we will inform you in advance. We will also discuss all post-operative care instructions with you to ensure a smooth recovery.
The longevity and success of your dental implants depend on how well you maintain them. Just like natural teeth, implants require regular professional cleaning and examinations. Typically, we recommend a check-up every six months, but this frequency may vary based on your individual needs.
Treat your dental implants just like your natural teeth. This means regular brushing and flossing, routine cleanings, and checkups. If you notice any issues, be sure to inform your dentist promptly.
No, dental implants are designed to be a long-term solution. Once placed, they are meant to last for many years without the need for routine replacement.
