If you’re missing a tooth, you need to look into tooth replacement. Your mouth and jawbone are supposed to have a full set of teeth, so it can quickly cause problems when one goes missing. Dental implants are the most advanced tooth replacement system available today.
At Bloor West Smiles, Dr. Kostirko offers several types of dental implants, ranging from a single prosthesis to full-mouth dental implants. During your initial consultation, you discuss your preferences, and we assess your current oral health to determine your candidacy. This blog provides additional information, so you can start considering if dental implants are right for you.
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a permanent tooth replacement. They consist of three main components: the post, abutment, and dental crown.
Titanium Post
At the start of the dental implant process, the post is surgically inserted into your jawbone where the missing tooth’s natural root used to be. It acts as an artificial root for the new tooth replacement, providing a solid base.
Titanium is highly compatible with human bone. After the initial implant surgery, the jawbone fuses with the implant over the next four to six months. This process is called osseointegration. The titanium post becomes a permanent part of your mouth, capable of withstanding the pressure of biting and chewing.
Abutment
Once osseointegration occurs, the abutment (or connector) is attached to the implant. It connects the implant to the replacement tooth or crown and holds them in place. Abutments make dental crowns appear as if they’re rising from the gum line, just like your natural teeth.
Dental Crown
This is the visible part of the dental implant, which mimics the appearance of a natural tooth. Crowns are custom-made to fit your mouth and match the size, shape, and colour of your other teeth. Consequently, they restore not only the function of your mouth, but its appearance too.
Additionally, a dental bridge or permanent denture can be affixed instead of a dental crown.
The Types of Dental Implants
If you have lost a tooth, there are many tooth replacement options available. Your dentist will recommend the best type of dental implant for you based on how many teeth are missing, the state of your jawbone, your overall oral health, and personal preferences.
- Single Prosthesis: A single prosthesis (crown) replaces one missing tooth. Each prosthetic tooth attaches to its implant.
- Partial Prosthesis: This is a type of fixed bridge that replaces two or more teeth and requires two or three implants.
- Same-Day Dental Implants: Teeth In One Day (Immediate Functioning Dental Implants) replaces missing teeth in just a single appointment. Patients receive both the implant, abutment, and crown in one day.
- All-on-4: A full set of upper and/or lower replacement teeth is permanently anchored by four dental implants on the top and/or bottom of your mouth. Full mouth dental implants are excellent options for those with severe tooth loss.
- Dental Implant Dentures: Implant-supported dentures anchor directly to your jawbone using dental implants. They are more stable, making chewing and speaking easier. These are available in removable and nonremovable varieties.
- Your jawbone begins to deteriorate after tooth loss since the bone is no longer receiving the necessary stimulation from the tooth roots. Dental implants mimic tooth roots, thus stimulating the jawbone and preventing bone loss. This maintains bone integrity and preserves the natural shape of your face.
- Other tooth replacement options, like bridges, alter the adjacent teeth. Dental implants do not work because the post is secured to the jawbone. This preserves your remaining natural teeth and prevents them from migrating into the space left behind by the missing tooth.
- Implants are designed to look just like your other teeth. They blend in seamlessly with your remaining teeth, creating a natural-looking and beautiful smile.
- Additionally, implants function like natural teeth. They’re extremely durable so you can eat all your favourite foods without worry. Implants last a lifetime when properly cared for.
- Since implants are securely integrated with the jawbone, there is no slipping, clicking, or other uncomfortable experiences typical of removable dentures. You can speak, chew, laugh, and smile without ever thinking about your implants. They’re just like regular teeth.
- You are missing one or more teeth.
- You want a full, healthy-looking smile.
- You have a healthy jawbone with good density.
- You have healthy gums.
- You don’t smoke.
- You don’t have any health conditions that affect bone healing.
- You want to protect the density of your jawbone.
- You don’t want your remaining teeth to shift out of alignment.
- You don’t want to wear dentures.
- You want to improve your speech and eating ability.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Health Considerations for Dental Implants
Tooth implants are a fantastic, permanent solution for tooth loss. However, they are not right for everyone. Those with insufficient jawbone density may not be suitable candidates. After all, the titanium post is inserted directly into the jawbone. If the jawbone is weakened, it will not be able to support the implant, and the implant may fail.
After a tooth is lost, the bone surrounding it begins to atrophy. This is why it is so important to investigate your tooth replacement options quickly. Eventually, the remaining quality and quantity of the jawbone become such that it is not suitable for dental implants. In these cases, your dentist may recommend bone grafting.
Dental bone implants—bone grafting and implant surgery—strengthen the jawbone before implanting the titanium post. A section of bone from another part of your body is taken and grafted onto the jawbone. After several months, the new, strong bone is ready for an implant.
Periodontal disease, smoking, diabetes, and leukemia can also disqualify you from receiving dental implants. Smoking hampers osseointegration and increases the risk of infections, raising the overall chances of implant failure. Chronic medical conditions also reduce the success rate of implant surgery since they can impede the healing process.
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
Are dental implants right for you? You need to speak with your dentist to determine if you are a good candidate. Jawbone density, oral health, overall health, smoking, and personal preferences are all important factors to consider.
Nevertheless, dental implants are life-changing for many patients. Not only do they restore the appearance of your smile, but they also help maintain your oral health by preserving jawbone density and preventing tooth misalignment.
Dental implants may be right for you if:
Learn More About Tooth Replacement With Dental Implants
Dr. Kostirko at Bloor West Smiles performs dental implant surgery for patients who are missing teeth. We have offered this revolutionary tooth replacement option for over 20 years, helping our patients regain full function of their mouth and preserve their oral health.
If you have lost a tooth, please contact us today to schedule your consultation. A full, healthy smile is waiting for you on the other side of the dental implant process.
To learn more about dental implants in Toronto, call Bloor West Smiles Dental at 416-766-2853 or contact us here.
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