Dental Implants in Downtown Toronto

Dental implants are indicated whenever at least one tooth is missing. If the missing space(s) is not filled, the teeth surrounding the space often drift, the opposing teeth in the other arch will erupt further into the oral cavity (hypereruption) which can change your bite, bone erosion can occur in the area, and even changes in speech might occur. The popularity of implants has increased steadily over the years.

Dental implants are designed to replace the root of a missing tooth and can be used to support crowns, bridges, or dentures.

Implant supported dentures have gained a major  popularity in the recent years.  New materials and techniques have made the retention of the implant supported dentures to a greater extent than conventional dentures.

The root-form implant is the most common type and basically consists of three main components:

1. Implant screw – This part of the implant is made of titanium and is surgically placed in the bone. Titanium is accepted by the body extremely well and fuses with the bone (called osseointegration) during the healing process.
2. Abutment – This is a metal collar that attaches to the top of the implant screw and is the base for a crown, bridge, or denture.
3. Crown - The crown is the manufactured tooth that fits on top of the abutment. Bridges and dentures can also be secured to the abutment. The placement of the crown, bridge, or denture is the final step of the implant process.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

One of the primary benefits of dental implants is they are almost identical to your natural teeth in terms of function and aesthetics. Unlike dental restorations that are removable, placed on top of your existing tooth, or being supported by your surrounding teeth, implants are firmly rooted into the gum and jawbone. This means you can eat and chew much like you would be able to with your natural teeth

Since dental implants look the most like your teeth, it gives the most natural appearance and can improve your appearance and teeth structure without looking fake. Implants sit directly on your gum line, so people won’t be able to tell your implants apart from the natural teeth. This also stimulates bone growth in your jaw to prevent bone loss.

Implants are meant to last a lifetime, which means they are much more cost effective than dental restorations that require replacements. They also improve your speech because implants can be perfectly fitted to your mouth shape. With other restorations like dentures, there’s a risk of them being poorly fitted, which results in the teeth slipping within the mouth and slurred speech.

Lastly, implants can improve your oral health. Since implants function like normal teeth and don’t require structural adjustments to nearby teeth, you have less risk of bacterial buildup or infections.

How do dental implants work?

Dental implants sit on your gum line and are rooted into the jawbone. Implants replace your original teeth roots with metal and screw-like posts that help the implants stay rooted in your mouth. They replace any missing teeth you have with fake teeth that look, feel, and function much like your natural teeth. Dental implants are an alternative to dentures or bridges when you don’t have enough natural teeth to support these types of restorations.

You start with a consultation with your dentist to determine the condition of the bone and natural teeth around the implant site. The dentist will then propose a treatment plan before the actual procedure. A bone slot is created and an implant fixture is placed. The implant is closed with a screw or a cap, and sutures are placed to close the tissues along the implant site.

Why should I consider a dental implant?

If one or more of your teeth are missing, you can consider dental implants to replace these teeth. While there are many types of restorations you can get, dental implants are the most cost-effective and natural-looking option.

Most people that have healthy gums and bones and are healthy enough to undergo a tooth extraction can benefit from dental implants. Because they are long-lasting and can function like your natural teeth, you aren’t restricted to certain types of food or activities.

Patients that are heavy smokers, have chronic disorders, such as diabetes, or have had radiation therapy to the head or neck area should get an evaluation from their dentist to determine if implants are the right option.