Dental Implants: Why And How This Dental Procedure Is Performed

Tooth Replacement is installed in your gums to mimic the natural tooth/teeth and restore your smile. 

Tooth loss can have a detrimental effect on many aspects of your life, from difficulty enunciating your words and speaking to weakening of your bone density in your jaw and oral health issues. There are many reasons patients opt for dental implants, including those mentioned above, and to restore the ability to bite, chew and enjoy nutritious food, and improve the aesthetics of one’s smile. 

In this article, you will find out what other benefits and reasons a patient may have for getting dental implant surgery, how this procedure is done, and what to expect during the recovery period. 

Affordable Dental Implants At our Calgary Dentist Office

At Dr. Korol Dental Clinic, our team of holistic dentists are committed to protecting both your oral and overall health. We offer a wide range of dental services and treatments, including dental bridges, crowns, implants, and ceramic fillings to meet all your needs. If you are suffering from one or more missing teeth, it is essential to book an appointment in any case to assess the cause of your tooth loss. Eligible seniors in Alberta can receive dental care coverage up to a limit of $5000, which covers the cost of a dental exam and more- call our clinic to find out if you qualify. 

All of our treatments use biocompatible and mercury-free materials, helping you maintain optimal dental and overall well-being. 

Want to know more? 

CONTACT US

What Are Dental Implants?

Many people are curious how a dental implant works, and they wonder how dental implants are different from veneers which are adhered to the gum and sit on top to create the appearance of teeth. 

Dental implants are a structure that is surgically implanted into your gums to create the appearance of a natural tooth where there was previously a missing tooth/teeth. “How is a dental implant inserted to stay in place?” you may be wondering. 

The answer? The dental implant structure comprises three components; the component that acts as an anchor and mimics the root of a natural tooth and is inserted into the jaw bone is called the implant and is essentially a titanium screw. Attached to the implant/screw is the abutment. The abutment is like a connector that fits on the top of the screw so that the actual dental crown (the portion that sits on top of the gums and looks like a natural tooth) can fit snugly over the abutment. Because the implant/screw is drilled into the jaw bone, it is just as strong as a root of a natural tooth, so you can chew and speak just as you would prior to tooth loss. 

There are two types of dental implants: single vs. multi-tooth replacement. As the name implies, which sort of implant a patient requires depends on how many teeth they are missing. Multi-tooth replacements also differ slightly from single-tooth dental implants in that an implant-supported denture or bridge can sometimes be made to restore multiple missing teeth between two dental implants so that each “tooth” does not require an implant/screw, but rather two can act as bridge posts. This is often less expensive and less invasive than each individual dental implant for each missing tooth.

WHAT DOES A DENTAL IMPLANT LOOK LIKE? 

How Is A Dental Implant Placed?

Placing a dental implant is not as complicated as you might think and is routinely performed with normal dental freezing.

• Step 1: 3D imaging is used to capture a detailed image of the area where the implant will be placed. The image confirms jaw bone health and provides coordinates for the placement of the implant.
• Step 2: An implant guide is fabricated using the information provided by the 3D imaging. 
• Step 3: Using the guide the implant is placed and a healing cap is attached to the implant for protection.
• Step 4: Once the implant is placed a healing phase of 3 to 4 months begins. The healing time ensures that the implant is fully integrated with jaw bone - a process referred to as Osseointegration.
• Step 5: A permanent crown is placed on the implant once osseointegration has been confirmed with an x-ray.

How Long is Dental Implant Surgery Recovery and What Should I Expect?

Dental Implants are a successful and often vital choice for tooth replacement; however, there is a gap required for healing between the initial surgery to install the implant and when the permanent crown can be placed. The initial surgery will only take a few hours, with a rest and recovery period of a few days to reduce swelling and control any bleeding. 

The dental implant is usually left in place for 3-6 months, sometimes longer, to allow the implant and jaw bone to undergo osseointegration, or in other words, to integrate. This way, when the permanent crown is placed, especially for a weight-bearing tooth such as a molar, the weight of chewing will not cause any displacement or pain, and the tooth will be completely secure. 

What Factors Influence My Healing Time After Dental Implant Surgery?

Healing time can be impacted by factors such as health conditions including diabetes or blood clotting disorders and post-operative self-care.

To expedite healing, take care to follow these post-surgery care instructions:

Calgary Dental Implant Solutions for Smile Restoration

The Dental Implant Process can be intimidating, which is why your Calgary dentist is there to answer any questions you have during the year consultation and throughout the process. Your dentist can also illustrate how dental implants could benefit you, improve your quality of life, or even discuss alternative options to restore your smile and the functionality of your teeth. 

FAQ's

Do you offer payment or insurance plans?

Yes, we work with all insurance plans and offer payment plans to suit your needs!

What are the consequences of ignoring tooth loss?

Aside from a possible missed diagnosis of an underlying health condition, when teeth are removed or fall out,  the jaw bone and gums start to recede and shrink, among other effects of missing teeth. When a dentist installs implants within this window, the gum will sit naturally so that the tooth appears more natural. In addition, without an implant, the surrounding teeth can start to move in causing crooked teeth, poor bite alignment, jaw tension, and even headaches. Implants can mitigate this process and preserve your jaw, gums, bite, and smile. 

Do Dental Implants Look Natural?

Yes, At our Calgary Dentist clinic, Dr. Korol Dental, the tooth crown is matched to the shade of your natural teeth so that your smile will look as natural as possible. All our materials are made of high-quality biocompatible materials which mimic the durability and strength of natural teeth.