Dental Implants in Red Deer

What is a Dental Implant?

An implant is an artificial root that attaches to your jawbone, replacing the root of a natural tooth.

Dental implants can be used to replace a missing tooth and are very commonly used to secure crowns, bridges, and dentures.

Implants are a popular choice because they function in a manner that's very similar to that of natural teeth. They also help preserve the underlying bone for a healthier structure.

Whether you want to improve your appearance, speak more comfortably, or gain freedom from your removable dentures, implants might be the ideal solution.

For replacing multiple missing teeth, other costmetic procedures like a fixed dental bridge can also be used.

How Can Dental Implants Help?

If you are missing a single tooth, an implant can be placed and then fitted with a crown, providing a restoration that is so lifelike, it's unlikely anyone will realize it's not your natural tooth.

Because dental implants are embedded in your bone, they feel much more like your natural teeth than dentures.

They can also:

• Help you to speak more comfortably
• Help improve your appearance and overall self-esteem
• Eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures
• Secure other dental appliances
• Help you chew more effectively

What to Expect During the Implant Procedure

• Assessment

  Your dentist will carefully examine your mouth and take x-rays of your head, jaw, and teeth to identify whether dental implants are right for you.

• Implant

  In the first stage of surgery, the dentist will place a metal, screw-like post into your jawbone beneath the gum tissue. As the tissue heals, the implant will integrate with the bone and attach to the gum. The healing process may take several months.

• Restoration

  When the jaw has had time to heal, your dentist will place an artificial tooth on the implant.

How Long Does the Implant Take?

Generally, your gums will heal within 2 – 3 weeks.

The entire procedure might take 6 – 8 months to complete.

There are many factors that can influence healing time. For example, if you require a bone graft the process will take longer.

Care Tips for Implants

In addition to specific instructions that will be given to you:

• Practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing once daily.
• Quit smoking as it can weaken the bone structure and lead to implant failure.
• Visit your dentist for cleanings and regular examination every six months.

Who Can Get Implants?

You need healthy gums and enough bone in your jaw to anchor the implant.

Heavy smokers, and people with chronic disorders such as diabetes are at greater risk for a variant of gum disease that affects implants. For a dental implant to become permanently stable, the body must be able to grow bone to the surface of the implant.