Dental Implants St. Albert

Dental implants are a replacement option for missing teeth that act as artificial tooth roots, made of titanium metal, which are inserted into the jawbone to support artificial replacement teeth such as crowns, bridges, or dentures.

Dental Implant Procedure

The implant procedure consists of two stages: the placement of the implant and the attachment of the replacement tooth. The implant fuses with the natural tissue surrounding it, a process called osseointegration, after which the implant will be ready for an abutment, a connector that links the implant and the restoration.

Your Eligibility for Dental Implants

If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants may be a viable option for you. However, certain aspects of your health must qualify for dental implant placement. Your dentist will help you reach the necessary level of health with preparatory treatments if needed.

Bone density – Bone density, oral health, and general health are all important factors to consider. A bone graft procedure may be needed before placing the implant if there is not enough bone remaining at the site.

Oral health – Your teeth must be cavity-free and your gums must be clear of periodontal disease.

General health – Since the implant placement is surgical, it is important to ensure that your level of general health will allow for proper healing.

Care and Maintenance of Dental Implants

Dental implants require the same care as real teeth, including brushing, flossing, rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash, and regular dental check-ups. If you are having an implant, your dentist may refer you to a dental specialist who has further training in this area. Specialists who place implants are periodontists or oral and maxillofacial surgeons, also called oral surgeons, and specialists who place crowns, bridges, and dentures on implants are called prosthodontists.

Importance of Filling Missing Spaces

It's important to note that if a gap in the teeth is left unfilled, the surrounding teeth may shift and the opposing teeth in the opposing jaw may begin to grow unnaturally, potentially altering the bite, leading to bone loss in the area and even affecting speech.

How dental implants are done

• Dental implant surgery involves a thorough examination of the mouth and x-rays to determine suitability.
• In the first stage, the implant is placed in the jawbone and the gum tissue is closed. Healing can take several months.
• In the second stage, an abutment is attached to the implant to support the replacement tooth. In some cases, both stages may be done in one surgery.
• The replacement tooth is then attached to the abutment, which may require multiple appointments.
• For multiple or full tooth replacements, a fixed bridge is anchored to the dental implants on either side of the missing teeth.

Caring for my dental implant(s)

Dental implants, which are artificial replacement teeth connected to the jawbone, closely mimic natural teeth in both appearance and function. It is important to maintain proper oral hygiene by cleaning the implants with a toothbrush and floss, as instructed by your dentist. Regular dental check-ups are crucial to ensure that the bite is correct and that the implants are secure.

What else should I know?

• The implant process may require multiple visits to the dentist or specialist.
• Regular check-ups will be scheduled to ensure proper functioning of the implants.
• Proper care and maintenance of the implants is necessary.
• Dental implants may be more costly than other replacement options and may not be covered by insurance, but it's a one-time cost.
• Although rare, potential complications include bleeding, infection, numbness, injury to surrounding muscles or sinus cavity, or failure to bond with the bone.

Please book an appointment with our dentists to see if dental implants are the right option for you. Family Dental provides excellent dental implant services to our patients in St. Albert.