When you lose a tooth it can affect more than just your smile.
You may notice it affects your ability to bite down on food, the feeling of certain foods when eating and even the way you speak. If you are missing multiple teeth you may start to notice these effects even more.
There are many options when it comes to replacing your missing teeth.
One of those options is dental implants. Dental implants are a great option because they can replace your entire tooth. Not only the top portion of the tooth that you can see but also the root of the tooth.
Here at Dabuleanu Dental we offer dental implants as one of our restorative options for patients missing teeth.
Are dental implants right for you?
Perhaps not.
It’s always good to know what dental implants are and what they consist of so that you can ask your dentist or dental specialist more informed questions.
What is a dental implant?
When you look at a natural tooth there are two parts that make up that tooth. The crown and the root.
The crown is what you can see when you look at your tooth. It sits above your gum line. Your root is below the gum line and keeps the tooth attached to your jaw.
A dental implant will take the place of that missing root.
Usually a titanium post is inserted into the bone of your jaw. Once your body has had time to heal you can add an additional piece on top to mimic your tooth. This could be one crown or several pieces to make a bridge.
When people refer to receiving a “dental implant” they are usually talking about the entire tooth that is added to the top of the implant.
Why Should You Replace a Missing Tooth?
Many people become used to having a missing tooth. If that tooth is not visible when you smile you may not notice its absence as much.
However, just because you can live with a missing tooth doesn’t mean that you should.
Teeth all work together. When you lose a tooth it can cause your other teeth to shift. You may also notice that your teeth don’t fit together as well when you bite down. The Canadian Dental Association suggests that you replace your missing teeth with dental implants, bridges or dentures.
Depending on what teeth you are missing you may benefit from one option over another.
What Makes Dental Implants Different?
There is one major difference between dental implants and many other forms of tooth replacement.
They replace the root.
When you receive a traditional bridge your tooth is replaced with an artificial tooth on top of your gum line. You can also replace your tooth with a removable denture.
When you receive a dental implant it will go under your gum line and take the place of your root.
If you are only missing one tooth this means that we won’t have to use your neighbouring teeth to support the new tooth. With a traditional bridge, the teeth beside the missing space are usually prepared so they can support the restoration. If those neighbouring teeth are otherwise healthy, a dental implant may be worth considering because it can replace the missing tooth without preparing those teeth simply to support a bridge.
Can I Receive an Implant for a Single Missing Tooth?
Yes! If you only have one missing tooth you can receive a dental implant to take the place of your root. After that has healed we can place a crown on top of your new implant.
This will allow your new tooth to stand alone and not rely on your natural teeth around it.
Dabuleanu Dental has an article about replacing one tooth with a dental implant here.
What if I’m Missing Multiple Teeth?
Dental implants don’t only have to be used for one tooth at a time.
If you are missing multiple teeth next to each other you can use dental implants to support a bridge.
You don’t always have to have one implant for every missing tooth. It all depends on the case and what type of restoration you want to receive.
You can also use dental implants to support dentures if you are missing many teeth or all of your teeth in an arch. We offer dental implants with bridgework at Dabuleanu Dental.
Dental Implants vs a Traditional Bridge
A dental bridge can be a great option to replace your missing tooth. It’s not always going to be better to receive an implant over a bridge.
There are some things to consider when making this decision.
When you receive a traditional bridge you usually have to prepare the teeth next to your gap to hold your new tooth in place.
When you receive a single dental implant that will take the place of holding your tooth in position. So if you only have one tooth missing and the teeth next to it are in good health you may want to consider receiving a dental implant.
Of course there are times when a bridge may be the better option. It’s all dependent on your teeth, gums, bone and what type of restoration you want to receive.
What about Dentures?
Dentures are another option to consider when you have missing teeth. There are removable dentures and you can also attach dental implants to support dentures.
According to the Canadian Dental Association there are complete dentures, partial dentures, bridges and dental implants that can help you replace your missing teeth.
If you aren’t happy with your current denture you may want to ask your dentist if dental implants can support your denture.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Only after an exam can we tell you if you are a candidate for dental implants.
You need to have healthy gums and enough bone in your jaw to support a dental implant. Your dentist or dental specialist will evaluate your teeth, gums and bone and look at your medical history to see if you are a good candidate for implants.
The Canadian Dental Association says that you need to be in good health, have healthy gums and have enough bone to support a dental implant. If you don’t have enough bone you may be able to receive a bone graft.
Here are some factors that can affect your ability to receive dental implants:
- Amount of bone
- Health of your gums
- Teeth around the implant
- Where your tooth is missing
- Health
- Medical conditions
- Smoking
- History of periodontal disease
- Oral hygiene
This doesn’t mean that if you have one of these you won’t be able to receive dental implants.
It just means that we have to look at your case and come up with a treatment plan.
What if I Don’t Have Enough Bone?
Having enough bone is important when you want to receive a dental implant.
If you have had a missing tooth for a long time you may have lost bone in that area. You can also lose bone due to periodontal disease.
You may be able to receive a bone graft to build up the area for your implant.
This can be done before your implant is placed or at the same time in some cases.
If there isn’t enough bone to support an implant, bone grafting may sometimes be considered. Whether grafting is needed and when it should be performed depends on your individual situation.
What Happens When Receiving Dental Implants?
As mentioned above you will first need to be evaluated to see if you are a candidate for dental implants. Your dentist or dental specialist will take x-rays to look at the bone in your jaw and the area around your missing tooth.
After that you can have your implant placed in your jaw.
