Everything You Need to Know About Dental Implants

Dental implants are a superb pragmatic solution for adults who are missing teeth either because of physical trauma, infection, or deterioration as a result of failing to practice proper oral hygiene. Depending on each patient’s individual circumstances, most cosmetic dentistry clinics in Etobicoke might even recommend dental implants as a feasible alternative to installing dentures. Dentures aren’t securely fastened in place in the same way that dental implants are and therefore, they’re more likely to easily slip or fall out if you happen to eat foods that are very hard or crunchy. With dental implants, you won’t have to make any permanent changes to your eating habits and you won’t have to worry about having to shave down surrounding healthy teeth in order to make room for them.

What Are Dental Implants?

As the name implies, dental implants are artificial teeth made up of three working parts:

1. The actual implant itself, which is shaped liked a screw, and drilled into the bone of the affected area after the damaged tooth is removed or has fallen out.
2. The abutment, which is a connecting agent that secures the replacement tooth or teeth in place and creates a sturdy base for the crown.
3. The prosthetic tooth, also known as the crown, which is made out of either zirconium or porcelain or metal and is made to look like real.

All of these components are combined in order to create the illusion of having real teeth to replace teeth that have been damaged. In most cases, people won’t even realize that you’ve had dental implants put in unless you tell them. Even though dental implant procedures are typically carried out over the course of a few weeks to a few months—and this includes patient recovery time—there won’t be any visible gaps in your smile. If one or more of the front teeth are being replaced, then your dentist should provide you with a temporary retainer that contains a flipper tooth that’ll cover up the space.

Types of Dental Implants

While there are three types of dental implants, the first two are the ones that are most commonly used by dentists:

Endosteal implants:

These implants come in screw-like shapes, circular shapes, or flat plates and the dentist determines which one to use depending on the individual requirements of each patient. They’re designed to be installed in the jawbone and integrate with it over time.

Subperiosteal implants:

These implants are placed in between the jawbone and the gum line and it’s an ideal option for patients who have a structurally weak jawbone that can’t withstand having a hole drilled into it.
Tranosteal implants: These are metal U-shaped implants that circumvent the jawbone—provided that it’s structurally sound enough to endure this type of trauma—and the gum tissue and connect directly to the mouth.

Tranosteal implants:

These are metal U-shaped implants that circumvent the jawbone—provided that it’s structurally sound enough to endure this type of trauma—and the gum tissue and connect directly to the mouth.

How Dental Implants Work

For patients who are wondering how dental implants are done, it suffices to say that at the outset, it might seem like a long and arduous process, but the ultimate result will be well worth the time and effort put into it. Of course, the results and process vary from one patient to another, but your dentist should take the time to inform you of all of the steps involved in the overall dental implant procedure.

• First, they’ll need to evaluate the affected area and extract the tooth that’s damaged if it hasn’t already been removed. This is a surgical procedure that will involve some recovery time.
• In some cases, bone grafting might be necessary if the jawbone is too weak to endure the trauma of drilling a hole into it and then placing a foreign object. In order to have a successful dental implantation, it’s critical to first establish a strong and durable foundation. The bone is typically removed from another part of your body, usually the hip, and then relocated into the jaw. Some patients might require a more substantial recovery period than others following this procedure.
• The next step is the implant surgery itself, during which you have the option of going under either a general or local anesthetic. Either your dentist or oral surgeon will start off by making miniscule incisions in the location where the dental implant is to be placed. They’ll gradually expand the hole to better fit the root of the implant and then slowly put it in place. Then they’ll place a healing cap on top of it and cover it up with the surrounding gum flaps. Once the area is fully healed, which can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, the dentist will place the permanent crown. Some dentists might even place a temporary crown during the initial surgery to cover up the gap during recovery time, but this is ill-advised as it could result in the development of a weak structural foundation. For dental implants placed in the front of the mouth, a temporary retainer with a flipper tooth is a much better option.
• The recovery time following surgery varies from patient to patient and can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Once the patient’s wound has healed and the temporary sutures have completely dissolved, it’s time to insert the abutment. During this portion of the process, your oral surgeon or dentist may give you a local anesthetic, remove the healing cap and then attach the abutment. Sometimes, the abutment and the crown can be placed at the same time or the crown might have to be attached at a later date. Your dentist should use their own caution when determining the most appropriate option for you as this can lead to structural damage or cause the hole to heal improperly. In most cases, patients typically have to wait another week or two for the gums to fully heal before the crown can be attached.
• After everything is said and done, the most important and defining aspect of the dental implant procedure is how well you take care of your teeth. It’s important to brush your teeth a minimum of twice daily and floss once every night before bed. Your dentist will show you the proper technique you should use when brushing or flossing around your new dental implant.

Find a Dental Implant Dentist Near You in Etobicoke

You can officially end your Google search for “dental implant dentist near me” because Princeview Dental Group has got you covered. Located in the heart of The Kingsway neighbourhood in Etobicoke, we’ve been practicing cosmetic and surgical dentistry for over 20 years and have helped countless patients achieve their dental goals. Whether you need dental implants, a root canal, braces, or even unexpected emergency dental services, our knowledgeable, friendly, and compassionate staff is always ready to help. Contact us today to book a consultation.