Dental Implants Explained

Dental implants are replacements for missing teeth that look, feel and function just like natural teeth. They can restore chewing ability, help prevent bone loss in the jaw, and enhance the beauty of your smile. They can also support a fixed or removable denture, replacing both the lower and upper teeth.

Unlike bridges or dentures, which rest on adjacent teeth, dental implants are anchored in the jawbone. This preserves the natural shape of the jaw and avoids stress on nearby teeth. In addition, implant-supported restorations won’t shift or come loose and may reduce the need for future surgeries to treat the surrounding teeth.

Before surgery at Orchard Park Dental Stoney Creek, we will take X-rays or 3D images of your mouth and jaw to assess whether you are a candidate for dental implants. We will discuss your goals, lifestyle and medical history to develop a personalized treatment plan.

During surgery, we will give you anesthesia to control pain and discomfort. You can choose from local anesthesia, nitrous oxide sedation or general anesthesia.

After the surgical site is prepared, your provider will place the implant post in the jawbone. Then, a component called an abutment is attached to the top of the post. The abutment is made from titanium, a strong and biocompatible material that fuses to the bone through a process known as osseointegration. Once the abutment is in place, we can complete your restoration by placing a tooth-like crown on top of it.

Most people who are missing one or more teeth are candidates for dental implants. The main requirement is sufficient bone mass in the jaw, which can be determined by an X-ray or CT scan of your jaw. In addition, patients must have good oral and general health to undergo surgery. People with uncontrolled chronic conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, may experience slower healing and integration of the implant.

Lastly, people who smoke or have certain autoimmune diseases may be at higher risk for complications during and after the procedure. However, these risks can be minimized with proper patient selection and following the recommended guidelines for implant care.

The three most common types of dental implants are endosteal, subperiosteal and zygomatic. Endosteal implants are most commonly used in the front of the mouth, subperiosteal implants are placed under the gums and zygomatic implants are placed in the back of the jaw.

Your provider will explain the type of implant best suited to you.

During the healing period, the implant will gradually fuse to the bone. This process is called osseointegration and takes about three to six months. During this time, you can eat soft foods and use a removable denture, if needed. After the implant has healed, we can attach the final prosthesis—a single tooth, a bridge or a full denture.

Orchard Park Dental

6-483 Hwy 8, Stoney Creek, ON L8G 5B9

Telephone: (905) 664-7252

https://orchardparkdental.com/

Email: info@orchardparkdental.com