What Is A Dental Implant?
Whether you’re missing one tooth or several, dental implants allow you to regain a smile that is natural in both appearance and function. Commonly made of metal or porcelain, a dental implant is a dental prosthesis that is surgically inserted into the jaw to support a false tooth crown. This false tooth is custom-made to match your exact tooth shape and color, resulting in a natural-looking prosthesis that is stable and durable.
Because dental implants are semi-permanent and easy to maintain, qualifying patients often opt for them over dentures or dental bridges.
Do I Need a Dental Implant?
Missing teeth impact more than just your appearance. Maintaining a full set of teeth is crucial for preserving the functionality of your mouth so that you continue to chew correctly and speak clearly. Missing teeth also affect the shape of the face, causing it to appear sunken or aged.
For these reasons, our doctors at Barton Dental recommend replacing your missing tooth or teeth as soon as possible. Dental implants can be an ideal tooth replacement solution. However, the only way to know if you’re a good candidate is by coming into our Hamilton office for a consultation.
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Restore Your Teeth and Your Confidence
Losing a tooth can damage your self-perception, ultimately affecting the way you interact with others. Patients who suffer from missing teeth often express a reluctance to smile or are insecure about laughing in front of others.
But missing teeth also impact more than looks. Maintaining a full set of healthy teeth is a necessary part of having good overall oral health. The following are just a few benefits that dental implants offer:
- Natural Appearance – At Barton Dental, the material we use to create dental implants is as similar to natural teeth as you can find in the way they both look and feel. Clean and care for your implants the same way you do the rest of your natural teeth and they’ll maintain their natural-looking color and shape.
- Strength and Durability – Like natural teeth, dental implants are supported directly by the jaw bone, lending them exceptional stability. Think of your implant as an artificial tooth root, fused to the bone to keep the false tooth crown in place. With proper oral hygiene and maintenance, a dental implant should last you a lifetime.
- Preservation of Face Shape – In addition to maintaining your bite and alignment, teeth are also a crucial part of facial structure. Replacing missing teeth with dental implants helps restore the shape of your shape, keeping you looking young and healthy.
The Different Types of Dental Implants
While there are several common types, a dental implant is essentially a metal screw, surgically implanted into the jawbone, which receives a false tooth cap, or “crown”. The following are some of the most common types of dental implants:
- Single Tooth – The most common type of implant, the single tooth implant is used to replace one missing tooth with an implant. It is possible to have several single tooth implants in a row.
- Implant-Supported Dental Bridge – This is a great option for those needing to replace three or more teeth at once. The implant-supported dental bridge is a method whereby one or two single-tooth implants are used to support a dental bridge, providing exceptional stability and convenience.
- Implant Denture – Similar to implant-supported dental bridges, an implant denture is a set of dentures supported by one or more single-tooth dental implants.
What to Expect When Getting a Dental Implant
The dental implant process is relatively straightforward and is typically completed without any complications. Here is what you can expect from your dental implant procedure:
Consultation and Planning
To begin the dental implant process, you’ll first need to come into our Hamilton office for a consultation. During this consultation, your doctor will check the health of your teeth and jaw health to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. X-rays and imaging will be required to plan the correct placement of the implants. Then your doctor will go over the timeline with you, letting you know what to expect from each step.
Implant Placement
The doctor will begin your implant placement by numbing your mouth with a local anesthetic to make sure you won’t feel a thing during surgery. Next, your doctor will create a small hole in the site where the implant will go and, using a surgical guide, place the implant in the bone. The tissue is then closed over the top of the implant. Healing of the soft gum tissue at the surgical site is quick and is usually complete within a couple of weeks. You shouldn’t feel discomfort beyond a week after the placement.
Your New Tooth
Following the replacement, you’ll need to allow a few months for the jawbone to heal and fuse with the implant. This process is not painful, but it is necessary before affixing your permanent crown. Once the bone has fused to the implant, your doctor will schedule an appointment to fit you for your new crown or bridge that matches the exact shape and color of your natural teeth. The doctor will attach an abutment to the implant, and then your new crown will be seated on the abutment. The day you have your new crown placed, you can start eating with it and brushing and flossing it, just as you would with a natural tooth!
