Losing permanent teeth can be very damaging to a person's smile, both in aesthetics and function. If one or more of your teeth are missing, dental implants are a reliable method to replace them. They function as a base to support one or more artificial teeth that appear, feel, and perform just like natural teeth. Dental implants can help you regain the ability to eat and live your normal life, as well as give you back a dazzling smile once again!

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are essentially artificial and custom-crafted roots made of titanium metal, anchored to the jawbone or metal framework below the gum line, and act as a foundation for an artificial tooth (porcelain crown) or a permanent bridge. Titanium is bio-compatible with the human body and is good at resisting corrosion, which often allows it to integrate tightly with the jaw for a stable and worry-free connection.

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

You're an ideal candidate for a dental implant if:

• You're in good general and oral health;
• You have adequate bone in your jaw to support the implant;
• You have healthy gum tissues that are free of periodontal disease.

If your jawbone has shrunk or has not developed normally, you may need to have a bone graft to build up the bone, which is a way of adding new bone to your jawbone. At your consultation appointment, our North York dentist Dr. Jesse Lackman can tell you if you're an ideal candidate for implants.

What are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Implants?

Dental implants are popular for many reasons, including:

• They replace your missing teeth to help prevent or slow bone resorption and preserve your natural facial contours;
• They look, feel and function just like natural teeth to allow you to eat and talk as normal, improve your smile and give you a boost of confidence;
• Dental implants cannot get cavities because they are artificial and resistant to the decay that occurs in natural teeth;
• They are permanent solutions and can last a lifetime with proper care, making them a cost-saving one-time investment.

There are only a few drawbacks of implants, and many of these can be minimized by having a trusted and skilled team of professionals complete the work. Although rare, possible complications due to dental implants include bleeding, infection, numbness or injury to nearby muscles or the sinus cavity. In some cases, the implant may not be successful because it didn't bond to the bone. Our North York dental team will work closely with you to develop the most optimal care plan to ensure the highest chance of success with your dental implants.

Dental Implants Procedure

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures.

First, the dentist will place a dental implant, or titanium root, into your jawbone beneath the gum tissue. The gum tissue is then stitched back into place. As the tissue heals, the implant will bond with the bone and attach to the gum. The healing process usually takes 3-6 months.

During the second stage of surgery, our North York dentist will attach an abutment to the implant once the tissue is healed. An abutment is a post that connects the replacement tooth to the implant. After two weeks, an artificial replacement tooth is made and the dentist will attach it to the abutment. It may take additional appointments to properly fit the replacement tooth onto the abutment. When replacing several teeth or all of your teeth, a fixed bridge is anchored to your dental implants. The bridge is held firmly in place by dental implants on each side of the missing tooth or teeth.

The entire implant procedure usually takes 6-8 months. Most patients do not experience any complications or disruptions from dental implants in their daily lives.

Care and Maintenance of Dental Implants

The daily care of dental implants is similar to the care of natural teeth.

• You need to brush and floss daily, paying special attention to all sides of the implant to prevent infections and complications, such as gum disease.
• Regular dental checkups are also important so our dentist can make sure that your bite is right and that your implants are not loose. Our North York dental team has the training and tools to remove all instances of plaque and bacteria for a clean and healthy smile. We can give you recommendations to improve your home care routine when needed.

Wondering if dental implants can help save your smile? Contact our North York dental office today to book a consultation appointment!