When patients ask us at Dentistry on the Pines about options for replacing teeth, we always recommend dental implants. But many people aren’t exactly sure what dental implants are or how they work. We’ll explain this amazing technology and why so many people choose it to replace missing teeth.
A dental implant is basically a fake tooth root made of titanium, a substance your body accepts naturally. This little post, usually shaped like a screw, is surgically placed into your jawbone where a tooth root would normally be. The implant will fuse with your bone when it’s in place. This is called osseointegration. This integration creates a strong, permanent base that can hold a replacement tooth in place like your natural tooth root would.
The entire dental implant system consists of three parts. The implant post is in your jawbone, below the gum line. An abutment attaches to the implant and goes through the gum above that. Finally, a custom-made crown is fitted to the abutment, creating the visible part of your new tooth. This three-part design allows for strength, stability and natural appearance that mimics your original tooth.
Dental implants are different from other ways to replace teeth because they work with your body in a specific way. Implants are different from bridges which need nearby teeth to stay in place and dentures which rest on top of your gums. Instead, implants become part of your jaw. This means they don’t move, click or slip as you eat or talk. They also stimulate the jawbone in the same way that real tooth roots do which helps keep the bone from losing strength when a tooth is lost. Non-Surgical Gum Therapy treats early gum disease with deep cleaning techniques that reduce inflammation and prevent progression. This gentle approach supports healthier gums and improved oral stability.
Getting dental implants takes a few months from start to finish but each step is crucial. During the initial surgical process we carefully place the implant into your jawbone at the exact right position and angle. After placement there’s a healing period that usually takes 3-6 months. During this time your bone forms around the implant cementing it in place. We install the abutment and take impressions for your custom crown after the healing process is complete. Putting in your permanent crown is the final stage in making your new tooth.
At Dentistry on the Pines we’ve seen how dental implants can change the lives of people in Vaughan. People who were afraid to smile or had trouble eating some meals get their confidence and ability back. Implants let you eat almost anything you could with natural teeth, unlike dentures that could limit your diet or need sticky adhesives. You don’t need special cleaning products or to take them out every night. You just brush and floss them like you do your other teeth. A Root Canal removes infection from inside a tooth to relieve pain and save the natural structure. This treatment allows patients to keep their natural tooth while restoring comfort and function.
Dental implants work in many conditions. They can replace one missing tooth without harming the teeth next to it. For people who are missing a lot of teeth a bridge can be supported by more than one implant. Implants can help people who are missing all of their teeth on either the upper or lower arch. In some cases as few as 4-6 well placed implants can hold a whole arch of replacement teeth in place giving you more stability than traditional dentures.
Not everyone is a good candidate for dental implants right away. You need to have enough bone density to hold the implant, healthy gums and good overall health. Certain medical conditions or habits such as smoking can make it harder for implants to work. But even if someone told you before that you weren’t a good candidate, new procedures for bone grafting and implants mean more people than ever can benefit from this surgery.
Dental implants have a high success rate with studies showing that properly placed and maintained implants can last many years or even a lifetime. If you take care of your teeth and go to the dentist regularly your implant will work just like a real tooth. If you don’t have all your teeth and are considering dental implants we recommend you book a consultation. We’ll assess your situation, answer your questions and help you decide if implants are the solution for your smile and oral function.