Dr. Ahmed Ameen Al-Obaidi (Dr. Ameen)
General Dentist
Your Dental Implants General Dentist
Dr. Ameen has recently been published in the International Journal of Applied Dental Sciences where the purpose of the study is to provide accurate data of not only the stability of dental implants but also the healing stages of the bone around the implant that occurs during osteointegration.
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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.
Winner Of The Three Best Rated Award
Dr. Ameen is the winner of the 3 Best Cosmetic Dentists in Hamilton.
How Much Does a Dental Implant Cost In Hamilton?
In Hamilton, a single implant will cost approximately $3,000 – $6,000+. A full-mouth reconstruction using dental implants can vary widely, ranging from $6,000 to $60,000 and up. A full set of implant-supported dentures (upper and lower) is approximately $30,000. Keep in mind that this is an investment for life and for your health. We’ll make sure you know how to properly care for your implants so that you can preserve and enjoy your investment.
Here are some important factors we consider when creating your treatment plan:
- How many implants you need.
- What other treatment might be needed to make the site ready for surgery.
- The specific materials recommended for you.
- The complexity of the surgery.
- Your recovery time and any potential complications.
Every person and every case is unique! No dental practice can provide you with an exact quote without seeing you for an exam. The dental implant procedure is complex. Many factors go into determining the treatment plan. To get an accurate estimate of the cost of your dental implant, schedule a consultation with our Barton Dental office in Hamilton today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely no one ever has to know that your implants are not your natural teeth. Dental implants are made of metal screws, but these are hidden beneath your gums and covered with lifelike restorations that blend in naturally with the rest of your smile.
Dentures and implants are not the same thing and they function in very different ways. Dentures rest on top of your gums and press down on the underlying bone tissue. Implants strengthen your bite because they are fixed well below your gums. Both tooth replacement options have unique pros and cons. We recommend that you visit us in person to find out which treatment is best for you.
For patients who are not good candidates for dental implants, dental bridges and full or partial dentures may be the best option for replacing missing teeth. The best way to find out what solutions exist for your specific needs is to call and book an appointment. We would be happy to discuss all your options and answer any specific questions you may have.
To get an implant you must be an adult and have good general oral health. Your jawbone must be strong enough to support a new implant and other supporting tissues, like your gums, must be healthy to reduce the risk of complications. If you’re concerned that you might not be a viable candidate, give us a call to find out for sure. There are usually treatment options available to restore your oral health with the ultimate goal of getting a dental implant and there are often alternative solutions to replacing missing teeth.
Yes! Your dental implant may be topped by a crown, a bridge or implant-supported dentures that will always be custom made to make you feel comfortable. That means your custom-made teeth are shaped and coloured to match your existing teeth and bite. Patients often have difficulty distinguishing their natural teeth from their beautiful new dental implants.
The science of dental implants has evolved so rapidly from its early days that it is now a very predictable and relatively pain-free procedure. The dental implant procedure is completed with such care and precision you’ll experience as little discomfort as possible. With proper aftercare, you can expect minimal swelling and almost no bleeding. Your physical and emotional health are both important to us. If you feel anxious about visiting us for any reason, please let us know.
In most cases, you can return to work the day after your implant surgery. Once we know exactly what your treatment will entail, we can give you a much more accurate time estimate and can let you know in advance if you should clear your schedule for longer. We always discuss all post-operative care instructions with you.
The success of your implants will depend greatly on how well you maintain them. They need to be professionally cleaned and examined routinely, just like your natural teeth. We usually recommend a check-up approximately every 6 months but may recommend check-ups more or less often depending on your specific requirements.
Care for your dental implants like a natural tooth. Regular brushing & flossing, cleanings and checkups and letting your doctor know if you have any problems.
No, implants do not need to be routinely replaced. Once you get a dental implant, it is meant to stay with you for a very long time.
