Sometimes, accidents and tooth loss can happen in the blink of an eye. But losing a tooth doesn’t have to be the end of your confident smile. Finding a tooth replacement that feels natural can make a difference.
Whether you’re playing a high-stakes hockey game or dealing with a pesky cavity, dental implants provide a solution to restore your smile in a way that feels and looks natural.
Are Dental Implants Necessary?
When you lose a tooth, there’s more at stake than just aesthetics. Missing teeth can affect how you speak and chew, potentially even leading to bone loss in your jaw.
Dental implants are sometimes recommended to help prevent complications caused by tooth loss. Implants can also help you regain confidence by mimicking the function and appearance of natural teeth.
Although many people worry about dental procedures, local anesthesia and even sedation can help reduce discomfort and make implant surgery a smoother process.
What Are Dental Implants?
At their core, dental implants are metal posts or frames surgically placed into the jawbone beneath your gums. They serve as sturdy anchors for replacement teeth like crowns or bridges. The procedure typically requires a few visits to your dentist, starting with a comprehensive oral health assessment.
After your dentist has completed the surgery, a crown or bridge is affixed to the implant, blending seamlessly with your natural teeth. Over time, the implant fuses with your jawbone, becoming a stable and secure part of your dental anatomy that should feel just like your other teeth.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Since chewing exerts significant pressure on your jaw, sufficient bone support is necessary to accommodate dental implants. You might be a suitable candidate for implants if you have healthy gums, sufficient jawbone to support the implant, and generally good health. If your jawbone isn’t quite up to the task, a bone graft may be considered to prepare for the implant.
Good gum health is also necessary to avoid future complications. The lack of gum support and excess bacteria can affect implant success.
Your dentist may also consider any medical conditions that affect healing to help determine if you’re a good candidate for implants.
What to Expect During Dental Implant Surgery
Dental implants are a long-term solution, but they require patience. The process begins with an X-ray or scan of your teeth, jaw, and head to help determine if you’re a suitable candidate.
After your consultation, dental implant surgery will involve two main stages.
- Initially, your dentist will numb the area and insert the implant directly into the jawbone. Your gum tissue will be stitched back together, allowing the implant to bond with your bone over several months.
- In the second stage of surgery and once the gum tissue has healed, a post called an abutment is attached to hold a custom crown or bridge.
The surgical process can sometimes take months because healing time between each stage is vital, but depending on your situation, these two stages can sometimes be done together.
It may take several appointments to ensure everything aligns properly. For those replacing multiple teeth, two or more implants might support a full-arch replacement. Your dentist can help determine how many implants you need to support a full arch.
How to Care for Your Dental Implant
Similar to other oral surgeries, some discomfort is expected after the procedure. Symptoms like bruising, swelling, minor bleeding, and pain around the implant site are common. Over-the-counter pain medication can help reduce discomfort, and it’s essential to rest and consume soft foods during the initial healing phase.
Proper care involves brushing twice daily and flossing regularly. Regular dental check-ups ensure your implant remains in top condition. Your dentist can provide tailored post-operation instructions to help your recovery process.
Should You Choose Dental Implants?
Your implant-supported crown or bridge can function just like natural teeth. Implants assist with chewing, speaking, and maintaining the alignment of your remaining teeth.
For ideal candidates, dental implants boast a remarkable success rate. A well-maintained implant can last upwards of 20 years, offering significant long-term savings. They also help preserve your jawbone structure, reducing the risk of bone loss in adjacent teeth.
For those weighing their options, the consistency, durability, and aesthetic appeal of dental implants make them a worthy choice. However, implants might not be the solution for everybody. It’s important to consult with your dentist about treatments that suit your personal needs.
Are You Considering Dental Implants?
Dental implants can restore the function and appearance of your teeth, often restoring speech and chewing abilities and preventing complications like rapid bone loss. At Markham Dental, our goal is to help you find treatments that preserve your oral health. If dental implants suit you, our experienced team will support you every step of the way.
Your smile can be a reflection of your confidence, and dental implants can help. Contact us today to discuss your options and take the first step towards regaining your radiant smile.
Specialty Servicesfor Every Smile
Sleep Better, Breathe Better
Start your home sleep study today with no family doctor referral needed. Through our partnership with Resolve Health, you can complete a convenient WatchPAT ONE home sleep test from the comfort of your home, followed by personalized care from our team.
From oral appliances and CPAP support to myofunctional therapy and airway-focused treatment, we provide comprehensive solutions for children and adults.
Train Your Muscles, Improve Your Sleep
Our myofunctional therapy programs retrain the tongue, lips, and facial muscles to support nasal breathing, reduce snoring, and improve airway function. We work with children and adults to build long-term habits that benefit sleep, oral posture, and facial development.
Straighten Teeth, Support Healthy Breathing
We offer comprehensive orthodontic care for all ages, including braces and Invisalign. Beyond aesthetics, our approach improves bite, jaw function, and airway health, helping both children and adults achieve a healthy, functional smile.
Relieve Jaw Discomfort and Improve Function
Our TMJ treatment addresses jaw discomfort, clenching, and muscle tension using tailored therapies. From bite adjustments to neuromodulator support, we focus on restoring jaw function and reducing discomfort for a better quality of life.
Relax Facial Muscles, Improve Comfort
Neuromodulator treatments like Jeuveau/Neuceiva can reduce tension in the jaw and face, relieve TMJ discomfort, treat migraines, and refine fine lines. Our team customizes treatments for both therapeutic and aesthetic benefits.
Replace Missing Teeth with Stability and Function
Our dental implant services, including all-on-4 implants, restore missing or damaged teeth for a secure, natural-feeling smile. Implants support bite function, improve chewing and speaking, and prevent bone loss. Our team provides personalized planning, guided surgery, and ongoing support for long-lasting results.
What SetsMarkham Dental Apart
We approach your care differently, with a focus on health, function, and long-term prevention. At Markham Dental, we are:
We look beyond your teeth, incorporating assessments like blood pressure, airway and tongue analysis, and sleep screening to better understand how your oral health connects to your overall well-being.
With denturists, prosthodontists, orthodontists, and general dentists working together, your care is coordinated, comprehensive, and tailored to your needs.
Every exam is designed to be in-depth and intentional, with advanced assessments included at no additional cost, so nothing is overlooked.
What Our PatientsAre Saying
Come Visit Usin Markham
You can find us on Woodbine Avenue, with plenty of parking available outside the clinic. We look forward to seeing you!
Our Address
- 8241 Woodbine Ave, Unit 17
- Markham, ON L3R 2P1
Contact Information
- Phone: (905) 470-0220
- Fax: 289-806-1423
- Email: info@markhamdentalhw.com
Hours of Operation
Markham Dental
- 8241 Woodbine Ave, Unit 17
- Markham, ON L3R 2P1
- Phone: (905) 470-0220
- Fax: 289-806-1423
- Email: info@markhamdentalhw.com