You will need to allow time for your body to heal around your implant.
After that is complete you can receive a crown or other type of restoration on top of your implant.
Every case will be different so your treatment may vary from what was described above. You may need to have a tooth extracted or receive a bone graft which will take more time.
Will It Hurt?
Since you are having a procedure done to your mouth it’s only natural to wonder if it will hurt.
Your area will be numbed while we are working on your implant. You may experience some pain and swelling after your procedure while your body heals.
How much pain you experience will depend on the procedure and if you received any other treatments at the same time.
We will let you know what to expect after your procedure and when you should call us if you have any concerns.
How Long Does It Take?
As mentioned earlier everyone is different. So the length of time it takes to receive a dental implant will vary from person to person.
Some patients may need to have a tooth extracted before they can receive an implant. Others may need to receive a bone graft. Then you will need to wait for your body to heal around your implant before you can receive your final restoration.
The Canadian Dental Association states that it can take several months to heal before you can finish the restorative stage of your treatment.
We can give you a better idea of how long your treatment will take when you come in for a consultation.
What Will My Dental Implant Feel Like?
Your implant should feel very similar to your natural teeth. It will give you that secure feeling that you may be missing with your current tooth replacement option.
You won’t need to take your implant out at night like you would with a denture.
Your dental implant will also be made to look like your natural teeth.
Of course it’s not your actual tooth but it will look and function similarly.
Do You Need to Clean Your Implants?
Yes.
Just because you received a dental implant doesn’t mean you can stop cleaning your teeth. Your implant won’t be able to get a cavity but you still need to keep the area around it clean.
Bacteria can build up on your dental implant. Just like your natural teeth. If you don’t clean your implant it can lead to inflammation. This can spread to the bone that supports your implant.
Peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis are conditions that can occur if your implant becomes infected. According to the American Academy of Periodontology.
Make sure to brush and clean around your implant daily. You should also continue to come in for checkups and cleanings to make sure your gums and bone are healthy.
How Long Will My Dental Implants Last?
No one can tell you how long your dental implants will last.
There are many factors that can affect how long your implants will last. Oral hygiene, gum health, bone health, smoking, medical conditions and the force of your bite can all play a role.
You should think of your implants as a long term solution to your missing teeth but still take care of them.
Can Dental Implants Fail?
Yes they can.
While dental implants are very successful there are times when they can fail. You can receive an infection or lose bone around your implant. Sometimes the implant will not fuse with your bone correctly.
Other complications can include bleeding, numbness and damaging nearby areas. These are rare occurrences but can happen.
It’s important to continue to maintain your implants after they have been placed.
Why is Periodontal Care Important?
Your dental implant needs to have healthy bone and gums around it to stay in your mouth.
That’s why it’s important to keep your periodontal health in mind when you receive dental implants.
Here at Dabuleanu Dental we offer periodontal services in North York. We can place your dental implant surgically and restore your missing teeth with our prosthodontic services.
Sometimes these need to work hand in hand to give you the best treatment.
What Does a Prosthodontist Do?
A prosthodontist will help you restore and replace your teeth. This can include crowns, bridges, dentures and dental implants. They can also help you with full mouth rehabilitation.
When receiving dental implants you will want to make sure that the top part of your tooth looks and functions correctly as well.
A prosthodontist can help you achieve this. They will make sure your teeth are positioned correctly and look natural in your mouth.
Prosthodontics is defined by the Canadian Dental Association as restoring the function and comfort of your mouth by restoring and replacing teeth and other structures.
We offer prosthodontic services here at Dabuleanu Dental in North York.
Should You Get Dental Implants?
It’s hard to say for sure if dental implants are right for you.
Dental implants offer several advantages, but they aren’t automatically the right option for every missing tooth. For some patients, an implant makes sense. For others, a bridge, partial denture or another treatment may be more appropriate.
Whatever your situation is make sure to consult with your dentist to find the best option for you.
Dental Implants in North York
Whether you are missing one tooth or many you may want to consider receiving dental implants.
At Dabuleanu Dental we offer dental implant services along with our periodontal and prosthodontic services. We can help you replace your missing teeth in many different ways.
Contact us today to find out if you are a candidate for dental implants.
Dabuleanu Dental
2 Finch Ave W
North York, ON M2N 6L1
Dental Implant Frequently Asked Questions
Can you receive one dental implant for one tooth?
Yes you can. A dental implant can be used to support a crown that will replace your missing tooth.
Can I receive dental implants for multiple teeth?
Yes. Dental implants can support bridges if you are missing multiple teeth. How many implants you will need depends on your situation.
Do I need to have enough bone to receive a dental implant?
You need to have enough bone to support a dental implant. If you don’t have enough bone you may be able to receive a bone graft. Your dentist or specialist will be able to tell you after looking at your x-rays.
Are dental implants removable?
No your implant will be placed in your jaw. If you only have one tooth missing your crown will also be fixed in your mouth. If you receive a denture that is supported by implants it may be removable.
Will my dental implant get cavities?
Your implant will not be able to get a cavity. But you still need to keep the area around your implant clean. Bacteria can build up on your implant and cause inflammation.
Are dental implants better than a bridge?
It depends on your situation. If you only have one tooth missing you may want to consider receiving an implant instead of compromising your neighbouring teeth. There are some situations where a bridge may be a better option for you.
How long will my dental implant take?
Everyone will take a different amount of time to receive a dental implant. It can take several months to heal from your implant. If you need to have a tooth extracted or receive a bone graft it will take longer.