Toronto Dental Implants Dentist | Royal York Dental
Toronto Dental Implants Dentist | Royal York Dental
The Miracle of Dental Implants
Do you remember being six years old and feeling that excitement of losing that first tooth? It was probably a big thing at the time.
Losing an adult tooth isn’t much of a cause for celebration. If you’ve suffered the loss of one or more teeth, you know how disappointing that feels. Losing one tooth is bad enough. The last thing you want is to have all your teeth sitting in a glass on the night table.
Here’s some good news. There’s a silver lining to your lost-tooth cloud. Dental Implants can give you that miracle second-chance.
What’s a Dental Implant?
If you’re reading this, I can safely assume you’re considering Dental Implants as a treatment option.
That’s great! As an informed consumer, you’re almost guaranteed to make better choices.
As a Toronto Implant Dentist for over 20 years, I’ve helped many people make the transition from knowing NOTHING about Dental Implants to having them successfully placed inside their mouths.
Here’s what you need to know…
1. A dental implant is a titanium post that’s attached directly to the jawbone and acts as an anchor for a permanent artificial tooth, bridge or plate. That might seem drastic, but in reality the process is simple, clean and not nearly as painful as it sounds.
2. A dental implant has two main components. A titanium anchor is placed directly into your bone and allowed time to heal. Once ready to restore, a custom-made core and tooth can be attached to that titanium base. Once these parts all come together, you’ve got a healthy strong tooth.
3. Dental Implants are permanent, stable, and they look and feel like natural teeth. You treat an implant just like any of your other teeth and chewing your food on that side returns to normal.
4. Implant dentistry has advanced to the point that implants can be placed with a high degree of confidence, skill and predictability. In fact, Dental Implants have a higher long-term success rate than most other dental restorations like Crowns or Bridges.
5. Implants aren’t just for missing teeth. Sometimes those missing-tooth sites don’t have much bone to support an implant. Weak or failing teeth can be better candidates for implant replacement because they still have bone left. So if you have a tooth that requires extensive treatment to save it, and the prognosis is at best sketchy, then you might consider removal and implant placement instead.
6. Dental Implants add back support. Lose a tooth and the others are forced to carry a heavier load. That means they’ll tend to wear out faster. Add an implant and you gain back that support you lost. Now, your other teeth will be less stressed.
Placing a Dental Implant has become the best standard of care for a missing tooth. Over the last ten years the number of North Americans receiving dental implants has more than tripled.
Implants have become an extremely effective and versatile choice in our repertoire here at Royal York Dental. Successfully rehabilitating challenging patient situations has now become a predictable reality.
Technology has advanced to the point that allows permanent replacement teeth to be customized to restore a natural smile. You no longer have to use messy creams and adhesives. They are safe, strong, comfortable and reliable. The end result – – as close as you can get to natural teeth… from a single tooth to an entire mouth.
Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are usually an excellent choice for anyone missing one or more teeth.
Perhaps youre getting a little older and question if the investment is truly worth it. Consider that life expectancy has increased significantly. Even at 80 years of age one can now expect to live at least 8 more years. Were not just living longer; were staying healthier and enjoying a better quality of life.
If youve spent the last several years taking care of your childrens needs and paying off your house, then perhaps now its time to invest in your own health and well-being.
Not everyone can have Dental Implants
A person must be in good health and have the proper bone structure and healthy gums for the implant to stay in place. People who have one or more missing teeth and who suffer with loose or ill-fitting dentures are often excellent candidates.
For people who suffer from chronic problems, such as clenching or grinding, or from systemic diseases, such as diabetes, the success rate for implants decreases. Additionally, people who smoke or drink alcohol are questionable candidates due to their compromised healing response. At one time, inadequate bone often prevented the placement of implants. Fortunately, bone-grafting procedures can now add bone to allow – even enhance – implant placement.
Age is not a consideration in implants – they have been successfully used in young people as well as persons of advanced age. A thorough assessment is necessary before beginning the process. This will include a complete medical history, an exam, x-rays, impressions of the teeth and gums, and possibly a CT scan (Computed Tomography). Only after a careful evaluation can the number and type of implants that would be best for a particular situation be offered.
How long does the process take?
The process usually takes around 6 months to complete. If bone grafting is necessary, further time may be required. Each patient has different bone quality and each heals differently, and so treatment times will vary. After the surgical placement of the implants, the healing process can take up to six months. The fitting and adjustment of replacement teeth typically take no more than two months.
Royal York Dental has experienced Toronto Dentists in Etobicoke to take care of your needs. For more dental news and views, visit our Toronto Dentist Smile Blog. If you want to know more about Dental Emergencies and other services, visit our more clinical-based Dental Secrets & Tips Guide for more dental information. Always remember that your hygienist is your good friend.