Implants, Bone Grafts and Implant Prosthetics
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a treatment option to replace a missing tooth. This surgical procedure involves placing a small titanium device, called an implant, into the jawbone. The implant acts as an artificial root, providing a stable foundation for a dental restoration such as a crown, bridge, or removable denture.
Biocompatible Materials
Titanium is a strong, reliable material widely used in dental implants because it is biocompatible and bonds naturally with bone. It is generally well tolerated by the body and has very low risk of causing allergic or chemical reactions. One of its most important qualities is osseointegration—the process where the jawbone fuses with the implant surface. This creates a stable, long-lasting foundation that can handle the forces of chewing and everyday use.
Why replace missing teeth?
It is important to replace missing teeth for many reasons:
- Chewing Function
Your teeth play an essential role in chewing food. When one or more teeth are missing, chewing can become difficult, which may lead to digestive issues and poor nutrition. Replacing missing teeth helps restore normal chewing function, making it easier to enjoy a healthy, balanced diet.
- Smile and Appearance
Missing teeth can have a big impact on the look of your smile and even the shape of your face. This can affect your self-confidence and self-esteem. Replacing missing teeth restores the beauty of your smile and helps improve your overall appearance.
- Maintaining Proper Alignment
When a tooth is missing, the neighbouring teeth often shift into the empty space. Over time, this can cause misalignment, bite problems, and uneven wear. Replacing missing teeth helps keep your teeth properly aligned and prevents future orthodontic issues.
- Preserving Jawbone Integrity
When a tooth root is lost, the surrounding jawbone can begin to shrink or weaken over time. This can affect the strength of the bone and even change the shape of your face. Dental implants help prevent this by stimulating the jawbone much in the same way as natural tooth roots, preserving bone density and maintaining the strength and structure of your jaw.
- Speech
Your teeth play an important role in clear speech. When teeth are missing, it can be harder to pronounce certain words or sounds. Replacing missing teeth helps restore natural speech and prevents long-term speech difficulties.
There are several ways to replace missing teeth, including dental implants, bridges, partial dentures, and complete dentures. The best option depends on your individual needs. A consultation with your dentist will help determine the solution that’s right for you
When a Bone Graft is Required
To be a good candidate for dental implants, your gums must be healthy and your jawbone strong enough to support the implant. Over time, when teeth are missing, the jawbone in those areas can shrink. If there isn’t enough bone to hold the implant securely, a bone graft may be recommended. In some cases, if the sinus floor is too low, a sinus lift procedure to make room for the implant may also be required.
After a bone graft, a healing period of three to six months is usually required before the implants can be placed.
Implant Surgery Planning with 3D Technology
We use advanced computer technology to plan every dental implant procedure, ensuring greater accuracy and reliability. A 3D scan (cone beam CT) is essential to evaluate the quality and amount of bone available to support the implant. It also helps us determine the best shape, size, and position for your implant.
Once the virtual planning is complete, the data is sent to the lab to create a custom surgical guide. This guide allows your dentist to place the implant with precision and safety.
Who Can Benefit from Implants?
In general, anyone aged 18 or older who has lost one or more teeth may be a candidate for dental implants.
It’s important to be in good overall health, as certain medical conditions or illnesses may make implants unsuitable for some people. Be sure to discuss your health history with your dentist, including any medications you take, so they can determine the best solution for you.
Does it hurt?
Dental implant placement is not painful and is performed under local anesthesia. You may experience some mild discomfort or throbbing in the days following the procedure, similar to what you might feel after a tooth extraction or other dental work requiring anesthesia.
Rest assured, these symptoms can be easily managed with pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medication prescribed by your dentist.
Do Implants Require Special Care?
- Restoring and Replacing Your Implant Prosthetic
Crowns and other implant prosthetics that replace missing teeth are designed to be highly reliable. They can be removed and replaced—by your dentist only—so if they become worn or damaged, they can be fixed without affecting the implant itself (the artificial root anchored in the bone).
- Caring for Your Implants
Like natural teeth, dental implants need proper care. Daily oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) is essential to control bacterial build-up. Regular check-ups with your dentist and dental hygienist are also important. Special instruments are used to clean implants safely without damaging the metal surface beneath the gums. Your dentist will monitor your implants to ensure the bone has properly integrated with the implant and that your crown, bridge or other restoration remains fully functional.
Here is an overview of the the implant process:
- Evaluation and Planning
Your dentist or oral surgeon will examine your mouth , take X-rays and scans, and assess the quality of your jawbone to determine if you are a good candidate for a dental implant. Based on this evaluation, a personalized treatment plan will be created.
- Implant Placement
During the first surgical procedure, a titanium implant is placed into the jawbone. After placement, a healing process called osseointegration begins. Over the course of several months, the jawbone fuses with the implant, creating a stable foundation.
- Placement of the Connector
Once the implant has fully integrated with the bone, a small connector (called an abutment) may be attached to the implant. This component will hold your custom dental restoration.
- Creating the Dental Restoration
After the abutment site heals, your dentist will take impressions of your mouth to create a custom dental restoration, such as a crown, bridge, or implant-supported denture.
- Attaching the Restoration
When your restoration is ready, it is secured to the abutment. Your dentist will ensure it fits perfectly, both in function and appearance, completing your treatment.
Types of Implant Prosthetics
Implant Crowns and Bridges
An Implant crown is a single-tooth restoration anchored to an implant, which replaces a missing tooth.
An Implant-supported bridge is used to replace several missing teeth in a row. Unlike a traditional bridge that relies on adjacent teeth, an implant-supported bridge is anchored directly to implants.
Full or Partial Implant-Supported Dentures
Fixed or removable dentures on implants are ideal for patients with unstable conventional dentures, often due to limited gum support.
Advantages compared to conventional dentures:
- More comfortable and stable.
- Won’t slip or fall, improving your smile, speech, chewing and digestion.
- Gentle on gums, reducing inflammation or irritation.
- Helps preserve jawbone health.
We offer different types of implant-supported dentures:
- Fixed full-arch restoration: Replaces all teeth in one jaw and can be screwed or cemented onto implants.
- Removable implant-supported denture: Ideal for those whose traditional denture is unstable, providing extra support and comfort.
The best treatment plan depends on your bone structure, overall health, and expectations regarding stability, function, and aesthetics.
Some patients may require additional procedures depending on their individual needs.
It is essential to consult a dentist or oral surgeon specialized in implantology to evaluate your situation and recommend the most suitable solution.