Did you know that missing teeth are not just an aesthetic concern but can also lead to long-term oral health issues? Even a single missing tooth can lead to jawbone resorption, bite problems, and difficulty speaking or chewing. That’s where dental implants come in.
In this modern age, dental implants have become the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. In structure and integrity, they are as close to a genuine, natural tooth as you can get.
So if you have missing teeth, consider getting dental implants in Toronto, ON to not only improve your smile but also maintain your oral health in the long run. But before calling our office to schedule your consultation, feel free to learn more about dental implants and how they can transform your smile—and your life!
What Are Dental Implants?
So, we’re sure you’re intrigued by dental implants at this point, but what exactly are they? Dental implants are essentially artificial tooth roots that are placed into your jawbone to provide a strong foundation for replacement teeth. They are typically made of titanium, which is biocompatible and fuses with the bone in a process called osseointegration.
Once these implants have fused with the jawbone, they act as sturdy anchors for custom-made crowns, bridges, or dentures. These new teeth are designed to look and function just like your natural teeth, giving you a strong and beautiful smile.
The Benefits Of Choosing Dental Implants
Dental implants offer numerous benefits compared to traditional tooth replacement options. Some of these benefits include:
- Improved oral health: Unlike bridges or dentures, dental implants don’t rely on neighboring teeth for support. This means that your other teeth are not affected or damaged in the process of getting dental implants.
- Long-lasting solution: With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a more cost-effective option in the long run.
- Natural look and feel: Dental implants are designed to blend in seamlessly with your natural teeth, giving you a beautiful and natural-looking smile.
- Improved speech and eating: Traditional dentures can slip or click while speaking or eating, causing discomfort and embarrassment. With dental implants, you can talk and eat with confidence, as they function just like natural teeth.
- Convenient and hassle-free: Unlike dentures, which require removal for cleaning and maintenance, dental implants can be brushed and flossed just like natural teeth. This makes them a convenient and hassle-free option for maintaining good oral hygiene.
- Improved self-esteem: Having missing or damaged teeth can greatly impact one’s self-confidence. Dental implants provide a permanent solution that can improve your appearance and boost your self-esteem.
- Preservation of bone health: When a tooth is lost, the jawbone underneath starts to deteriorate over time. Dental implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss and maintaining overall oral health.
The Dental Implant Procedure
Wondering how this whole process works? Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the dental implant procedure:
- Consultation and examination: The first step is to schedule a consultation with our team. We will examine your mouth, take x-rays, and determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants.
- Treatment plan: Once it is determined that you are a suitable candidate for dental implants, we will create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This will include the number of implants needed and any additional procedures that may be necessary.
- Implant placement: On the day of the procedure, the dental implant(s) will be surgically placed into the jawbone. This process involves making an incision in the gum tissue and placing the implant into the jawbone.
- Osseointegration: After the implants are placed, a process called osseointegration begins. This is when the implant fuses with the surrounding bone tissue, creating a strong and stable foundation for your new tooth.
- Abutment placement: Once osseointegration is complete, an abutment will be attached to the implant. This small piece connects the implant to the prosthetic that will be placed on top.
- Final restoration: The last step is placing your final restoration, which can be a single dental crown, a bridge, or even a full set of dentures. This restoration will be custom-made to blend in seamlessly with your natural teeth and provide you with a functional and beautiful smile.
The Impact Of Dental Implants On Oral Health
While you may find it more convenient and affordable to opt for traditional tooth replacement methods such as dentures or bridges, dental implants offer a number of unique benefits that can have a positive impact on your overall oral health. Beyond the convenience they offer our patients, they also help to preserve the health and integrity of your jawbone and surrounding teeth.
By placing an implant in the jawbone, we are able to mimic the natural function of a tooth root. This creates a biologically indistinguishable repair that will stimulate the bone to continue growing and maintain its strength.
In comparison, traditional dentures or bridges do not provide this same level of stimulus to the jawbone, leading to potential bone loss and changes in facial structure over time.
Maintaining Dental Implants
Once you’ve got your new dental implants, it’s important to take good care of them to ensure their longevity and effectiveness. This includes regular brushing and flossing, as well as attending routine check-ups with our team.
You may also be advised to avoid certain foods or habits that could put unnecessary pressure on the implant, such as chewing on hard objects or smoking. Additionally, following a balanced diet and maintaining proper oral hygiene can help support the success of your dental implants.
It’s also important to note that while dental implants are strong and durable, they are not invincible. Accidents or trauma to the mouth can potentially damage or dislodge an implant. In these situations, it’s crucial to seek immediate care from your team in order to address any issues and prevent further damage.
Transform Your Smile Today
Following tooth loss, you’ve likely spent a significant amount of time and money trying to find a solution that works for you. Dental implants offer a long-term, permanent solution that can completely transform your smile.
Not only do dental implants look and function like natural teeth, but they also provide the necessary support for healthy jaw bone growth. Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve a beautiful and functional smile through personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs.
Don’t wait any longer—schedule a consultation with us today and see how dental implants can improve your quality of life!
